General Information
Junior Ilkley Harriers, established 2003
Ilkley Sportshall Athletics was set up in September 2002 by a number of volunteer coaches who were all runners with Ilkley Harriers. It was obvious from the start that Sportshall Athletics alone was not enough. Their talent, enthusiasm and motivation was crying out for a local Junior Athletics club that could cater for their demands so......
Junior Ilkley Harriers was established on 1st September 2003 as a multi-disciplined club catering for children between the ages of 8 - 16 years from those who take part for fun & fitness to those who are incredibly competitive and wish to race. Over the last few years we have had boys and girls competing in Fell races at both local and Championship level; the highly competitive Complete Runner Cross-Country series, PECO Cross-Country Challenge series, Yorkshire, Northern and National X-C Championships, children attending U11, U13 and U15 West Yorkshire Sportshall Athletics trials and in 2008 we made our first appearance in competitiveTrack & Field Athletics.
Children who join Junior Ilkley Harriers can join in all the training and coaching that we offer (subject to availability of places for Sportshall sessions) and will be able to compete in the distinctive red and green running vest of Ilkley (£10 from Dobson & Robinson on the Grove in Ilkley and the Complete Runner, Leeds Road, Ilkley) and under the club name at races, as well as enjoying the benefits like structured training. When they reach 15 years they are eligible to join in with some senior training sessions and at 16 years can join the senior club based at the Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.
As from March 2007 Juniors Ilkley Harriers who compete regularly have been presented with colours at the end of each season - these are embroidered cloth badges (certificates are presented for half and re-awarded colours).
All our coaches and helpers are volunteers who give up their time to
run the sessions. The majority of them are also members of Ilkley Harriers
and have a general interest in athletics, but with very different racing
backgrounds and specific interests. We have gained recognised qualifications
in athletics coaching, Emergency Aid and Child Protection and the necessary
CRB checks.. We encourage parents and older juniors (14 years+) to help
at sessions and in return for 20 hours of voluntary work we will fund
individuals to gain an athletics coaching qualification. We also pay our
junior helpers £2 per session 'pocket money'.
If you wish to find out more about Junior Ilkley Harriers contact Neil Chapman or Shirley Wood; or email Shirley@ilkleyharriers.org.uk. And if you'd like to join us you can download a membership form and return it with £3 annual membership fee (cheque payable 'Ilkley Sportshall Athletics') to Neil or Shirley at any of our coaching sessions.