Primary / Young Athletes Section: 6yrs - 16yrs

The Primary / Young Athletes Section of Sale Harriers is based at the Crossford Bridge Track, Danefield Road, Sale, M33 7WR, and provides opportunities for children from 6 years upwards to receive coaching and to compete in all types of athletic events in a child friendly atmosphere, within groups of their own age band.

All of our coaches are licensed by UK Athletics. Many coaches have first aid certificates. We have an active Child Protection Policy under which the coaches and helpers are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. The club holds an equity in sport policy. our policies and practices operate in a child friendly manner. Codes of conduct for children, parents and coaches are published in the clubhouse.

Training is every Sunday 10:30-11:30am and Tuesday 7-8pm, including school holidays. Your child can participate 3 times at £2 per session to see if they would like to join, after which an annual membership of £20 per annum is payable and renewed every January.

The cost of each training session is £1 for members, and £2 for newcomers.

SUMMER TRAINING APRIL-SEPTEMBER

All groups use the track and are coached in various track and field events, and their weekly achievements are collated towards various Badge/Certificate schemes, which are awarded to the children at our annual Presentation night in October.

WINTER TRAINING - OCTOBER - MARCH

All groups are involved in endurance events e.g. Cross Country running.  This involves running out from the club facility and using the Sale Water Park and surrounding areas, therefore it is essential that a reflective bib is worn for safety reasons.  These can be purchased at our kit shop.  It is advisable to bring extra dry clothing to change into.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

We hold various events where the children can represent Sale Harriers and also have the opportunity to be selected for various league fixtures.  We also have Norwich Union Startrak Athletics activity weeks during the school summer holidays.

On leaving primary school they progress into young athletes groups that still train at Crossford Bridge on Sunday and Tuesday as usual - but might also include a Thursday evening.  As they progress through secondary school many will eventually be integrated into training at Wythenshawe Park and/or Sportcity dependent on their chosen events.  However a place is always available to remain at Crossford Bridge in other directions e.g. Group Helpers / Young Coaches / Track Officials, etc.

For coaching purposes the Young Athletes are divided into colour groups by age and ability. The younger athletes (6 and 7 yrs of age) start in the Yellow Group  and their progression is then into the Red Group,   Green Group,   White Group, Purple Group (multi events) or Middle Distance girls and boys. Each group has a team of qualified coaches and helpers.

Sale Harriers Manchester is a voluntary organisation - where all coaches and helpers give their time freely to your children and to the running of the club.  We welcome any support from parents who wish to help / assist in the children's groups / become Coaches / be actively involved in some part of Club life.