Young Athletes FAQ

What age can my child join?

Children can join our Young Athletes section from age 12 upwards. We accept Young Athletes up to their 18th birthday, after which they transition to senior membership. We have different training groups for various age ranges to ensure age-appropriate coaching.

Does my child need running experience?

No! We welcome complete beginners. Our coaches are experienced in working with children of all abilities and will introduce athletics progressively. Many of our Young Athletes had never done organized sport before joining.

Can my child try before joining?

Yes! Children are welcome to attend up to 2 trial sessions before committing to membership. Please email secretary@hbac.co.uk before the first visit so we can let our coaches know to expect your child. Parents/guardians must stay on site during trial sessions.

How much does Young Athletes membership cost?

How do I enroll my child?

When and where do Young Athletes train?

What does a typical training session involve?

Are the coaches qualified?

Yes. All Young Athletes coaches hold UKA (UK Athletics) coaching qualifications and have enhanced DBS checks. They also complete safeguarding training and first aid courses. Our coaches are experienced in working with children and understand child development. See our Young Athletes Coaches page for profiles.

Does my child have to attend all sessions?

No. While regular attendance helps with development and progress, we understand children have other commitments. Many Young Athletes attend 1-2 sessions per week. Just let coaches know if your child will be absent for an extended period.

What should my child wear/bring?

How do you ensure my child's safety?

Who is the Club Welfare Officer?

Our Club Welfare Officer is the designated safeguarding lead and first point of contact for any welfare concerns. Contact: welfare@hbac.co.uk. All concerns are treated confidentially and handled according to England Athletics procedures.

What happens if my child gets injured?

We have qualified first aiders at every session. Minor injuries are treated on-site, and parents are informed. For more serious injuries, we contact emergency services and parents immediately. All injuries are recorded in our accident book. This is why emergency contact details must be current.

Can I watch my child train?

Yes! Parents are welcome to watch from designated spectator areas. However, we ask that you don't coach from the sidelines as this can be confusing for children. Trust our coaches to provide the guidance and let them enjoy their session. For very young or new members, parents may need to stay on site.

What about photography at sessions?

We require written parental consent before photographing children. Photos are only used for agreed purposes (club website, social media, club records). We never publish full names with photos. Parents must follow our photography guidelines when taking photos at sessions. Read our Photography Policy.

Does my child have to compete?

No. Competition is optional and entirely up to you and your child. Many Young Athletes train purely for fitness and fun without ever competing. We encourage participation in competitions as they're excellent for development, but there's never any pressure.

What competitions are available?

Are there extra costs for competitions?

Some competitions have entry fees (typically £5-15). Cross country league matches may require team fees. parkrun is always free. We try to keep competition costs affordable and transparent. Parents are responsible for transport to away competitions.

Will my child be put under pressure to perform?

Absolutely not. Our priority is enjoyment, development, and building confidence. We emphasize personal bests over beating others. Coaches focus on technique, effort, and sportsmanship. Read our Young Athletes Code of Conduct and Parents Code of Conduct.

How does my child progress through age groups?

Age groups in athletics are based on the calendar year (January-December), not school year. As children grow, they move through age bands (U13, U15, U17, U20). Coaches adapt training to suit developmental stages. At age 18, Young Athletes transition to senior membership and can continue training with the club.

Do you train during school holidays?

Regular Tuesday/Thursday sessions run during term-time only. However, we often organize holiday activities, special workshops, or fun sessions during breaks. Details are communicated to members via email and WhatsApp groups.

What if my child has a medical condition?

Please inform us of any medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc.) on the membership form. This information is treated confidentially and shared only with coaches who need to know. It helps us provide appropriate care and adjust activities if needed. Children with inhalers should bring them to every session.

Can my child join mid-season?

Yes! New members are welcome at any time during the year. We'll integrate them into training groups and help them catch up. Training fees are prorated if joining part-way through a term.

How do I communicate with coaches?

Coaches are available before and after sessions for quick chats. For longer discussions, email secretary@hbac.co.uk and we'll arrange a conversation. We also send regular email updates and use WhatsApp groups for communication. We DO NOT use private messaging with athletes.

Is club kit required?

Club kit is not required for training. However, official club vest is required when representing HBAC in competitions. Kit can be purchased through our online shop when ordering windows are open (typically twice per year).

Can I help as a parent volunteer?

Yes! Parent volunteers are essential for running the Young Athletes section. We need help with: timekeeping, setting up equipment, competitions, fundraising, and more. All volunteers working with children require a DBS check, which we arrange. Contact us if you'd like to help - even an hour occasionally makes a difference!