Juniors

Welcome to Valley Striders Juniors. The objectives of our junior club are:

for the children to enjoy their running / athletics.
to help the children to improve via the training sessions
to give opportunities for the children to take part in running and athletics competition at a level that is suitable for them

The official minimum age for joining is 8, but younger runners who have brothers and sisters or friends in the club may try the sessions and the coaches will then discuss the situation with the parents. Please note that there is a waiting list to join the junior section.

If you’d like to know more or wish to be added to the waiting list, send us a message by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page and someone will get back to you.

For the latest information about the junior club please click on https://www.valleystriders.org.uk/general-information-for-juniors-2023/

Training

Our junior training sessions are every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm. These are usually at Leodiensian Club (Leo’s) off King Lane, but occasionally at the Grammar School at Leeds. Check our calendar for upcoming sessions, or click to find out more.

Coaches

All of our training sessions are led by qualified and insured running leaders and coaches.

Competition

We encourage you to take your children to various competitive races throughout the year, from fun runs to national championships, as well as our own club events. Check our calendar for upcoming events, or click below to find out more.

Membership

Junior membership fees are currently £40p.a.. Juniors over 10 competing in county level and above must also be affiliated to England Athletics, which costs an extra £17.

Kit

We hold a stock of club vests and club running T-shirts in various junior sizes and printed with the Valley Striders name. Try for size and then you can take it away and pay by bank transfer.

Development

We encourage our older juniors to move up the ranks and become full adult members, and to help them do this safely and successfully we have introduced a Young Adults policy which you can read below.

Welfare

We take safety and child protection very seriously and we have two Welfare Officers to oversee all aspects of safety and provide pastoral care for adults and juniors as appropriate.

Parents

Parents or guardians must stay on site for the duration of the session, or nominate another adult to be responsible for their child. They are encouraged to help out, and are welcome to join in! Click to read more about parental responsibility.