England Athletics - Yorkshire & Humberside has launched a campaign to recruit more volunteer coaches in Keighley to help improve local athletes' chances of Olympic success.

The organisation is asking people to start 2008 by giving something back to their local community by helping youngsters to get active and excel at athletics. No experience as an athlete in needed, just a positive attitude with strong communication skills and the willingness to dedicate a few hours a week of your time.

England Athletics - Yorkshire & Humberside, the organisation responsible for improving the performance of local athletes and increasing the capacity, is aiming to bring in 720 new coaches across the region in 2008.

Krissy Monaghan, Yorkshire & Humberside regional manager, said: "Volunteer coaches are the backbone of the athletics system and one of our most valuable resources. Support from the people of Keighley is vital in order to provide as many children as possible with a positive experience of athletics. "The more coaches we have, the more local athletes will rise through the ranks and become future stars representing their country."

The organisation will partner each new coach with a local school or athletic club and provide guidance on training.

Funding from supporters CE Electric UK, the National Sports Foundation and Sportsmatch make it possible for coaches to be subsidised so they are not out of pocket.

Anyone interested in becoming an athletics coach, contact Fiona Harrison on 0114 2423831 or adminyork@englandathletics.org.