THE Kent London McCain Athletics Network had their official launch last weekend at the Kent County Championships at Ashford.

Mike Summers, CEO of England Athletics, was on hand to present a cheque for £80,000 to fund projects over the next three years.

The funding is part of a £5 million sponsorship package from McCain who have partnered with England Athletics with the goal of finding and nurturing future champions, while at the same time raising the profile of athletics and inspiring families to become more involved in the sport.

The network was formed last month and is seen as an important partnership between England Athletics and four local clubs: Beckenham Running Club; Bexley AC; Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC and Cambridge Harriers AC.

The network aims to grow and sustain participation levels in athletics, increase the number of volunteers involved in the sport, improve the quality of experience for all participants and at the same time raise the standard of coaching and performance levels of athletes.

It has identified a number of priority projects to focus on over the coming months.

These include establishing a culture within the Clubs to train young club athletes to become the next generation of coaches and officials and encouraging new and existing coaches to qualify in events which are currently under represented.

They will also put on local coach development courses, arrange master classes for athletes and coaches, the recruitment and training of volunteers and undertaking a review of local athletic events.

The network has retained the services of 365 Athletics Academy Limited to help deliver the benefits to the clubs through the projects identified.

"We are delighted to be participating in the Kent London Athletics Network," said Tim Soutar, Chairman of Blackheath & Bromley's Executive Committee.

"The network funding, together with the experienced assistance of 365 Athletics Academy, will enable us to further improve support for our athletes and coaches, to increase the opportunities for those wishing to become involved in our sport and to secure the growth and success of the Club through 2012 and beyond."

Anyone interested in becoming involved in club athletics as either a participant or official should visit Blackheath & Bromley's website at bandbhac.org.uk