Elswick Harriers Juniors Section is a vibrant and exciting part of the club – as a result we have a lot of demand from new young athletes – there could be a waiting list when you enquire, depending on age group.
You may be asking yourself if your youngster is going to be able to keep up. The answer is that if they can do a Junior Parkrun, and include any history of similar school events, then almost certainly. A Junior Parkrun is 2k (1.25 miles).
The Juniors Section athletes are 10 to 17 years old (after which they move to the Seniors at 18).
Much of the activities are at the club base in and around Newburn Activity Centre, however, we also enter teams into the local races such as the North Eastern Harrier League cross country (winter), and North East Youth Development League track in the summer season. There is an expectation that all junior athletes will participate in a few of these races throughout the year.
Initial enquiries: email us at juniors@elswickharriers.org.uk stating your child’s name and date of birth – please also include your phone number so we can get back to you.
What to expect
Apart from entering a few of the occasional local races, mentioned previously, our sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday at Newburn Activity Centre; meet at 7pm for a 7:15pm start, with a finish at 8:15pm prompt.
Note that we don’t expect junior athletes to win at everything they enter – we we just like them to give it a go.
Water bottles are only required during the warmer summer months; and high visibility clothing or bibs are needed in the dark winter nights. Headtorches are nice to have, but not essential.
Appropriate active wear is preferable, including running shoes; once your child is a member we have club discounts at a number of sportswear retailers. Elswick Harriers race vests are available through the club’s kit person, Steven – just ask for details.
We really value and welcome parent helpers – so you can improve your own fitness as well! Speak to one of the coaches (in the orange or pink tops) and we’ll give you some more info.
Coaches
All Elswick Harriers Juniors Coaches are fully qualified and licenced by England Athletics as Coaches or Leaders. They are DBS checked, and the club is fully insured.
- Jan Heslop – Athletics Coach
- Ken Heslop – Leader in Running Fitness
- Mark Todd – Athletics Coach
- Lee Coulson – Leader in Running Fitness
- Rob Emson – Coaching Assistant
- Andrea Banner – Athletics Coach
- Simon Allen – Coach in Running Fitness
- Harry Matthews – Leader in Running Fitness
- Kim Matthews – Leader in Running Fitness
- Paul Taylor – Coaching Assistant
- Justin Durham – Coaching Assistant
Elswick Juniors have competed in Cross Country events for many years. We have also seen some of our athletes compete for their schools at local, regional, and national level as well as representing the north east at inter counties level too.
The North East Youth Development League (NEYDL) gives young runners a chance to compete in track and field events. Please get in touch with the club for more information about these events.
Elswick Harriers takes the welfare of ALL of their athletes seriously. You can find more information on the club’s welfare, safeguarding and mental health on the website top right menu entitled ‘Welfare’.
