Image

Young Athletes (6 - 16 years)

Our Young Athletes (children aged 6 - 11 years) are principally based at Crossford Bridge. There’s further provision for endurance training at the Wythenshawe Park track and at Sportcity in East Manchester. These venues provide varied opportunities for children from six 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 club coaches are licensed by UK Athletics.
  • Many have first aid certificates
  • All 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
  • Children train in child friendly environments
  • Codes of Conduct for children, parents and coaches are published at the Crossford Bridge site.

During the summer months (April - September), all three facilities use their respective outdoor tracks (Sportcity also has an indoor track facility) and children are coached in various track and field events. During winter months (October to March), children 'run out' and train away from the clubhouse. As such, reflective bibs must be worn for safety reasons. These can be purchased at  Crossford Bridge. 

On leaving primary school, the children progress into Young Athletes groups (age 12 - 17). Those who’ve trained at Crossford Bridge on Sunday and Tuesday can continue to do as usual with an additional Thursday evening training session (7 - 8pm). As they progress through secondary school, many will become integrated into the 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.

Crossford Bridge

Danefield Road
Sale
M33 7BG

Training Sessions

Tuesdays: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sundays: 10:30am - 12:00pm

Training continues during school holidays. Newcomers can participate up to 3 times at £2 per session. If they wish to continue after this point, they need to become a member. Cost for membership is £30 p/a. 

Each training session thereafter is £1 for members

To join, please contact Graham & Ann Marshall on 0161 973 5559.

Colour Groups

For coaching purposes the Crossford Bridge Young Athletes are divided into colour groups by age and ability. The younger athletes (6 - 7 years) start in the Yellow Group. 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.

Wythenshawe Park

Wythenshawe Park,

Manchester,

M23 0AB

Coaches & Training Sessions

Click on a coach name below to contact them for further information

Endurance

Hurdles

  • Dave Lowe  - Tuesday & Thursday 7:00pm - 8:30pm,
    Sunday 10:00am - 12:00pm

Session fee is £1.

Sportcity

Rowsley Street,
M11 3FF

Training Sessions

The Run, Jump, Throw programme caters for juniors from 5 -11 years old. In these sessions youngsters try a variety of events and learn the FUNdamental skills that underpin all athletic and sporting movements. The skills that the youngsters develop will set them up for an active life, equipped with a skill set that will enable them to adapt to a variety of sports as they grow.

Over each term the youngsters work towards the British Athletics Sportshall Athletics Awards. This allows parents to see how their youngster is developing across all the skill areas.

The sessions run in 10 week blocks and the cost is: £38 for Manchester Residents or £47 for non-Manchester Residents. We then offer a 50% sibling discount once one child has been registered at the full price. If you would like to attend these classes you need to book a place by calling 0161 220 3800 or by visiting the centre reception.

  • Mini Run, Jump, Throw, Age 5-8 years, Tuesdays or Thursdays 5pm-6pm or 6pm-7pm
  • Junior Run, Jump, Throw Age 9-11 years, Mondays or Wednesdays 5pm-6pm
  • We also offer a pay as you go run, jump, throw session on Fridays for 5-11 year olds 5pm-6pm (just turn up to this class).
  • Cost: £1.20 per session for Manchester residents or £1.40 for non-residents.

Disability Sessions

There are disability specific sessions as follows;

  • Age 11 years and above, Mondays 6pm-7pm.
  • Age 5-15 years, Fridays 5.30pm-6.30pm.
  • Age 15 years and above, Fridays 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Sportcity Coaches

Click on a coach name below to contact them for further information

Hurdles

Multi-Events

Endurance