Our Young Athletes (children aged 6 – 15 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.
Young Athletes
Young Athletes (Ages 6 - 15)
Our 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.
Training Sessions
Primary Section
Our Young Athletes (ages 6 to 15) train primarily at Crossford Bridge, where they receive expert coaching in a fun, inclusive, and age-appropriate environment. Children are grouped by school year and have the opportunity to develop their athletic skills across various disciplines.
| Session | Day & Times | Description | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Events Coaching with Alex Wort WED 13 and over | Wednesday: 6:00pm – 7:30pm sprint hurdles |
| Alex Wort Contact |
| Combined Events Coaching with Alex Wort THUR 13 and over | Thursdays: 5:30pm – 9:00pm. |
| Alex Wort Contact |
| Middle Distance Girls U13 - U20 | Thursday: 6:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Karen Hill Contact |
| Middle Distance Girls U13 - U20 | Monday: 6:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Karen Hill Contact |
| Combined Events Coaching with Alex Wort MON 13 and over | Monday: 4:30pm – 6:00pm - 400m hurdles |
| Alex Wort Contact |
| Combined Events Coaching with Alex Wort Tues 13 and over | Tuesday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm | Sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws. Training days, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays but please contact Alex to... | Alex Wort Contact |
| Sprint Coaching with Carl Worthington 8 - 18 year olds | Friday: 7:30pm - 10:00pm |
| Carl Worthington Contact |
| Sprint Coaching with Carl Worthington 8 - 18 year olds | Tuesday: 7:30pm - 9:00pm |
| Carl Worthington Contact |
| Sprint Coaching with Daniel Nelson Juniors U15 / U17 | Sunday: By arrangement |
| Daniel Nelson Contact |
| Sprint Coaching with Daniel Nelson Juniors U15 / U17 | Thursday: 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
| Daniel Nelson Contact |
| Sprint Coaching with Daniel Nelson Juniors U15 / U17 | Tuesday: 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
| Daniel Nelson Contact |
| Combined Events Coaching 14+ | Wednesday: 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Jess Taylor-Jemmett Contact |
| Combined Events Coaching 14+ | Monday: 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Jess Taylor-Jemmett Contact |
| Session | Day & Times | Description | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary & Young Athletes School Years 4–13 (Age 8–18) | Sunday: 9:30am – 11:30am (by arrangement) | Young Athlete Development All abilities: Beginner - County - National - English Schools Championship Track... Fee: £3 | David Marsh Contact |
| Primary & Young Athletes School Years 4–13 (Age 8–18) | Wednesday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Young Athlete Development All abilities: Beginner - County - National - English Schools Championship Track... Fee: £3 | David Marsh Contact |
| Primary & Young Athletes School Years 4–13 (Age 8–18) | Monday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Young Athlete Development All abilities: Beginner - County - National - English Schools Championship Track... Fee: £3 | David Marsh Contact |
Locations
Crossford Bridge, located on Danefield Road in Sale (M33 7BG), is the historic home and central training base of the club, affectionately known as its “mother site.”
Founded over a century ago, it remains the heart of the club’s activity, with the vast majority of senior and veteran endurance men and women regularly training there. Its long-standing heritage and strong community atmosphere make it a vital hub for athletes of all levels.
Address
The Clubhouse,
Danefield Road,
Sale
M33 7BG
Sportcity, located on Alan Turing Way in East Manchester (M11 3FF), is the club’s premier competition venue and a key satellite training base for many of its elite and developing athletes.
As a modern, high-performance facility built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Sportcity boasts world-class track and field amenities. It plays a crucial role in the club’s pathway for sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and combined event athletes, offering the infrastructure needed to support year-round training and top-level competition. With its professional environment and access to expert coaching, Sportcity represents the club’s commitment to excellence and progression on the national and international stage.
Address
Rowsley Street,
Manchester,
M11 3FF
Wythenshawe Park, situated in South Manchester, is a key training venue for the club and a cornerstone of its athletic heritage.
With extensive open spaces, a track, and a varied terrain of woodland and trails, the park offers an ideal environment for both structured training sessions and informal endurance runs. Regularly used by club members of all ages and disciplines, Wythenshawe Park provides a welcoming setting that supports the development of grassroots athletes through to seasoned competitors. Its accessibility and community-driven atmosphere have cemented its reputation as a vital satellite location that complements the club’s central base at Crossford Bridge.
Address
Wythenshawe Park,
Manchester,
M23 0AB
