Competition (Age 11-14)

At 11 years our athletes in the main are more than ready to start competing, if indeed they have not already done so. They will probably already compete within a team sport environment such as football, hockey or rugby. They might also compete on an individual level such as gymnastics or swimming. Our task at the club is to prepare them to compete in either track or field. For some this will come naturally for others this can be a daunting task. We do appreciate this and are sensitive as to whatever barriers there may be in preventing a young athlete from stepping up to the mark. We encourage athletes of all levels to come and give it a go. The Borders Games provide a handicap system that in theory puts each athlete on the line together as they allocate different starting distances based on ability. This means athletes who work hard at developing their athletics will be rewarded. So it’s not just about how good you are but how committed you are and how much you can improve. We encourage motivation to come from within.  Much of the coaches time is used in getting the athletes in this group to move efficiently, while continuing with the good work achieved in the Basics group on movement competency.  During this stage athletes are also encouraged to be involved in other sporting activities.