Perfectly located between the beautiful trails of the Fraser Valley, the Valley Royals Track & Field Club stands as a cornerstone of distance running in British Columbia. Established in 1980, the club quickly became a powerhouse in both junior development and high-performance athletics. Over the years, they've produced athletes who have represented British Columbia and Canada on the international stage, including World Championships and Olympic Games. Under the leadership of coaches like Gerry Swan and now Scott Svelander, the club has built a legacy of developing top-tier talent while fostering a deep love for the sport.
Scott Svelander, the current Middle Distance Coach for the Valley Royals, has dedicated years to shaping athletes into elite competitors. With coaching experience ranging from Simon Fraser University to North Surrey Secondary School, Scott has worked with athletes at all levels of competition, from high school to international championships. I had the opportunity to speak with Scott about his role within the Valley Royals, the training philosophies that guide the team, and the impact he hopes to leave on his athletes.
Scott started by introducing himself: "I coach Grade 8-12 at the Valley Royals, focusing on the middle distance group. The athletes I work with keep me busy, and they are a great bunch! I've been with the club since the very beginning, starting as an athlete myself. I was fortunate to be coached by Gerry Swan, who led the 1988 Olympic Team. My experience as both an athlete and a coach with the Royals has been incredibly rewarding."
When asked about the club's environment, Scott was quick to praise the community around the Royals. "The Valley Royals is a great organization with a strong, supportive board as well as amazing coaches. Not to mention the parents and athletes are passionate and keen. I've been coaching here for decades. We aim to help every athlete, whether they're looking to secure an NCAA scholarship or improve for local competitions and achieve their best."
Training at the Valley Royals is structured to build long-term success for athletes. "We focus on developing the athlete's potential over 3-4 years. By the time they're ready for graduation, we've worked to position them for scholarships or success at local programs like SFU, UBC, and TWU or if they look to cross the border. It's about giving them every opportunity."