Olympian Jess’s Erewash athletics club is named the best in the East Midlands

Starting line: young athletes hoping to emulate Jessica.

A booming Erewash athletics club has been named the best in the East Midlands for how volunteers help to boost the community – as it continues to celebrate Great Britain hurdler Jessica Turner becoming its first member to go to the Olympics.

Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club – based at Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park – is where the Tokyo Games star honed her prowess over 400 metres.

It was voted Club of the Year as England Athletics held an awards ceremony to salute the efforts of those across the region who give up their time to help train young people and boost the general fitness of residents.

The club also scooped a SECOND top gong – the Unsung Project of the Year. The award was for making “a meaningful difference beyond sport” thanks to the staging of regular Dementia Friends and Well-being Walks at Rutland Sports Park. A THIRD accolade – Unsung Hero – went to the club’s treasurer and coach Dan Humphrey.

Judges at the England Athletics Regional Volunteers Awards heard how the club boasts some 30 athletes who represent Derbyshire. It provides a “welcoming environment for athletes of all ages backgrounds and abilities”.

Rachel Scott, who is the England Athletics support manager for local clubs, said: “The club continues to demonstrate excellence both on and off the track.”

Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club was founded in 1999 – and 27 years on continues to maintain its guiding mantra of “Run, jump, throw”.

The monthly well-being walks it stages were launched with input from local healthcare professionals, social prescribers and community partners.

Rachel said: “The project has already raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Society while creating an inclusive environment that promotes well-being, connection and long-term community engagement.”

Another mission of the club is to help its members – the youngest of whom are aged around six – to build up their confidence and pride.

A video on the website of England Athletics features one young man – Noah – talking about how he had no background in athletics until he joined the club two years ago.

Noah tells how it is a great place to make friends as he says: “The club has helped me in my confidence. When I first came two years ago I was awful and couldn’t really to talk to anyone. Even now the coaches go, ‘Blimey you can actually talk now’.”

He adds: “The quality of the coaching is really good for younger and older athletes.”

The clip can be viewed here: Regional Volunteers Awards 2026: East Midlands – England Athletics

Club sensation Jessica – now 31 – had to battle an injury-blighted season to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The hurdler had burst on to the international scene four years earlier by bagging silver at the Under-23 European Championships. She made it to the Olympic semi-finals but came seventh.

Cllr Josy Hare, who is Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Well-being, said: “The commitment of all those involved with Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club is inspirational – fully justifying them winning ‘gold’ in these latest awards.

“It is also terrific to see the Dementia Friends and Well-being Walks being recognised. These have proved a superb boost for many local people.”