Training - Track and Field, Sportshall Athletics, X-country, Road Running

Summer Training - Training Fee: £5 per attending week

Mondays and Wednesdays are for all athletes and usually cover every event group (Sprints, Distance, Jumps, Throws). These sessions are often split into two units cover more events.

Athletes are able to change groups each week and at the halfway stage in each session to try new events or practice other events for a competition. However we will recommend certain athletes to stick with a group if they are developing well in that area or feel they need the extra practice there.

Fridays are for competitive under 13s and older. For this session coaches will contact the group to let them know what event(s) are being covered that week. Fridays usually cover a throwing event as well as jumps or hurdles.

If an athlete is looking for extra practice in an event that isn't offered that week they must speak to their coach who will be able to arrange to add, for example, a track session to the Friday for those athletes.

Saturdays/Sundays for all age groups but are invite only. Due to competitions these sessions are not every weekend. Coaches will arrange a session at a local track (Canterbury or Ashford) and invite any athletes that have been looking for the practice.

Athletes that are wanting extra training at a weekend need to talk to their coach and arrange a session in their event.

Winter Training - Training Fee: £5 per attending week

Monday training in winter: Monday night training is all about building and reinforcing the fundamental skills required for Run, Jump, Throw in a friendly and fun environment.  This creates the foundation for trialling the various event groups at U13 before starting to specialise at U15 and older.   

Wednesdays are for all athletes and usually cover every event group (Sprints, Distance, Jumps, Throws). These sessions are split in two halves to cover more events.

Athletes are able to change groups each week and at the halfway stage in each session to try new events or practice other events for a competition. However we will sometimes recommend certain athletes to a group if they are developing well in that area and feel they need the extra practice there.

Throughout the winter we make a focus on athlete fitness and stamina increases, making sure they are able to train through the specific drills and exercises their events require - this involves things like circuit training and the ever popular Multistage Fitness test (bleep test).

As our athletes compete in the Kent Sportshall league we also make sure to practise the events at those competitions including Vertical Jump, Speed Bounce, Standing Long Jump and more.

Fridays are for our Under 15s and above only and will involve fitness, stamina and weight training. Our High Jump group also have technical sessions, at which all High Jumpers are invited. Coaches will let athletes know in advance when HJ sessions are on.

What will you need (Track and field+Road Running)

Starting out at training you'll need some comfortable running/exercise gear such as a tracksuit or shorts, t shirt and jumper. Training shoes are recommended (over converse and other styles) as you'll want some shoes with some support/cushioning for a range of exercise. Most importantly, you'll need a drink.

On the roads you'll want to dress for the weather, running leggings are a great option for cold weather. However you MUST wear something Hi-Vis to help you be spotted by traffic. As with the track athletes you'll need comfortable running shoes, something with support/cushioning. These should be a good fit shoe - too tight or loose may contribute to injury later down the line.

Later on you may wish to invest in a pair of tack spikes, throwing shows or cross country spikes, depending on what event(s) you want to focus on. Club coaches can talk you through options when it comes to spikes to help make sure you get the spikes/shoes you need.