As part of the ‘Leaders in Clubs’ segment, Athletics Victoria caught up with Casey Cardinia Athletics President, Stuart Merrick.
Stuart Merrick first joined the club in 2009 when his son made the transition from Little Athletics to Athletics Victoria competition.
Merrick is proud of the club balancing community and performance pathways, “we pride ourselves on being a friendly and inclusive club, encouraging athletes of all abilities to participate.” However, Casey Cardinia are well represented in Athletics Victoria’s performance space, “Despite being a fairly small club, we’ve also had quite a few athletes invited into the AV Target Talent Program since the club was established in 2008. This year, we have 10 out of our 48 junior members who were invited to be part of the 2020 OXYGN8 Target Talent Program.
Regularly fielding teams in the AVSL format, Merrick fondly notes the club’s Under 18 Men’s first Shield Final win in 2013/14 as his favourite experience with the club.
Casey Cardinia have played a key role in one of Victoria’s most active growth corridors, with collaborative projects continuing throughout 2020.
“Casey Cardinia Athletics is currently working with Cardinia Shire Council and Pakenham Little Athletics, with input from Athletics Victoria, on the design of a new athletics facility to be built at Pakenham. We are also working with City of Casey towards having the Casey Fields Regional Athletics Centre resurfaced over the next couple of years.”
A club-centric President, Merrick is quick to direct conversation to the member base, “the thing I enjoy most about my role with the club is seeing our athletes having fun when they compete.”