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Top 5 Clubs for Budding Junior Athletes in Nottinghamshire

If you’re looking at choosing an athletics club for your child, there are loads of great ones in Nottinghamshire. Here are 5 that could be considered to be the best five clubs for budding junior athletes in the region.

Notts Athletic Club

Notts Athletic club is the largest athletics club in the East Midlands and has been established for over 90 years! There are more than 600 club members and their ages range from 8 all the way up to 80. This club was the first in the region to be awarded the status of UKA Clubmark. This means that the club operates a child-friendly and safe environment.

The club’s aim is for everyone to reach their potential in the athletics events of their choice. Anyone can join the club, no matter their ability. So, if you or your child simply love athletics, this is the club for you.

Notts AC train throughout the year, apart from if adverse weather makes the track or field unsafe. The main training location is Harvey Haden Stadium. For children aged 8 to 15, Monday is the main training night, Wednesdays and Fridays are also aimed at young people too.

During term time, Notts AC runs Satellite Clubs too. On Monday night at Arnold Hill School, on Monday at the Pearson Centre for the Young People and on Wednesdays at Carlton Le Willows School.

Sutton-in-Ashfield Harriers & Athletic Club

Sutton-in Ashfield Harriers & Athletic Club caters for athletes from age 5 upwards. The club covers all aspects of athletics including track & field, road running and cross country. They welcome members of all abilities from those who are absolute beginners right up to athletes competing at the county or national standard. The club has UKA Clubmark status.

Their training takes place at Ashfield Leisure Centre in Kirkby in Ashfield.

Wednesday evenings are dedicated to the Fun in Athletics Group, which is open to athletes between 5 and 10 years old. The Junior U11’s and U13-U17 groups train on a Tuesday and a Thursday.

Rushcliffe AC

Rushcliffe AC is fast-growing and welcomes anyone with an interest in jumping, throwing and running at all levels. It has Clubmark status and accepts members from age 8.

Rushcliffe AC uses Bingham Leisure Centre’s track and field facilities with weekly training. For the track, training times are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6:45 pm and 8 pm and Saturdays between 10 am and 11:15 am.

Worksop Harriers & AC

Worksop Harriers & AC accepts members from age 8 upwards with a passion for athletics, regardless of ability.

Joining the club is straightforward. Simply turn up on their Wednesday training night between 5 and 6:30 pm. During the winter months, training takes place at North Notts Arena and during the summer months, Worksop College.

Athletes will be encouraged to take part in team competitions. This will allow for progression to regional teams and competitions and will mean representing Nottinghamshire. This could also lead to joining national squads.

For membership, you’ll need to fill out a form and hand it in with your fee. Becoming a member means you can compete for the club in events either for free or at a reduced rate.

Worksop Harriers & AC is a really safe club. All coaches in the club have UKA Coach Licences and Passes and all have Enhanced DBS checks.

Newark Athletic Club

This sports club is affiliated to The Midland Counties Athletics Association as well as The Midlands Men’s & Women’s Cross Country & Road Running Association, the Nottinghamshire Amateur Athletic Association and UK Athletics.

Newark Athletic Club is a fairly small but very friendly club that welcomes anyone by arrangement.

The club trains on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The training takes place at the YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village in the town.

On Tuesday, Under 11s training is from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Under 13s from 7 pm to 8 pm and Under 15/17/20 & seniors from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm. On Thursday, Under 11s and Under 13s training is between 7 pm and 8 pm and Under 15/17/20 & seniors is between 7:15 pm and 8:30 pm.

Mansfield Harriers Juniors

Members of Mansfield Harriers Juniors will be trained and assessed in run, sprint, howler javelin throw and long jump and will follow the StarTrack scheme.

Training sessions for Juniors take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. In summer, there is also training on a Monday.

Training takes place in West Notts College Sports Hall and Ashfield Track.

Summary

Obviously, the club you choose will depend on your location but any of these five clubs will be a great opportunity for junior athletes to train correctly and become the best they can be.