Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has issued a bleak warning to is squad, none of whom are now funded by any source of external income, that things are only going to get tougher from here on.
"I have been paying for three athletes to receive essential physiotherapy treatment this last four months in order to keep what are undoubtedly exceptionally talented individuals on the track. I have paid for two therapists to fly out to Florida to help with our annual pre-season camp there, and have personally supported another issue of squad kit from Adidas, albeit at very generously reduced rates.
"Whilst in Florida, I have also set up and paid for four two-hour sessions of top level treatment on athletes needing further rehabilitation. And then of course there is the additional insurance needed for under-25-year-old drivers in the States after a senior athlete had to drop out of the trip having at last found work.
"All this comes willingly out of my own pocket, but it can't continue. Lottery support for any of our athletes disappeared completely last year, and the squad are completely unfunded now. Several athletes are now working to support themselves, but this backfires when it comes to refining their training programmes pre-season, because they can't get time off to travel to pre-season training venues.
"I am very passionate about anyone I coach receiving absolutely as much support as is humanly possible, but I really fear now for the future. I've been coaching 33 years, and have seen what it takes to get the best out of athletes - young and experienced. We urgently need a sponsor or some external support, or Trackspeed1 will find itself back where it was in the late eighties, populated by simply young athletes."
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