Discipline, exercise and good mental health are just some of the benefits our children gain from Be Fit Today Track Academy (BFTTA) at the Lee Valley Athletic Training Centre, situated in Edmonton. 

This could all come to an end with the introduction of the Lee Valley Athletic Centre membership fee.

The fee, starting from £19.80 per child, per month, is being enforced by the GLL Management Team who run Lee Valley Athletic Centre. Families already pay a monthly fee for the training sessions, so this fee is in addition - almost doubling the cost per person. BFTTA also pay a monthly charge to Lee Valley Athletic Training Centre to host training at the site.

This new membership fee is a drastic leap in the middle of a financial crisis and the rising costs of living, making it quite impossible for families to continue their children's athletic training, a critical component of their well-rounded development.

As a mother of two young, promising athletes who attend BFTTA at Lee Valley, this new fee is unaffordable and I have had to move my children to a different training centre. For some parents there is not an option, and this facility is crucial to support the low-income families that live in Edmonton and Tottenham. 

This is about more than just an increase in fees; it is a threat to the dreams and potentials of children in our community and beyond.

The excellent training programme of BFTTA attracts children from outside London as well as serving the local community. 

In line with the legacy and visions from the 2012 Olympics,  children have gone on to win Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals at major competitions for Great Britain. 

BFTTA work closely with schools, parents and guardians to divert young people from the negative influences of gangs and antisocial behaviour. In addition, they provide bursaries to support parents unable to pay and give ongoing support in the development of children. The coaches provide positive role models, especially essential for young boys within the local community. 

I understand that Lee Valley centre, managed by GLL is experiencing financial challenges however, children and young people should not be the focus of financial gain, especially to their detriment.

GLL with the customer facing brand 'better' is a charitable social enterprise. Their website promotes them as a business for the community, delivering for local people, helping families, ensuring 'things missing in society is available to them'. Athletics training, health and well being will be "missing" by introduction of the Lee Valley membership fee.

BFTTA fought ardently to prevent this change but were informed on 4th June 2024 that the fee would be introduced on Monday 1st July 2024. This is insufficient time for engagement with families or parents to adjust plans or finances as they approach the summer holidays.

GLL management have not directly consulted parents or taken into account the impact on the well-being of children of this sudden implementation.

We request GLL to reconsider this decision, evaluate more reasonable alternatives, and completely reverse the Lee Valley membership fee for children and young people still in full time education attending athletics training at the centre.

Sign this petition to stand with all the families affected and help ensure every child gets the opportunity to participate in sports.