ATHLETICS chiefs are proposing to create a 'super squad' in a bid to keep more young females at the county's clubs.

The CCAA, Cheshire County Athletics Association, are desperate to stem the annual flow of junior stars to the North West's big clubs.

They are working with athletics clubs on proposals to field two female teams in the National Junior League.

"We are very interested in the scheme," said Sean McGrath, of Vale Royal AC.

"It will give girls the opportunity to compete at a high standard that they don't do after leaving school.

"There's a lot of competition for their time at that age and this will hopefully keep them interested in the sport.

The CCAA want to enter Under 17 and Under 20 teams in the national league to stop girls moving to top clubs, such as Sale Harriers, Liverpool and Trafford.

They also hope to build a successful county team and stop youngsters giving up the sport after finishing at junior level.

"Too many of the county's best junior female athletes are leaving the county in search of better competition at bigger clubs," said the CCAA's Eddie Gore.

"Often they'll move but they might not get picked for the club and get disillusioned with athletics in general.

"This would not be an elite team, however.

"It would involve any junior girl who was interested, simply giving them the opportunity to compete at a higher level without having to leave their existing clubs."

The new club, which could be called Cheshire 2000 or Cheshire Ladies, would not clash with existing schedules and would race on alternate weekends to established meets.

And if it's successful, the CCAA could launch a team for boys too.

"It's an excellent idea," said Brian Warren, from Halton and Frodsham AC. "It's good news for us because at present our club cannot offer athletes any substantial competition after they're 15.

"This will hopefully keep them at the club and keep their interest in athletics strong."

Alex Carter was pipped to the post in her Under 20 international race in France at the weekend.

Running for Great Britain, Alex was 100th of a second behind the gold medalist from Spain in the 1500m race with a time of 4mins 23secs.

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