JUNIOR ATHLETICS
Junior athletics at Vale of York
Age group athletics for U10 through to U18, funetics for 5 to 7 year olds.
Two ways in right now
We have waiting lists for some age groups, but where we are full there are still two routes open at the moment, both for children who will want to compete.
AGED 6 AND OVERCross country over winter
For children keen to compete in the PECO Cross Country League. Winter season, off road, and a proper introduction to racing for the club.
AGED 9 AND OVERTrack and field over summer
For children keen to compete in the West Yorkshire Track and Field League. Summer season, sprints through to throws, competing in a club vest.
If either sounds like your child, say so when you get in touch and we can talk about it properly.
How the junior side works
Children aged 5 – 7 start in Funetics, which is England Athletics’ introduction to the sport. Our sessions are forty five minutes of running, jumping and throwing, all built around games, making friends and having fun. Nobody gets picked last and nobody is timed against anybody else.
From U10 upwards it becomes age group athletics: U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18. This is where the events themselves start to take shape, and where competing for the club becomes an expectation those who want it.
About the waiting list
Junior places are limited and the list for some age groups is long. Please ask to be added anyway rather than assuming there is no point.
One thing worth being up front about. We are a community club run by volunteers, and the number of children we can take is set by the number of adults helping. Parents and guardians who volunteer in some capacity, or who are willing to compete themselves, get priority for junior membership. That is not a payment and it is not a guarantee of a place. A family who adds capacity to the club simply makes room for more children to train.
All volunteers need an Enhanced DBS check. We help you sort that out, it is not something you have to arrange on your own.
We also have an access fund for families who need financial help. If cost is a barrier, please just say so when you get in touch.
The details
- Funetics
- Ages 5 to 7
- Age groups
- U10 to U18
- Age group training
- Four sessions a week
- Membership
- £14.50 a month
- Access fund
- Available, just ask
- Coaches
- England Athletics licensed and Enhanced DBS checked
Age group athletics, U10 to U18
Four sessions a week once your child moves up from Funetics. Not every athlete does all of them, and nobody is expected to.
Track training, all age groups
Interval training, juniors train as their own groupSession details
Circuit training, teenagers upwardsSession details
September to May, for competing athletes
Age group athletics is for club members and existing athletes. If your child is not yet a member, start with the enquiry form below.
Funetics, ages 5 to 7
Where everyone starts. Four venues across the week, and these usually have more room than the older groups.
Children aged 5 to 7
Funetics is the starting point, and it usually has more room than the older groups. Running, jumping and throwing taught as skills, with no selection and no times.
Children who want to race
If your child is 6 or over and keen on cross country, or 9 or over and keen on track and field, there is a route in now. Tell us and we will talk.
Families who can pitch in
Volunteering, or competing yourself, gets you priority. Ask what would actually be useful. There is usually something, and it is how the club grows.
Ask about a place
Tell us your child’s age, which session suits you, and whether you would be able to help out. We will tell you honestly where they stand.
Enquiries are answered by a person, not an automated system.