Everyone who has been to Northwood on a training night, a Youth Development League (YDL) meeting, schools event or cross-country race will know George Cooper. George has recently retired from coaching his group of boys and junior men after almost 30 years and handed over to Julie Smith and Chris Elliott. His mischievous sense of humour and unique ability to relate to and inspire young people, combined with his deep knowledge of middle distance and endurance running, have seen George coach generations of athletes, including Alex Derricott, Tom Guy and Alex Brecker, to national championships and international vests on the track and over the country. He has been a shrewd talent spotter at schools meetings (an organiser of them too) and a tireless manager of Club teams, ably assisted by his wife, Iris. Everyone will miss George on training nights and at competitions. We wish him a very long and happy retirement from coaching and team management but hope to see him at Northwood, and at the odd competition too. Thank you for everything you have done for City of Stoke AC, and for so many young athletes over so many years, George!