Junior Foundations Groups

The coaches will discussion options for progression with the athlete and their parents, determining the most appropriate fit for each individual in terms of progression within the junior groups.

These groups are an entry point for athletes joining the club, who will have the option of joining either group according to their preference or balancing their training across the two groups. Although we recommend that one lead coach is identified to enable oversight of their overall training programme.

Athletes in this group will begin to compete, and the focus on this will grow over time. However the primary focus is still on enjoyment and skill development.

Track and Field Group (John Egan, Lindsay McEwan, Shaun Williams)

Age Range: 11-17

Frequency of Training provided: 2-3 sessions per week.

Numbers in group: 12-30 in each session.

Types of Activity/Events:

This group prepares athletes for a wide range of events, with a balanced programme across various activities, and given this variety there are a range of progression options as athletes mature from this group.

Track events up to 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump, shot put, Javelin, Discus, Cross Country.

Junior specialism group (George McKay)

Age Range: 12-17 (occasionally older by arrangement)

Frequency of Training provided: variable, bespoke programmes to focus on specific events

Numbers in group: Up to 5/6 in any given session or programme.

Types of Activity/Events

This is the multiple speciality route for those who want to focus on events at an earlier stage. All track distances, Shot, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump, Multi-Events.

MIXED AGE GROUPS WHICH MAY INCLUDE JUNIORS

Sprint Group (Clare Anderson, Jeff Anderson)

Age Range: 13-25 (occasionally older by arrangement).

Frequency of Training provided: 3-4 sessions per week

Numbers in group: 5-6 (aiming to grow).

Types of Activity/Events

This group is primarily focused on short sprints and hurdles (100/200/400/100 hurdles).

Middle Distance/XC group (Cian O’Rian, Pete Grimoldby, John Nash)

Age Range: 13-35 (generally under 25).

Frequency of Training provided: 2 sessions per week

Numbers in group: Variable depending on term time – up to 80

Types of Activity/Events

This group prepares athletes for participation in races of 800-5000m, and cross county/road race competitions.

Multi-Event Group (Chris Snook-Lumb)

Age Range: 13-80 (mainly 18+)

Frequency of Training provided: 4 sessions per week (with some gaps)

Numbers in group: <10

Types of Activity/Events

This is the multiple speciality route for more mature athletes who want to focus on specific events or pursue multi-eventing through to adulthood. It also offers a group for younger athletes who particularly want to try events not covered by any of the other groups (Hammer Throwing, Pole Vault).

Track up to 1500, All Jumps and Vaulting, All throws, multi-Eventing.

The balance of the work of this group across different events will be determined by the level of interest within the club for the specific events involved.