junior athletics at leamington C&AC
Where young athletes begin
Leamington Cycling & Athletics Club has been developing young athletes since 1928. Our junior section welcomes athletes from age 8, introducing them to all track and field disciplines in a fun, structured and safe environment at Edmondscote Athletics Track.
All junior athletes are coached in fundamental movement skills — agility, balance and coordination — using games and challenges that make training enjoyable while developing the technical foundations of athletics. As athletes progress through age groups they move into more specialist training, guided by our dedicated junior coaching team.
Our junior section is led by Mary Carter, England Athletics National Coach of the Year 2022, with a team of qualified coaches supporting sessions across all age groups.
the junior pathway
How juniors progress through the Club
Ages 8–11 · U10 & U12 · Years 3–6
Run, Jump, Throw
The foundation stage. Young athletes develop movement skills and the technical basics of agility, balance and coordination through games, challenges and run-jump-throw activities.
All events are introduced at this stage — running, jumping and throwing — giving children a broad athletic base before they specialise.
Competitions available:
- QuadKids competitions
- School Cross Country events
Ages 12–13 · U14 · Years 7–8
All Events & First Performance
Athletes continue developing across all events while being assessed on technical aspects. At this stage athletes can train twice a week — a second session focused on their chosen event.
Those showing particular ability are invited to train more regularly and begin their competitive journey in earnest.
Competitions available:
- Youth Development League
- West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League
- Road Relays
- Warwickshire Schools
Ages 14–17 · U16 & U18/U20 · Year 9+
Specialist Performance
Athletes choose their event area — Running, Sprinting, Throwing or Jumping — and train with an experienced specialist coach. Regular competition and training commitment are encouraged at this stage.
This is where athletes begin their transition toward senior athletics, with many progressing to represent the club and county at regional and national level.
Competitions available:
- Youth Development League
- West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League
- Road Relays
- Warwickshire Schools
- English Schools
junior coaching
Led by an Award-Winning Coach
Our junior section is managed and led by Mary Carter, winner of the England Athletics National Coach of the Year Award 2022 — the highest coaching honour in English athletics.
Mary leads a dedicated team of qualified coaches who work with junior athletes across all age groups and disciplines. The junior coaching team is separate from the senior coaching structure, ensuring that young athletes receive age-appropriate guidance throughout their development.
“Our goal is to give every young athlete the best possible start in athletics — whatever their ability, whatever their ambition.”
Contact Mary: mary@leamingtoncac.org.uk
getting started
What happens when you join
Just Turn Up
No kit, spikes or specialist equipment needed for your first session. Turn up in comfortable sportswear and trainers and introduce yourself to a coach. Junior sessions run within the main club training times at Edmondscote Athletics Track.
Four Week Trial
All new athletes are welcome to join for a free four week trial before committing to membership. This gives your child time to settle in, try different events and decide whether Leamington C&AC is right for them.
Join The Club
After the trial, joining is straightforward. Annual junior membership is £139 and includes England Athletics affiliation, your track pass and all coaching. A reduced rate of £93 applies from 1st October.
Junior Training Times
Junior athletes train within the main club sessions at Edmondscote Athletics Track:
- Tuesday — 17:30 to 20:20 – (U10-U12 session 17:30–18:30 – U14 session 18:00-19:15)
- Thursday — 17:30 to 20:20 – (U10-U12 session 17:30–18:30 – U14 session 18:00-19:15)
- Sunday — 10:00 to 11:00 (no junior session)
Edmondscote Athletics Track, River Close, Leamington Spa, CV32 6AD
Get in Touch About Junior Athletics
For all junior athletics enquiries please contact Mary Carter and her team directly.
Or use our contact form for general enquiries. [Get in touch →]