After a change and shower, We re-grouped upstairs for a nice pasta supper. Approximately 50 members were on hand this evening. The president of the Harriers proceeded to give something like a state of the club report. Club awards were distributed for certain performances, then he went on to detail the club's efforts at no less than six different race venues the previous weekend. Unlike the USA, universities are not much part of an athlete's growth and development in Britain.
Athletic scholarships are rare, recruiting unheard of.
In order to get the proper level of coaching and support, a young British runner relies heavily on his local club even throughout his college years. Junior track and cross country competitions amongst the hundreds of British clubs carry much more significance than college meets for the most part. Blackheath has a strong junior program, from grammar school aged youths on up. Many of these youngsters will run for Blackheath throughout their lives, even those who go on to attain success at the international level. Many outstanding high school aged athletes in the UK are recruited by American colleges, but John felt this is not really in the best interest of the youngster.