Gerrard Keating and Stuart Dempster met with the young group from Border Blues Little Athletics at Federation Park last week.

Keating is a former Open National 100 metre record holder, having represented Australia in many international meets including the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, 84’ Los Angeles Olympics and the 86’ Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.

Dempster represented Scotland in the 400 metre hurdles and is now based in Australia.

Secretary of the Border Blues, Michelle McBurney, said the visit presented a unique opportunity for the young hopefuls.

“It is absolutely fantastic that we were able to bring two top coaches with such a high level of experience as athletes themselves, to Tenterfield for the benefit of our local children. 

“Our centre manager, Susan Bright, and myself, could see a rapid progression of skills improvement happening right before our eyes throughout the day,” Ms McBurney said.

Specific skill sets were discussed over the day with both coaches selecting suitable drills for the kid’s requirements.

“They developed a great rapport with the kid’s – they might come back again and visit. Both were very modest and friendly guys.

Lachlan Dorward, who is heavily involved in the group, said the sessions have paid off for him after he was invited to join a Little Athletics Development Tour in New Zealand for nine days.

Border Blues Little Athletics begin their season with the first training day on Tuesday, October 7 at Federation Park from 5pm. 

Further registrations are currently being accepted with new members given the first two nights free.

The 2014-15 season runs until the end of March and costs $70 per person to join up.

Michelle said she would be taking on additional clients as part of her Jubilant Fitness business if they wanted some extra fitness work.