Junior Athletes
We have a flourishing juniors' section which is growing year on year. The main aim is to have fun!
Kestrels (u11)
The Kestrels group consists of young athletes (8 to 10 year olds) who are coached in a fun way in the disciplines of track and field athletics.
All Kestrel Athletes meet by the Sport England sign, trackside for registration. During Winter months the Kestrels will train in the sports hall and on the track according to weather conditions with a focus mainly on Sportshall athletics.
The children are introduced to the fundamental skills required to compete in every discipline; the focus isn't on how fast you can run or how far you can throw or jump, but on technique to ensure a firm base from which to develop.
Moving to the Development Group
Kestrels will move up to the Athlete Development Group (11-13 year olds) at the end of March when they are in School Year 6. There are three main reasons for this policy:
1. Sportshall and cross country competitions end in March.
2. Athletes of this age remain in the U11 age group until Mach.
3. They can become an outdoor track athlete from 1st April (U13 age group) and indoor competitions have finished.
Our Youth Policy document can be found here:
Athletics A365
Is a Multi-event young people development programme, which introduces athletes to the fundamental skills of athletes.
Athletes 365 focuses not only on how fast someone runs or how far someone jumps or throws but also more importantly on developing the technical skills ("how to run, jump and throw) required to perform at full potential and move like a champion. In addition to technical skills, Athletics 365 also looks at an athletes physical, mental and emotional development, as well as their lifestyle and social development.
This and further information is available on England Athletics website.
Development Group
The Development Group provides training in the full range of athletics events to introduce the athlete to all events and futher develop fundamental skills. Athletes will gain confidence and knowledge of what event they would like to specialise in and then move to an event group.
(This group used to be called Induction).
Training Squads for U15 and Older Age Groups
Training squads are for specific event groups. U13 athletes may gain experience with these squads through the Development Group or through specific agreement with the coaching teams:- Sprinting (2 squads)
- Middle and Long Distance (2 squads)
- Cross Country: athletes will be part of the middle/long distance squads with specific training outside of track facilities as arranged by coaches
- Multi events
- Throws: Discus: Javelin: Hammer, Pole Vault
- Beginning/Improver Running (Age 16 and over, training on Wednesdays)
Junior Code of Conduct Documents to be listed below:
Junior Club Rules
Vale of Aylesbury Athletic Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of its members.
The Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the Club should, at all times, show respect, are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the Club with a Club Official.
As a member of Vale of Aylesbury A.C. you are expected to abide by the following junior club rules:
- Members must pay annual membership fees for training or events promptly.
- All members must respect coaches, officials, volunteers and their decisions.
- All members must respect opponents.
- Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
- Members must wear suitable kit - for training and match sessions, Junior members are not allowed to smoke on Club premises or whilst representing the Club at competitions.
- Junior members must wear VoAAC vests when representing The Club at competitions.
- Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the Club premises or whilst representing the Club.