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So Arena training ground not reopening? This hits home for a few reasons.
I grew up on Croydons Longheath gardens and my young teen mum trained with Donna Fraser, along with my Dads cousin Michelle being friends with her at school.
I grew up on Croydons Longheath gardens and my young teen mum trained with Donna Fraser, along with my Dads cousin Michelle being friends with her at school.
Before Matthews Yard, before university. Back in secondary school. I was inspired by both these incredible women to train and compete in 200m competitions, and dreamed to move on to district ones. I remember watching Donna on the TV at the olympics with my mum.
My mum however, never pursued running despite her natural talent because of the challenges that came with being 17 with two kids, an abusive relationship and lack of support systems. Watching homegrown talent like Donna’s was inspiring.
Spending the better part of Childhood on that estate as well as my mum and dads young adult lives there means I have seen directly why Arena training ground is so vital first hand for local aspiring athletes.
Without it there would be no Donna. I for one would never have pursued running nor my mum. Running was everything to me at the worst parts of my life. I’m not alone on this. We need safe spaces like these for young aspiring athletes in Croydon.
Not everyone will pursue a career in track and field as a result of Croydon Arena - but no can if it doesn’t exist. I hope something can be done, because it is critical the space reopens for the local community. Now more than ever.
Trained there with* Croydon’s* - quick one!
