Copeland Stadium’s new athletics track got the big thumbs up from over forty children, aged from five to fourteen, who turned out to complete an impressive fifty laps (twelve and a half miles) and raise over £700 for Leukaemia research. They were all taking part in the Big-Bikeathon event/day, organised by Egremont's John Dixon, who is also in the process of organising a sponsored bike ride in Egremont for all age groups, on the 9th July at 11am, starting at the Rugby League club. If you would like to find out more about the sponsored ride or wish to make a contribution please contact John on 01946824060 or Chris Wood on 01946841677

The new upgraded track is only part of the plans to develop and improve the existing facilities and provide Copeland with a much needed modern Sports Stadium. At present it is difficult to stage any athletics events in Cumbria because of the shortage of track and field training and competition facilities, but all that is about to change and eight hundred members of athletic clubs across Copeland and Allerdale will soon feel the benefit of the stadium’s development.
The addition of two new change rooms will provide plenty of space to accommodate Seaton and Copeland Athletics clubs, which are already based at the stadium, and any other athletes interested in trying out the new facilities. There’s a new all-weather synthetic pitch with floodlights which will be used for a number of activities/sports, and will increase the activities that can take place at the Stadium. The main grass pitch will benefit from extensive draining work, good news for Copeland Athletic Rugby League and the Women’s Wildcats RL team who are both based at the stadium. So too are Egremont St Mary’s Football Club, who nearly had to pull out of the county league two years ago because of the lack of facilities in Egremont. They were grateful for the life-line offered to them and are now looking forward to taking full advantage of the new pitches and training facilities including a fully refurbished gym.
Many sporting and social clubs in the area look set to reap the rewards from the hard work and dedication of the trustees and committee members who have run the stadium on a volunteer basis since 1999.) This has been made possible by the investment of several organisations, including the County Council, Coalfield regeneration, UK Athletics, and the Sport England/Rugby Football League Community club (total cost over £800.000). Committee member, Jackie Reid from Egremont, commented, "We hope to make the place family friendly, somewhere where people can come along, join in and take part or watch an event and we would like to thank all the people, organisations, and local MP J Reed for their continued support. When we are finished, I think Copeland will have a sports academy and stadium to be proud of."

Sam Pollen