The minimum age to join the club or to participate in club activity is 7 on the day
Newcomers under the age of 11 divide broadly into two categories
A parent or a responsible adult must remain at the club for each under-11 during the whole training session. This is for the welfare of your child and the other children.
Group 1 - General athletics is for the new or undecided.
In this group, children can have a go at all sorts of exercises and competitions running, throwing and jumping until age 11, when they can go forward on to specialise a bit more in their chosen activities with the older groups.
Group 2
Group 1 General Athletic "run-jump-throw" sessions for u-11s
These sessions are all on Tuesdays & Thursdays generally 1 hour from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Canterbury Academy track :
In both cases this includes warm-up, training and warm-down and boys & girls train together in ability groups. Children's attendance is variable, depending on other commitments.
Group 2 distance running sessions for u11s
Intensity of Coaching
Whichever group your child joins, in principle, the club favours group coaching for the young.
One-on-one training/coaching is discouraged until late teens when the athlete is in a better position to make independent, informed choices. Until then, the emphasis is fun among a group of youngsters of their own age, interest and ability.
Trying us out - how to join
The club offers three free taster sessions then you are required to join via the MEMBERSHIP tab on the website.
There is no need to book ahead for a taster session just turn up at the designated time and sign in with the appropriate coach.
What you need to bring
For each child bring
Do not spend lots of money on special trainers or spikes until your child really likes the sport and you have spoken to the coach.
Club vests and T-shirts are now on sale between 6-7pm at the Club or from The Running Outlet, 54 Palace Street, Canterbury CT1 2DY.
Club vests must be worn when entering competitions.
Summer Competitions
Winter Competitions
Coaches will advise you of the dates for these in advance and can usually be found on the website under Fixtures Tab or on notices in the Clubhouse.
Guidelines for parents of Under 11s
Behaviour
Our u11s group continues to grow larger and larger. To help the coaches make the session enjoyable and safe to all and to keep the session running on time we ask that parents & carers remind children of the following:
Helping Out
Our coaches are volunteers who would also appreciate any offers of help from parents to assist in a session, especially if the group is particularly large. Please offer your services.