How Old Do You Have To Be To Join An Athletics Club?

Most amateur athletics clubs want to train young people who are old enough or nearly old enough to compete in the various league competitions. They do not want to and are not usually set up to provide a safe ratio of staff and volunteers to children for the younger age groups (usually defined as under eights). The sport is segmented into age groups and the youngest competitive group is the under 11s. The minimum age for competing varies according to the event and the discipline but as a general rule of thumb clubs usually accept members from the age of 8 or 9. Most cite health and safety rules as a reason for not taking on younger members. Clubs do have membership fees so if you are not sure if you (or your child) will stick at the sport find a club that runs taster sessions or allows a limited attendance at normal coaching sessions before you have to become a full member.

There is no real age limit to joining an athletics club; although you have to be old enough to be capable of joining in, of course!