The Southwest's Premier Athletics Club | Est. 1882
ABOUT US
Our History
Bristol & West Athletic Club was founded in 1882, when athletics was in its infancy, making it one of the
oldest athletic clubs in the country and indeed in the world. The Bristol club’s first colours were green and white hoops and the early name was ‘South Bristol Harriers’. Reference to a ‘Bristol & Clifton AC’ can also be found in the National Cross Country results archive competing in 1882.
In 2004, led by the then Chairperson, Mike Down, the Club was re-branded Bristol & West AC, it's aim was to become the leading athletics club in the Southwest and to support any potential West Country athletes not properly catered for by providing access to high level training and opportunity for national level competition.
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Throughout the years, many Great Britain Internationals, some of whom are Olympians, have competed for Bristol & West AC at senior level.
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You can read about our rich club history in more detail by clicking the link below, which will take you to a PDF document written by Club Archivist, Mike Strange.
Our Mission
We aim to work in partnership with the wider athletics community in Bristol, Avon and the southwest of England to create a vibrant, safe and progressive sport, that is accessible to athletes of all abilities and from all backgrounds. We will provide the environment, support and opportunities for development and progression within the sport and aim to achieve excellence in everything we do.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Keeping us on track to achieve our mission and fulfil our values
Competition Pathway
Provide a clear and progressive competition pathway which gives opportunities for athletes at all levels and in all disciplines and age groups to achieve their potential, supported by committed and skilful team management and technical officials.
Development opportunity
Create an effective coaching structure of qualified, experienced and motivated coaches across all events, working in partnership with other coaches, team managers and parents to provide athletes with long term development opportunities, from junior entry to international level.
Use of facilities
We work in partnership with facility providers throughout Bristol, Avon and the Southwest to ensure that the best use is made of training and competition venues through mutually beneficial user agreements and delivery standards.
Cohesive
Club Spirit
Develop a cohesive club spirit, led by a highly competent and committed management team, which brings together a diverse membership of athletes and volunteers in an enjoyable and sustainable environment for the achievement of common goals.
