Quote Originally Posted by Trundler View Post
Quote: YT: "I suggest that you go along to the next FRA junior event. I think you'll be surprised."

Or even better go to a BOFRA race and see what a REALLY vibrant junior scene looks like. Wot? Without "help" from UKA??? Surely not....
I agree that BOFRA's junior scene is absolutely brilliant, and it's great to see these young people clearly enjoying their fell running, but fell isn't necessarily just the case of doing a race every once in a while - I've witnessed some of the FRA's junior training camps and, really, facilities like these, where young athletes get to run with and chat to top runners, are more than just about going faster; they provide real encouragement for these kids in a way which has to be seen to be understood.

Chaps like Wheeze and company who seem to think that, when we disaffiliate, UKA will simply pick up the baton and carry on servicing juniors, internationals etc where the FRA left off are simply wrong - it will not happen.

If the FRA does get the go-ahead to break away, then the FRA must have a plan for juniors. There isn't an alternative, I'm afraid … not for fell running.