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Burnley AC AGM 2026 — A Year of Growth and Exciting Times Ahead

Our Annual General Meeting was held on Thursday 10th July 2026 at the Holiday Inn, Burnley. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all the coaches, parent helpers and volunteers who keep the club running week in, week out. Here’s a round-up of the headlines for our members and parents.

A growing club

We’re delighted to report that membership has grown to 89 members in 2026 up from 73 last year and our highest for several seasons. It’s fantastic to see so many new faces across all age groups, including more younger athletes and adults getting involved. A warm welcome to everyone who has joined us.

The club remains in a healthy and stable financial position, and membership prices have been held since 2024.

Thank you, Helen and Mike

This year we mark two special milestones. Helen Goodwill will be stepping down from the committee, as team captain and as a coach from October 2026, after an incredible 14 years as both a coach and an athlete with the club. Her contribution over that time has been immense. Helen has kindly offered to run extra sessions over the summer to hand over to a new coach or parent helper.

Mike Linaker has stepped down from the committee but — brilliantly — will continue in his role as treasurer and coach. On behalf of everyone at Burnley AC, Heather thanked both Helen and Mike for everything they have given to the club over the years.

Your 2026/27 committee

  • Chair — Heather Scott
  • Vice Chair — Jayne Smith
  • Treasurer — Mike Linaker (with Jayne shadowing for handover)
  • Membership Secretary — Leanne Hodgson
  • Team Managers — Heather Scott (Mid Lancs), Steve Goodwill (Northerns)
  • Trophy Presentation Secretary — Steve Goodwill, supported by Heather
  • Ordinary committee members — Lisa Brennan, Ben Williams, John Linaker
  • Sub-committee — John Edwards

We’re also pleased to welcome John Linaker back as a coach, supporting cross country, hurdles and the women’s team.

The new track — an exciting future

Plans for the new track have been shared with us and it’s a genuinely exciting development for the club and for athletics in Burnley. We’re keen to be part of this and to help shape improvements that will benefit our athletes for years to come. We’ll keep members updated as things progress.

Please note there may be some disruption while the current track is refurbished (potentially early next year), and we’ll share more details closer to the time.

Membership fee update

Following discussion at the meeting, the committee and attending parents agreed a £10.00 membership fee for all members from April 2027. This will be kept under review in light of the new track and any associated facility costs. Prices have been held since 2024, so thank you for your continued support.

We need you — volunteers and officials wanted

Our club only thrives thanks to its volunteers, and there are a few ways you can help this season:

  • Officials and timekeepers — we’re in real need of more officials, especially timekeepers. England Athletics runs a Level 1 course (2–3 hours online, plus DBS check). Funding may be available. If you’d be willing to help, please speak to a coach.
  • Coaching courses — new assistant-coaching courses are now available on the Athletics Hub. If you’re a parent helper who’d like to step up and support the groups, let us know — we may be able to arrange a group booking.
  • Treasurer’s report auditor — we’re looking for someone within our parents’ group who could help certify the treasurer’s books. If you have the relevant experience, please get in touch.
  • Website feedback — our website has had a fantastic revamp (thank you, Rose!). If you spot anything missing or have ideas, we’d love to hear them.

Cross Country — your views on Red Rose

Last season we entered the Mid Lancs league and it was great to see more younger members and adults taking part. With new members joining from other clubs, we’d like to gauge interest in also entering the Red Rose cross country races this season, which would involve a small contribution of around £10 per athlete. Coaches will be asking their groups, please share your thoughts so a decision can be made at the next committee meeting.

Presentation night

Our presentation night is booked, including DJ and food, and this year’s trophies are being selected. We can’t wait to celebrate our athletes’ achievements more details to follow soon.

Next committee meeting

The next committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 26th August at 6:45/7:00pm at the Holiday Inn, Pendle Way.

Thank you again to all our members, parents, coaches and volunteers. Here’s to another great season for Burnley AC.

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