Focus Club Award for 2026
- smithc486
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Southend Wheelers has been named a British Cycling Focus Club for 2026, the only club in the Eastern region to receive this national recognition.
The Focus Club programme recognises clubs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing riders, strengthening community participation, and creating safe, inclusive environments for people of all ages and abilities.
Southend Wheelers’ selection reflects its growing reputation as a club that blends heritage with forward‑looking ambition. Over the past year, the club has expanded its coaching offer, strengthened youth development pathways, and invested in volunteer training to support a thriving membership base.
For 2026, the club’s primary focus will be introducing more women and girls to cycling, building confidence, skills, and long‑term participation. This will include dedicated coaching sessions delivered as part of the club’s youth cycle coaching programme during the April, May and summer school holidays. The club will also play an active role in the national Women’s Festival of Cycling (7–13 June) and will run a series of women and girls introductory club rides to help new riders experience the sport in a supportive environment.
Club Chair Matthew Stock said:
“Becoming a British Cycling Focus Club is a proud moment for everyone involved in Southend Wheelers. It recognises the hard work of our volunteers, the commitment of our riders, and our ambition to make cycling accessible, enjoyable, and safe for our whole community. Our focus on women and girls in 2026 is a natural extension of that ambition, and we’re excited to open the door to even more people who want to discover the joy of cycling.”
British Cycling’s Head of Talent Development and Sport, Joe Malik added:
“Southend Wheelers have grown an inclusive and friendly club which makes a real impact in their community. They lead the way with demonstrating the British Cycling club values. It is with great pleasure we can announce they will be one of our Go-Ride Focus Clubs for 2026. We are looking forward to working with the club to support them with the delivery of their ambitious development plans.”
The club will begin its Focus Club programme this spring, with new initiatives designed to support young riders, develop coaching talent, and expand opportunities for women and girls across Southend and the wider Essex community.
*Success starts here…
Follow us on social media
Click here to join
*Success means different things to different riders—joining your first club run, competing in an event, conquering an off-road challenge, finishing your first charity ride to standing on the podium.
Your success story begins here….
Comments