PARA-ATHLETICS AT Leamington C&AC
Leading Inclusive Athletics in the Midlands
Leamington Cycling & Athletics Club is proud to be at the forefront of para-athletics provision in the Midlands — both as a club that welcomes and coaches para-athletes, and as an organisation actively working to change the landscape of disability athletics at regional level.
Our throws coaching team includes Joshua Bain — an F37 Paralympic classification athlete who holds British records in both shot put and discus and has represented GB at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. Joshua coaches alongside David Ashbourne and Joseph Walker, bringing elite-level para-athletic experience directly to training sessions at Edmondscote Athletics Track.
We believe athletics is for everyone — regardless of ability, classification or experience. If you are a para-athlete or are interested in finding out whether athletics is right for you, we would love to hear from you.
COACHING BY EXPERIENCE
Coached by a British Record Holder
Our para-athletics programme is anchored by Joshua Bain — one of the most accomplished para-athletes currently coaching at a community athletics club anywhere in England.
An F37 Paralympic classification athlete, Joshua holds the British records in both shot put and discus and has represented GB and England at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. He joined LC&AC in 2023 and has since become Lead Coach for rotational throws alongside heading the club’s throws strength and conditioning programme.
Joshua’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his own experience as a para-athlete navigating the sport — understanding first-hand the challenges, adaptations and opportunities that para-athletes face.
“When I joined Leamington, I was struggling to find a club with the appropriate support to meet my particular needs. I was humbled by how friendly and supportive both the athletes and coaching staff were.”
“My ambition as a coach is to share my 18 years of throwing experience to support the development of the next generation of both able-bodied and para throwers.”
Joshua Bain — F37 Para-Athlete · British Record Holder (Shot Put & Discus) · Lead Throws Coach · Commonwealth Games & European Championships representative
what we offer
Para-athletics provision at Leamington C&AC
Throws Coaching
Our throws group offers coaching in shot put, discus, hammer and javelin for para-athletes of all classifications. With a British record holder on the coaching staff and a fully equipped throws facility including a UKA specification cage at Edmondscote, LC&AC offers a genuinely elite coaching environment for throwing para-athletes.
Classification Support
If you are new to para-athletics and unsure of your classification, our coaching team can provide guidance and point you toward the appropriate classification pathways through England Athletics and World Athletics.
You do not need to be classified to begin training with us.
Inclusive Training Environment
Para-athletes at Leamington C&AC train alongside able-bodied athletes in a fully inclusive environment.
Our coaches adapt sessions to suit individual needs and classifications, ensuring every athlete gets the most from their training regardless of ability.
LEADING CHANGE
How Leamington C&AC is transforming disability athletics in the Midlands
In 2024 Leamington C&AC took a significant step beyond coaching — actively lobbying the Midland Counties Athletics Association to introduce scored disability athletics events into the Midlands Senior League for the first time in the league’s history.
The proposal was accepted and implemented. Since then multiple clubs across the Midlands have entered disabled athletes into league competition for the first time — opening up competitive athletics to para-athletes who previously had no pathway into the senior league structure.
This change was driven by David Ashbourne, Club Chair and Lead Throws Coach, with the support of Joshua Bain who competed in the inaugural disability events as an Leamington C&AC athlete.
Leamington C&AC’s commitment to para-athletics is not limited to what happens on the track at Edmondscote. We are actively working to make competitive athletics more accessible and inclusive at every level of the sport in the Midlands.
GET IN TOUCH
Interested in para-athletics at Leamington C&AC?
Whether you are an experienced para-athlete looking for a new club, someone newly classified who wants to start competing, or simply someone with a disability who wants to find out whether athletics is right for them — we would love to hear from you.
Come along to any Tuesday or Thursday session at Edmondscote Athletics Track and introduce yourself, or get in touch with our throws team in advance.
There is no pressure and no obligation — just come along, have a conversation with Joshua or David, and see what’s possible.
Or use our general contact form. [Get in touch →]
Useful Links
England Athletics
- England Athletics Para-Athletics information
- Find a para-athletics event