Sedgefield Harriers is proud to offer a friendly, inclusive and successful junior section, providing opportunities for young athletes of all abilities to develop their confidence, skills and enjoyment of athletics.
Our coaching pathway supports children from Year 1 through to 17 years of age, with sessions tailored to their stage of development. Whether a child wants to stay active, make new friends or progress to competition, we provide a safe and supportive environment where every athlete can thrive.
Our Minis section introduces young athletes to athletics through fun, engaging activities that develop the fundamental movement skills of:
- Running
- Jumping
- Throwing
- Sprinting
- Balance, coordination and agility
Sessions also encourage teamwork, confidence and the social skills needed to participate in both small and large groups.
Juniors (Age 8+)
As athletes grow, they progress into our Juniors group where they continue to build on their athletic foundations while developing more advanced skills.
Athletes are encouraged to challenge themselves, improve their technique and, when ready, represent Sedgefield Harriers in local and regional competitions.
Endurance Group (Ages 10–17)
From School Year 6 (approximately age 10), athletes can join our Endurance Group.
This welcoming and inclusive group is designed for young runners who enjoy endurance athletics and want to develop their running ability in a supportive environment. Our qualified coaches work closely with each athlete, helping them reach their individual potential while enjoying the journey.
Training focuses on events from 600 metres through to 5,000 metres, alongside developing the athletic skills needed to become stronger, faster and more resilient runners.
Athletes are encouraged to compete when they feel ready, with coaches providing guidance and support every step of the way.
Throughout the year there are opportunities to compete in a range of events, including:
- Summer Track & Field competitions (CDAN and NECAA)
- Winter Cross Country leagues and the NECAA Cross Country Championships
Athletes may begin progressing into senior training groups from 14 years of age, subject to the club’s progression guidelines and coach recommendation.
Please refer to the Documents section of the website for full progression guidance.
Sedgefield Harriers is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for every athlete.
All of our coaches and coaching assistants are England Athletics qualified and hold current DBS certification.
Joining
If a young person would like to join Sedgefield Harriers – great! The sessions and age groups are listed below.
Please email membership@sedgefieldharriers.co.uk. Assuming there’s a space, the parent will then be sent a link to an online data entry form that asks about data sharing preferences, important contact details and any medical conditions that the coaches need to be aware of. Once registered, you will be sent an electronic invitation for payment from the England Athletics portal.
If you have a subsequent query, for example if your child is on a waiting list and you would like an update, please email junior coach Sheree Lyons on shereelyons77@googlemail.com.
Renewing
When it comes to renewing the juniors’ membership, you will be sent an electronic invitation for payment from the England Athletics portal.
Fees
Regardless of age, school year or group, juniors pay three termly payments of £20.
Sessions
| School Year | Details | Lead Coach | Aims |
| Minis (Year 1 to age 8) | Wednesday 6pm-7pm Sedgefield Community College |
Stuart Park | Develop fundamental skills and foundation skills of running, jumping and throwing |
| Juniors (Age 8+) | Wednesday 6pm-7pm Sedgefield Community College |
Sheree Lyons |
Develop fundamental skills and foundation skills of running, jumping and throwing |
| Endurance (School Year 6 and up) | Wednesday 6pm-7pm Sedgefield Community College |
David Graham |
Development of endurance running. Development of athletic skills needed for sprinting |
Mutual expectations
The club has designed a document – New Junior Athlete Information 25-26 for parents that sets out what you and your children can expect from our coaches and the club, but also what the club would expect in return in order to make sure that the sessions continue to be safe, well organised and enjoyable for all, which will therefore enable your child(ren) to get the most out of them and progress to the best athletes that they can be!
Records
Girls’ Records * Boys’ Records