At Vale of York Athletic Community, we believe in nurturing a love for movement at an early age. That’s why we are excited to announce the expansion of our funetics programme – specially designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old!
From November 2025, we are launching three new kids athletics sessions in Sherburn in Elmet and South Milford. If you are looking for a supportive and fun way to get your child active, build their confidence, and teach them the essential run, jump and throw skills of athletics, then funetics is the way to get started.
Funetics is Fun, Friends, & Fundamental Skills
Funetics is a play-based athletics programme developed by England Athletics. It introduces children to the fundamental movements of athletics: running, jumping, and throwing through game based activities in a supportive environment.
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Engaging and play-based learning
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Develops fundamental skills: running, jumping, throwing
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Builds confidence and social skills
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Aligned with the national PE curriculum
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Safe and supportive coaching
Vale of York Athletic Community is proud to be an England Athletics affiliated club and a registered charity. All our sessions are crafted to be inclusive, engaging, and take place in a positive environment where every child feels encouraged to participate and fulfil their own potential.
Here’s why funetics is perfect for your little athlete:
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Develops Physical Literacy: These are the building blocks for all sports and physical activity. By mastering basic movements, children gain the confidence to try athletics and other sports.
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Boosts Confidence: Success in a fun, non-competitive setting helps children feel good about themselves and their abilities.
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Qualified & Safe Coaching: All our Funetics sessions are led by enthusiastic, DBS-checked, qualified and licensed England Athletics coaches. Your child’s safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Read more about our club’s commitment to safeguarding and welfare.
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Aligned with Education: The programme supports and enhances children’s learning at school in the national PE curriculum.
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Trackable Progress: We use a skills-based framework, allowing both children and parents to see how they’re progressing and developing over time.
Where and When?
We’re bringing Funetics to two new locations in South Milford and Sherburn in Elmet, making it easier for more families across the Vale of York area to join our community.
📍 South Milford Sessions:
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Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Church Hall, South Milford
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17:15 – 18:00
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18:15 – 19:00
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📍 Sherburn-in-Elmet Sessions:
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Fridays at Sherburn Hungate Primary School, Sherburn-in-Elmet
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18:15 – 19:00
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Such a welcoming, friendly and supportive group that offers first class coaching. My children all went to their fun day and had so much fun. One now competes and another just started training with them, as a parent I am also now involved and have started to join in with some training activities, it's so good we can do it together as a family!A fantastic and well run athletic community with a team of great coaches that always go the extra mile to support people on their fitness journey. Me and my 3 kids have been members now for coming up to a year and it's been great to see the progress we've made so far - none of which would have been possible without the VOYAC community. Couldn't recommend enough!!This club is ace! It is such a supportive environment where our children have thrived and just grown from strength to strength. My son has now been selected to represent North Yorkshire twice in cross country and it is because of the coaching, training, guidance and camaraderie he has received from this club. I have seen other youngsters within the club who are on a similar path. They really are nurturing the talent of the future!Fantastic local community group where all of the family are welcome and it doesnt cost the earth.My three children have been members for 18 months now and love learning all aspects of track and field and competing.The number of coaches has recently grown at the club which allows for better training. Coaches are well trained and the welfare of the athletes is of highest priority.VoYAC has provided my son with amazing opportunities to develop his skills in athletics and has sparked a genuine love of sport and movement in him. The community is supportive and friendly, with experienced coaches who are approachable and knowledgeable. Feel very lucky to be apart of this community and hope it continues to grow and suceed.This was an excellent opportunity for the local children to do some timed athletics and have some fun. It's definitely sparked my son's interest in all of the events.Fantastic club. Both my kids love the athletics club. They have made great friendship groups which have also spilled over into the weekly junior park run. The club has provided the opportunity for them to experience a real athletics stadium and cross country events which they have loved. VOYAC have also encouraged our whole family to be involved and we are all competing in the PECO cross country events this year which is a lovely family experience for us all.Great event!Fantastic day out with two great coaches - Ian and Beverley. Even helped me perfect a brand new long jump technique.My sons Bailey and Declan came to athletics camp at the begging of August. At first they didn’t want to go and leave their computers,but they loved their first day there and couldn’t wait to go back again the day after. They both really enjoyed the three days that they went and asked straight away for me to sign them up again. Not only did they have three days off the computers and out in the fresh air, they also made new friends and you could see them beaming with confidence. I would recommend this to everyone as I’m sure the boys will do too. Thank you! ☺️My daughter really enjoyed her time here .my son joshua chittock came to sports activities on the 2nd 3rd and 4th of august he really enjoyed all three sessions i would love him to do it again in selby but he goes to selby high school in september so don't know if he can join again thanks kate - joshuas mumOur two boys have been with the Vale of York Athletes Club since the Summer of 2022.It’s so refreshing to find a club that’s really got the children’s interest at heart. Ian and the team are really friendly and fun. Our boys have learned something new every week and really enjoy it. It’s a very sociable environment and run in a very professional manner. The fees are very good and as a parent you could not ask for a better club. Thank you Ian. We wish you all the best with the club moving forward.My son has been interested in running and athletics from a young age ( he is in his teens now)but there has never been a club locally to support him. When I first saw a flyer about an athletic summer school in 2021 I signed him up. We haven't looked back since. He has thrown himself into everything the club has to offer. Running, speed training, field and track ( 100, 200, 400, 800 m, long jump) high jump club, sprint training, circuits, in door athletics, cross country. The support and encouragement from the coaches is first class. The coaches also take part in events which helps them to understand and support the younger athletes. Coaches also learn from the young athletes by talking and listening to them. Look how far the club has come in such a short time - Selby has been crying out for an athletics club for years and finally there is a team of people (volunteers) who are going to make this happen. The membership fees are very reasonable and they offer a family membership. A great club to be part off .... giving VOYAC five humongous gold stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My son (8) absolutely loves these sessions. The kids always have a great time and it's a fantastic way for them to learn skills, make friends and be healthy. The coaches are really encouraging and passionate about what they do. So lucky to have this in Selby.My son is having a fantastic time at athletics club, he sometimes struggles with friendships as he does not like football and most of his school friends do, so it's been lovely to see him thrive with like minded kids who want to learn whilst having fun. The people are really friendly and encourage all the children too.As a parent I found myself wanting to join in as there was no pressure for the kids to be the best, it is more about being inclusive, having fun whilst being healthier and learning about athletics, health and fitness. So I joined the adults circuit class, at first I felt out of my depth but everyone is welcoming, and there are opportunities to differ the exercises if you are struggling or have an injury.We as a family are also learning about nutrition, which has been informative for us.I cannot recommend VOYAC enough!I have been going to the 7pm circuits for a few weeks now and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute! My fitness level at the start was pretty dismal but with the help, guidance and encouragement of Ian & his team, as well as the rest of the class, my fitness levels are slowly creeping up! No one is judging me or my shape or size and I find that very nice. Can’t wait for the warmer weather so we can go outside and do our work outs! Thank you Vale of York Athletic Community for giving me this opportunity to improve my fitness and nutrition! XAfter having my second baby I struggled to find the time, motivation and energy for exercise. VOYAC offers a range of sessions which cater for all abilities, and because there are a number of sessions on different days I can fit them around childcare and work commitments. All coaches are so friendly and the community as a whole are really supportive, exercise is no longer a chore, but a welcome break!The weekly circuit sessions are fab! Really friendly and welcoming 🙂 The hour workout is fun and varied with different levels of intensity so you can pace yourself at your own level. Lots of encouragement and advice given throughout. It's Fab!I am thoroughly enjoying the Thursday circuit sessions. People of all fitness levels are made to feel welcome, included and encouraged. It’s a friendly non judgemental atmosphere coupled with a weekly themed music playlist that we all get involved with choosing. Really gets the endorphins flowing. I can’t rate highly enoughMy boys have absolutely loved the sessions at Selby High and it has inspired them to do the junior Park Run too! Thanks Ian and team 🏃♂️ 🏃♂️ 👍My sons have thoroughly enjoyed the athletics on a Wednesday evening, thanks to Ian and the team, extremely professional and knowledgeable and very well done, thank you.My son has loved the athletics sessions on a wednesday and can’t wait for more in the summer holidays! Would highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️What a fabulous set of coaches. My son thoroughly enjoys the sessions at Selby. Looking forward to more. Well done IanMy daughter has had a great time with the Vale of York Athletics Coaching team. She thoroughly enjoyed trying all the different events 😀my son has really enjoyed the athletics sessions with VoYAC on a Wednesday. There is a range of activities available not just running but also throwing and jumping.My daughter thoroughly enjoys these sessions and the coaches definitely add to the positive experience she has. They are so lovely and fun for the kids. It is fantastic to have something like this for the kids to do and we are very grateful to have the opportunity for my daughter to take part. Definitely valuable in our community. It is well run and organised.We were looking for an athletics provision for our very active 8 year old so we jumped at the chance when we saw one being offered locally to us by VOYAC. Our daughter loves attending the athletics club and is always keen to go back every week. They have covered a wide range of events as part of the sessions and it’s been great to see all the children taking part.A very well organised and run after school activity. All about achieving and developing to your best. Friendly, knowledgeable, approachable coaches who excel in supporting young athletes to achieve their best and try new activities in a fun environment. hope it continues running in the Selby area. We'll done all.
To book your free trial session fill in the form below and Bex will get right back to you. Secure your child’s place today!
Make sure you say which time and location you are interested in. Children need to be aged between 4-7 and you must stay with them. We have groups for older athletes at other locations but there is currently a waiting list.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our funetics coach bex@valeofyork.org.
When you are ready to join it’s just £14.50 a month to join our community and set your little athlete on the path to a lifelong love of sport.
Why Vale of York Athletic Community?
We’re more than an athletics club; we’re a community. For five years, we’ve been dedicated to providing high-quality athletic opportunities for all ages and abilities, from junior sessions to adult training and competitive events. Learn more about our mission and vision and read our reviews.
Our funetics programme is an exciting expansion of our commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes and active individuals. It’s the perfect stepping stone for children who might one day want to progress to our junior athletics groups or explore other sports.
Ready to Sign Up? Limited Spaces Available!
We’re aiming to welcome 20 new young athletes into our funetics family next month, and spaces will fill up quickly. Don’t let your child miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make new friends.
