The City of Stoke Athletic Club was formed in November 1955 with the aim of promoting and encouraging cross country, road running and track and field athletics. The last 45 years have seen many flashes of brilliance from one of the strongest all round athletic clubs in the UK.

          The club made rapid progress during its early years with members achieving many county, area and national honours. These included Trevor Burton (pole vault), Alan Dean (800m) and John Jackson (Steeplechase). Roy Fowler won the National Cross Country and was World Cross Country champion in 1963. In 1969 a merger took place with North Staffs and Stone Harriers. In the 1970s notable team wins included the National Senior Men's Cross Country, the National 6 Stage Road Relay and National Sprint Relay championships.

          The early 1980s saw the emergence of track internationals such as Clifton Bradeley (UK indoor Mile record) and Martin Briggs (400m hurdles). In 1985 the club moved to a new track at Northwood Stadium close to the City Centre in Hanley. In the early 1990s both men's and lady's senior teams gained promotion back to the National Track and Field leagues. The senior men also returned to the top flight in the Birmingham Cross Country League.

          More recently competition at the highest level has brought international vests for Rob Whalley and Emma Ward (Middle Distance). In 1999 our boys and youths won the National MacDonald's League.

Today, City of Stoke Athletic Club and Northwood Stadium continue to provide a coaching centre of excellence.

Track and Field events such as the Decathlon, Pole Vault, Hammer and Jumps see many internationals training regularly with our coaches. If you would like to be part of our future don't hesitate to contact us: secretary@stokeac.org.uk 

Left: Check out the City of Stoke AC cheerleading team!