As the 2018 T&F season commenced at Blackburn on Saturday, the lack of competing Striders athletes was again plainly evident. This was becoming an issue at the end of last season, and carried on over the winter in the Mid Lancs XC league. At Blackburn on Saturday we had a total of 5 competing athletes. This is really not good enough. We are, and always have been, a competitive athletics club, not just a fitness organisation or a child-minding service twice a week. As such, we need to see a better turn-out at meetings. The coaches and committee put a lot of time into the club, all voluntary, and a lot more commitment from the athletes is required. It is the same few athletes who turn out for us week in, week out. Barrow Striders, under different names, have been in existence for around 80yrs and have enjoyed a lot of success for a small club. This is built through commitment from its athletes. We appreciate that not everybody is an Olympic champion, but we would rather see athletes compete and do the best they can then be constantly let down by lack of competitors. We also understand that not all athletes can make all the meetings, but some of them would be a good start. A brief flyer will be issued on club nights, to try and get to the root of the problem and hopefully find a resolution.