More Progress Ahead for Academy as James Grieves Signs Up

NEWS Sunday 30th January 2022, 3:00pm

by Garry Dickson

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Monarchs Speedway Academy made significant strides in its inaugural season in 2021 and is gearing up to go even further in 2022!

Starting from scratch, to having a mini-track constructed, to having a functioning training scheme with many budding young speedway riders. It has been an enthralling journey to date.

Monarchs Speedway Academy Co-Ordinator, Garry Dickson, updates on progress so far,"A lot of progress has happened with the Monarchs Speedway Academy since I last gave you an update what seems like years ago, but was only back in September!

"Off track, in addition to affiliating to the Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU), we have constituted the Monarchs Speedway Academy (MSA) formally allowing us to focus as the youth development arm of Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway.

"While last year we could only take on young riders with their own bikes and safety equipment, it remains a goal this season to be able to have a number of our own bikes available for hire at different levels. This will afford the opportunity to those who don't have bikes and equipment, but would be keen to try the sport of speedway for themselves.

"On track towards the end of the season, we continued having Academy sessions on a mixture of Friday evenings pre-match and on Saturday afternoons for a longer session.

"All the riders, from the youngest at 5 years old, made great progress over the short few months the Academy was able to run last season. Our coaches David McAllan and Sean Stoddart were blown away. Particularly by four of our riders who in that period have progressed from beginners on 50cc pit bikes, to buying their own 125cc speedway machines blasting round "MiniDale", sliding in fine style!

"We have been delighted to note also that these lads have continued their development by practicing on their pit bikes and honing starting, control and sliding in readiness for getting back to the track.

"We are pleased to note that such is their development, we will have five youth riders taking out SCB racing licences for the coming season allowing them to ride at Armadale and at affilitated UK tracks."

Plans for 2022

With a successful first season in the bag, the Academy team were quick to look ahead to progress further in the coming season. Garry continued, "This season, we are hoping to take the young riders to the next level. In addition to hopefully broadening our rider base by being more inclusive, we are looking to give these young riders the opportunity to progress further in a few ways.

"Another goal of our development plan is to re-energise the 'West Lothian Wildcats', our Northern Junior League team, by affording the opportunity to these 125cc riders the chance to take part in team racing at NJL level.

"In addition to NJL racing, there is a plan to have structured, competitive second half racing for these riders all matches when there is no NJL fixture. We will announce more details of this as we get into the season."

Armadale Stadium has proudly hosted a round of the British Youth Championship in recent seasons and it is the intention to do so again in 2022. This time there may be even more local interest, explains Garry, "Supporters have enjoyed what has always been a great day with 30+ heats of speedway at 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes in the British Youth Championship.

"This year, we are looking forward to our young Academy riders competing in the Union Flag racejackets. This will be a major milestone in our progress as a club."

James Grieves Joins Monarchs Speedway Academy

Another goal of the Academy is to develop and extend the coaching base, Garry elaborated, "Last year, David and Sean fully admitted to having got their 'speedway mojo' back.

"Through their hard work with the riders in all sorts of ways, they have taken the first steps in a formal national accreditation in Motorcycle Coaching via our friends at the SACU and we will be working with them to further develop their multi-disciplinary coaching courses.

"In extending our coaching team, I am delighted to be able to confirm the addition of former Monarchs number 1 James Grieves to the MSA.

"No stranger to the majority of supporters, James brings not only a racing career of 20 years riding with and against some of the biggest names in world speedway but James also has previous experience of coaching.

"James is super keen to restart his coaching and develop in what looks to be surely one of the best coaching teams in British speedway. James is looking forwarding to seeing the young riders attacking the Minidale centre green circuit as well as the main Armadale one!"

Find Out More:

For more information about joining the Academy or if you can help the Academy in any way, please contact Co-Ordinator Garry Dickson by email to – academy@edinburghmonarchs.co.uk

You can read more about the Monarchs Speedway Academy over on this page:

Monarchs Speedway Academy