How Can Athletics Clubs Benefit From Steel Portal Frame Facilities?

Athletics is a huge sport in the UK, with many participants of varying ability, from casual amateur runners to elite Diamond League standard athletes.

England Athletics membership reaches 177,441 athletes, and Scottish Athletics registers 18,000 affiliated members alone, not including jogscotland members. 

These athletes need facilities to train and compete that are provided by athletics clubs across the UK. Approximately 617 outdoor tracks are listed in the UK, and approximately 541 clubs have their own facilities, while many other clubs must share or hire facilities.

When a club needs to expand or replace buildings, it is a big investment project. It requires funding and careful planning to achieve the most economical and appropriate solution, which is where steel portal frame buildings can provide a solution.

What facilities do athletics clubs need?

A running club is more than an oval-shaped track, a sand pit and some floodlights. Buildings are required for many different functions, including:

• Changing and showering spaces

• Supporter stands or spectator areas

• A clubhouse, which may include hospitality and catering such as a bar and kitchen

• Meeting rooms and offices

• Storage for heavy equipment such as hurdles, throwing cage nets and crash mats

• Storage for training and smaller pieces of equipment, like agility ladders and starting blocks

• A gym for strength and conditioning training

UK Athletics run a quality assurance scheme called TrackMark designed to recognise the quality of track and field facilities. Venues must provide well-maintained and accessible facilities for all levels of athletes to achieve the TrackMark status.  

Having appropriate, well-managed facilities available can help athletes improve their performance and compete in a comfortable environment. 

Why are steel portal buildings ideal for athletics clubs?

Steel portal frame buildings can lend themselves to many different uses, and their versatility and adaptability make them ideal for sports clubs. 

The weatherproof shell of the steel portal frame means equipment and people can be protected from rain and cold. The buildings can be adapted for use as secure storage with large entranceways for access to equipment.

It is more than a steel shell though; lighting can be installed, as well as heating, plumbing and insulation if it is to be used for more than storage. 

It can also be used as a clubhouse where athletes, coaches and spectators can refuel and socialise at events. Indoor strength and conditioning spaces can be housed in a portal frame building too, allowing athletes to complete their gym-based training on-site.

Due to the way the steel portal frames are designed and built, athletics clubs can have almost any design they desire, resulting in facilities exactly matching their needs.  

What are the benefits of using steel frames over brick buildings?

The two main advantages of steel portal frames over brick or concrete buildings are the speed of installation and the price. 

Steel portal frames provide excellent value for money because they use a minimal amount of materials compared to brick and mortar buildings and do not require deep concrete foundations. 

The prefabricated panels used in manufacturing allow buildings to be erected efficiently and with little disruption to the venue’s activities. 

If the athletics club needs to expand facilities further, this can be easily done with extensions and mezzanine floors. The steel frames are immensely durable and resistant to high winds.