Perri Shakes-Drayton with star sprinter Usain Bolt (Photo: Sillyfolkboy)

Who are they?

Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets AC use the running track at the Mile End Stadium for training on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends. It is the closest athletics club to the 2012 Olympic stadium.

What’s their history?

Tower Hamlets AC was established in 1976. The club’s athletes have won hundreds of Middlesex championships and achieved honours at schools, area, county and international level. The club’s female section is particularly impressive, winning three quarters of the honours. In 2001 the club merged with Victoria Park Harriers to make the club a stronger force in north London.

Has it all been plain sailing?

The club struggled to survive during renovations of the Mile End stadium but managed to pull through with the help of Tower Hamlets Council.

Who’s their star athlete?

Perri Shakes-Drayton, 21, represents Great Britain in the 400m hurdles and is a medal hopeful for the 2012 Olympics. In the 2009 British Championships she finished second behind reigning world champion Christine Ohuruogu, setting a new personal best of 51.81 seconds.

When’s their next meeting?

The 43^rd Victoria Park Open is taking place on Saturday 27^th March at 11am. Races include seniors, juniors and wheelchair. The entry fee is £10 for UKA members and £12 for non-members.

How do I get involved?

For road running turn up at Cadogan Terrace HQ on a Tuesday or Thursday and be ready to run at 7 pm. If you’re interested in track & field turn up at Mile End Stadium on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6:30pm.

Lapton FC (right) in action against Clapton Rangers (photo Lapton FC)

Who are they?

Lapton FC are one of the most successful clubs in the history of the Hackney & Leyton Sunday League. They play on Hackney Marshes most Sundays from September to April.

What’s their history?

Steve Gergis set up Lapton FC in 2002. Despite having roots in Clapton, Steve didn’t want to have the word ‘Clapton’ in the club’s name. Instead, he shaved off the ‘C’ and Lapton was born. The club swiftly climbed from the fourth division to Hackney and Leyton’s Premier League, winning all divisions along the way. They are currently on course to win their fourth successive Premier League title in a row, under player-manager Ade Wale.

But has it all been plain sailing?

As with many amateur clubs, Lapton’s biggest problem is a lack of finance – they were docked three points in 2006 for not paying administrative fees on time. They still managed to win the title.

Who’s their star man?

Defender Darren Hughes, who has been with Lapton from the start. Hughes could have turned semi-professional, but turned the opportunity down due to his commitment to the club.

When’s their next game?

Lapton are playing in the Albert Daniels Cup against Bancroft United on the East Marsh at 10.30am on Sunday March 21.

What does the future hold?

Provided they secure funding, the club have ambitions to go semi-professional and set up a ladies and under-tens team – but not before they bag another Premier League title. With six league games to go they are ahead of their nearest rivals, Real Romania, by six points.

How do I get involved?

Contact Steve at lapton_fc@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.lapton.co.uk for more details.

Who are they?

Shoreditch Sharks are a Hackney-based youth rugby club who play in Shoreditch Park. The Sharks have two teams, one for under-13s and one for under-17s. They are the youth team for the senior rugby club, the Old Streetonians.

What’s their history?

The Sharks were set up five years ago and have played regular friendly games with other youth rugby clubs across London ever since.

Has it all been plain sailing?

The club has had problems getting into local leagues as they have been unable to attract full squads of 15 regular players in every age group. This season, adverse winter weather has led to many postponements and cancelled fixtures.

Who’s their star man?

Ade Adekanmi, 17, recently moved up to the Old Streetonians team after several years with the side, and is working towards doing a sports science degree. Ade now helps out coaching the Shoreditch Sharks.

When’s their next game?

Both the Sharks under-13 and under-17 teams are playing Dartfordians at Shoreditch Park as part of an open day on 28 March between 10am and 1pm.

What does the future hold?

The club has recently been on a recruitment mission searching for young players in Hackney and Islington and hopes to soon have enough regular players to enter a local league.

How do I get involved?

Interested parties should call the club’s youth manager, Jenny Aster, on 07904 884 485.