The club actively encourages all junior athletes to enter athletics events / competitions as they can gain a real sense of enjoyment, fulfilment and sense of achievement from meeting a personal goal / target. The vast majority of athletics events are not elitist and cater for all ages and abilities. Your coach will advise you on which events are the best / most suitable for your age & ability and will help you to set a realistic & achievable goal to aim for.  

1. Local events & competitions :

The regional athletics organisation issues a list of all Road racing, Track racing, Multi terrain & Cross Country events in our area. The full fixture list is issued twice yearly and copies can be purchased via the club (fixtures lists normally cost around 40p).  

Entry to these events is by individual entry form, copies of which are usually available in the dockets in the clubroom above the riverside reception area.

2. Young athletics League:

Each summer the club participates in the National ‘Young Athletics league’ (YAL) which is organised by UK Athletics. The competition is based on a wide range of track & field events for athletes between 11 years old and 17 years old. We are currently in the North 1 East division and have competed in this league since being promoted from the North Eastern league in 2003.   

The competitions usually take place on Sundays and your coach will usually confirm if you have been selected to compete on the Tuesday before.

The club covers the costs for the YAL events and only asks junior athletes for a small contribution to the hire of a bus when necessary to take us to non-local fixtures.  

NOTE: One of the clubs aims for the Junior athletes section is to consolidate & improve upon our current position in the league, to do this we need the support and commitment of as many junior athletes as possible. If you are selected but are unable to compete please inform your coach as soon as possible to allow them enough time to inform a reserve athlete.  

If you have any questions about the YAL please contact Margaret Smith  who is the clubs co-ordinator for these events. YAL also have their own excellent website with details of fixture dates, venue details, results etc click here to go to the YAL website  

3. Harrier League (Cross Country) 

Each winter the club competes in the local Start Fitness sponsored Harrier League series. The harrier league is a series of cross-country events in the NE region open to all athletes 11 years old or over. All club members are entered for the competition and the club covers the cost of this, junior athletes are able to compete in any number of the events in the series.

The races are usually on a Saturday or Sunday and typically there is one event each month between October & March. Events are handicapped for all age groups, which give everyone an opportunity to progress towards the front of the race as the series progresses.  

4. National, Regional & team events :

There are a number of key regional and national level events held throughout the year some of which are open to all to compete and others which are based on qualification / achieving certain minimum standards. In all cases the club covers the costs of entering such events and your coach will inform you of any events that you have been selected to compete in. The dates of all the National, regional & team events are detailed in the fixture card.  

NOTE: One of the clubs aims for the junior athletes section is to emulate or better the performance of our senior teams / athletes in National level events, to do this we need the support and commitment of as many junior athletes as possible. If you are selected but are unable to compete please inform your coach as soon as possible to allow them enough time to inform a reserve athlete.  

Be prepared….

For Events all junior athletes …

-         Should arrive on time at the agreed meeting place (advised by your coach).

-         Have good quality running / training shoes for road / multi terrain events.

-         Have track / cross country spikes (needed for YAL & Harrier league events)

-         Have a club vest <<link to club kit>>

-         Comfortable shorts & running socks.

-         Safety Pins & race number (where issued before the event).

-         Bring warm clothing / jacket etc for wearing before / after events (including in summer).

-         Bring a drink of water or other non-fizzy soft drink.

-         Bring a packed lunch / snacks/ money for refreshments.

-         Should want to do it (Bring a positive attitude and a smile).

Optionally (not essential)…

-         Friends and family to cheer you and your club mates along.

-         Club jumper, jacket, t-shirt etc (to look smart & promote the club) <<link to club kit>>.

Results

All events will usually produce results sheets on the day and copies are normally on sale by the event organisers for 10-20pence from the race headquarters / results tent.  

In addition most national and many local events (including harrier league) results are usually available electronically via a free website athletics results service 

For press coverage many of the local newspapers cover some or all of the local races (e.g. Chronicle). Junior athletes are entitled to half price subscription to the ‘Athletics Weekly’ publication which is a dedicated athletics weekly news magazine click here to go to athletics weekly web site for more details.  

Look out for copies of race results posted on the club notice board in the club room above the reception area at the Riverside.

General Note:

-         Most junior athletes enjoy taking part in events however it is not essential for all junior athletes to compete and junior athletes are not under any pressure to compete if they don’t want, enjoying athletics is the most important thing.