What Is Happening With City Of York Athletic Club And Their Premiership Promotion Play Offs Debut Season?

Imagine this: a brand-new team enters a tough league, and in their very first go, they don't just hold their own-they win the whole thing. Sounds like something out of a film, right? Well, it's exactly what's happening with the City of York Athletic Club. In their incredible debut season, they've stormed the National Athletic League Championship North, setting up a massive showdown this weekend for a chance at promotion to the big leagues. It's a classic underdog story, and it's happening right now.

From newcomers to champions in one season

Nobody expected this. In their very first season competing at this level, the team from York has done the unthinkable. They went into the final league match of the athletics season needing a big performance and delivered spectacularly. They managed to jump ahead of the highly regarded Sale Harriers, a team that was only just relegated from the top flight, the Premiership, last year.

To beat a team like that to the title is a huge statement and shows just how far the City of York Athletic Club has come in such a short space of time. This debut season has been nothing short of magical, securing them a spot in the crucial promotion play offs.

What's next? the promotion play offs in Oxford

So, what does winning the league get them? It gets them a ticket to the final boss level: the promotion play offs. This Saturday, 16th August, the team heads to Oxford for a one-day, winner-takes-all battle. The prize? A spot in the Premiership, the highest tier of athletics in the country. To get there, they need to finish in the top two. It's a massive challenge, but one they are ready for.

The competition will be fierce. They'll be up against some of the best clubs from across the UK. Here's who they'll be facing:

• Chelmsford
• Crawley
• Herts Phoenix
• Swansea Harriers
• Tonbridge
• Yeovil Olympiads
• And, of course, their rivals Sale Harriers

To make things even more exciting, the national league has confirmed that some serious talent will be there. Athletes like Joe Brier, a European 4 x 400m champion, will be competing, so the standard of athletics will be incredibly high. This is a proper national event.

Team spirit is the secret weapon

How has a club in its debut season achieved so much? According to Club Chairman and team manager, Craig Pounder, it's all down to teamwork. He explained, 'This is an unbelievable achievement in our very first season competing at this level. It's been a real team effort throughout including athletes covering various events they wouldn't normally do and everyone giving it their all in every single match. The team spirit and support has been immense'.

That really says it all. It's about athletes stepping up and competing in events that aren't their specialty, just to grab a few extra points for the team. It's that kind of spirit that turns a group of good athletes into a great team. Craig Pounder added, 'Our athletes will now have the opportunity to pit themselves against more top quality opposition. It will be an amazing opportunity, but one they have created entirely for themselves. It is a fantastic achievement'.

A shot at the big time

The idea of competing in the Premiership next season is a massive motivator. Vice Chair, Calvin Shaw, summed up the feeling at the club perfectly. 'This is a fantastic achievement by the athletes and the coaches who helped prepare them. If we can finish in the top two, our athletes will be competing in the Premiership next season against the very best in the country. Just to be saying it seems surreal at this stage, but it really is the beginning of something very exciting happening at this club'.

It's clear that behind the scenes, the coaches have played a huge role in preparing the team for this moment. The dream of promotion is very real, and the whole club is buzzing with the possibility of making it happen.

More than just a national success story

While the national stage is beckoning, the club, based at the University of York track in Heslington, has its feet firmly on the ground. The future looks bright across the board, not just for the senior team. Both Youth Development teams have also reached the national finals in Liverpool, and there's a team heading to the national relays final in Derby this Sunday. It shows the incredible depth of talent being nurtured here in York.

Calvin Shaw also emphasised the club's roots. 'Despite the success on a national stage, we never forget that we are a community club and exist to make athletics available to all. We have a disability group which we are very proud of, and veterans are always welcome along'. This is what makes the City of York Athletic Club so special. It's a place where elite performance and community spirit go hand-in-hand. From a thriving disability group to welcoming older members, it's a club for everyone.

Fancy joining the journey?

This incredible story is far from over. The team's journey to the play offs in Oxford is the next exciting chapter. Whether they achieve promotion or not, this debut season has been a phenomenal success for the City of York Athletic Club.

If reading this has made you want to dust off your running shoes or get involved in supporting a brilliant local club, they'd love to hear from you. The club is always looking for new members, volunteers, and supporters to join them on their amazing journey. To find out more, just send a message to info@cityofyorkac.com.