A new athletics network has been launched at Newham Leisure Centre in Plaistow, east London, which is one of 10 pilot networks to be rolled out across the country by England Athletics over the next four years.

Newham Athletics Network will receive £52,000 from England Athletics each year as part of the programme, which aims to improve the quality of athletics coaching and develop new talent. It is hoped that the initiative will help to develop a strategic framework between a range of athletics partners, including Newham Sports Development, the Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club, Greenwich Leisure and the University of East London.

West Ham United Community Sports Trust, Newham Sports Academy and Newvic College are also incorporated in the new network, which will help to develop grassroots athletics and contribute towards a lasting sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympics. Rhian Horlock, athletics development officer at Newham Council, said: "The England Athletics Network investment is important locally to ensure that we can build on the huge enthusiasm and excitement that the London 2012 Olympics will inevitably generate for an athletics legacy.

"As the host borough, we will be setting examples for others in the sport, establishing models that can be used nationally. The Newham Athletics Network programme has maximum benefits for schools, colleges, clubs, coaches and universities." England Athletics, which is working in partnership with UK Athletics and sponsors McCain, aims to roll out a minimum of 50 other networks by April 2010 after receiving additional investment from Sport England.