Information for parents_

Joining information

Due to unprecedented demand, we do not currently have space to safely accept any more junior athletes at our Withdean training nights. We always try to find ways of providing more places and when we are able to, we will publish details on this page. 

If you wish to discuss your child's athletics potential with us, please use the contact form and select ‘Join PHX Membership – Juniors’. Someone will be in touch soon after.

Coaching young athletes

The club’s priority is for our youth athletes to have fun, remain in the sport and reach their potential. 

Young athletes are encouraged to do their best and celebrate their successes. However, this should not be detrimental to young athletes' health and enjoyment of the sport – or their long term development as athletes and in life.

Overtraining

Athletics is classified as a ‘late specialisation sport’. Sports scientists have found that it can take between 8-12 years of training for a talented athlete to reach elite level. Therefore progressive structured training with care taken not to over-train is paramount. 

Not only can over-training promote injury, it can also take the enjoyment out of the sport. 

While children are experiencing major physical changes during growth, it’s good to limit the volume and intensity of their training. As bones, cartilage and muscles continue to develop during puberty, teenagers are at risk of growth related injuries. Female junior athletes are at particular risk of strain in the legs, hips and knees, because the way that they walk, run and move will change when their hips start to widen. 

Studies have shown that the large drop out in the sport is often due to over training at a young age, resulting in athletes stopping due to injury/health issues or falling out of love with the sport. This is something we are determined to avoid for our athletes, and work with parents to ensure our young athletes’ safety and wellbeing.

Coaches and volunteers

Our coaches are experienced UK Athletics-qualified volunteers and are DBS checked. Coaches are supported by assistant coaches and parent volunteers.

The club only exists due to its volunteers and any offer of help is always welcome be it coaching, team management, officiating or any other task. Experience is not necessary and the club will pay for any training required. Please speak to a coach or club official if you would like to help.

Competing

Racing helps young athletes to develop both their athletic and life skills. We have athletes regularly competing in regional and national events, from the U11 age group upwards, with the emphasis on enjoyment and personal development.

Athletes will only be asked to compete in events they feel comfortable with and will never be pressured to compete in events just to gain points for the club. If an athlete does not want to compete they should speak to their coach/team manager/child welfare officer.

Track

In the summer, the club enters local U13 and U15 track leagues, giving athletes the opportunity to compete as individuals in a team environment. Club members also compete in open meetings, and regional and national championships. 

Cross country (XC)

In the winter, the club competes in the Sussex cross country league, as well as Sussex indoor Sportshall league. Club members also compete in regional and national cross-country races, indoor athletic open, and championship events.

A race list can be found on our Fixtures page.

 

Track & Field (indoors & outdoors)

  • Under 11 (school years 5 and under)

Age 10 or under on 31 August within the competition year

  • Under 13 (school years 6 & 7)

Age 11 or 12 on 31 August within the competition year

  • Under 15 (school years 8 & 9)

Age 13 or 14 on 31 August within the competition year

  • Under 17 (school years 10 & 11)

Age 15 or 16 on 31 August within the competition year

  • Under 20

Internationally this means any athlete of 18 or 19 years on 31 December in the year of the competition. In the UK athletes join this age group the year after they leave school/college (year 12), so some athletes will be 17 still.

Under 18 Men & Women recognised for international competition only
Any athlete of 16 or 17 years on 31 December in the year of the competition

U17/U15/U13 athletes move into their new age groups on the 1 October every year
Summer competition year 1 April - 30 September

Cross Country Age Groups & Road Age Groups

  • U13 (school years 7 & 8)

Must be 11 on the day of competition or 12 on 31 August prior to the commencement of the competition year

  • U15 (school years 9 & 10)

Age 13 or 14 on 31 August prior to commencement of the competition year

  • U17 (school years 11 & 12)

Age 15 or 16 on 31 August prior to commencement of the competition year

  • U20

Age 17, 18 or 19 on 31 August prior to the commencement of the competition year

Track etiquette

  • Direction of travel: The track can get busy, so to avoid collisions please warm up in the outside lanes only and in a clockwise direction (sessions will be run anticlockwise). 
     
  • Stay alert: Always look carefully before crossing the track. Never stand chatting on the inside lanes. Pay attention when crossing the track as athletes running at speed cannot stop.
     
  • Exiting the track: When finishing an interval, run right to your finishing line then off the track towards the inside. Never stop suddenly.
     
  • No headphones: You need to be able to hear the coaches and other runners, so we DO NOT allow the use of headphones while running. Phones in armbands are also discouraged for safety reasons. 
     
  • Follow instructions: Athletes should only go on the track if instructed by the coach. If you are on the track and someone behind you shouts "Track!" it means move out of your lane towards the outside of the track to let them through.
     
  • Stay off the grass: Always walk around the outside of the track, then cross where you need to be. DO NOT CROSS THE GRASS INSIDE THE TRACK (unless instructed by a coach).

Equipment & kit

Clothing

Athletes should come to training and races dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. 

  • When the weather is cold please bring gloves, a hat and a track suit.
  • When the weather is warm, shorts and t-shirts are fine.

Club vests should be worn for all competitions if competing for the club.

Spikes

These are light-weight shoes with removable spikes on the base. They are not necessary for younger children. 

As youth athletes get older, they can be beneficial for racing/training. Please speak to your coach about if your child will need spikes before purchasing.

  • For track/field completion and training, 6mm spikes should be used. 
  • For grass/cross-country training and racing in wet/muddy conditions, 9 or 12mm spikes should be used. 

Track & field equipment

Athletes should only use equipment such as javelins, discus, high jump area etc under the supervision of a coach.

Food & drink

Athletes should bring a bottle of water to training all year round. Sugary drinks are discouraged. Please ensure athletes are adequately fuelled before training and racing. Food should be easily digestible and a good source of energy, ideally consumed more than one hour before training.

Injury/medication

Athletes/parents or guardians should inform their coach if they are injured or have a health condition that may impact their training/racing or need to take medication such as inhalers.

Personal property

Athletes are responsible for their own personal property and any property the club lends them. Mobile phones and headphones should not be used during training without the permission of the coach. If you bring them to training, it is at the owner's risk.