06/09/2026
We are looking forward to getting back to coaching our junior athletes after the summer break.
Here is a little about our philosophy from our coach Al Thorner.
‘Why this philosophy matters to me
As both a coach and a father, I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand just how important those early years in athletics can be.
My own children began their journeys through Wells City Harriers. At the time, none of us could have known exactly where the sport might eventually take them. What mattered was that they were given the opportunity to run, jump, throw, learn, compete, make friends and most importantly, develop a belief in what they were capable of.
Years later, having watched them progress into elite sport, it has reinforced something I believe very strongly as a coach - we should never put a ceiling on a young athlete’s potential.
Not every child who comes through our junior group will want to become an elite athlete — and they don’t need to. Success can mean so many different things. It might be representing their school, joining their first cross-country team, improving a personal best, gaining confidence, or simply discovering a lifelong love of being active.
But equally, somewhere amongst the children turning up to training on a Monday evening will be a future national champion, international athlete or even an Olympian. We simply don’t know yet.
That’s why our job is to give every young athlete the foundations - strength, speed, endurance, balance and coordination, while creating an environment where ability isn’t predetermined and ambition isn’t limited.
As a parent, I know how powerful it is when somebody believes in your child.
As a coach, I want every child who comes through Wells City Harriers to feel that same belief.
Every child has potential. Our job is to help them discover how far it can take them.
— Al Thorner
Coach & Parent, Wells City Harriers’
