Rochdale Harriers & A.C.

Rochdale juniors at Clayton Vale, South East Lancs League, cross country season 2010/11

Rochdale Harriers & A.C. was formed in 1894.   We cater for athletes of all abilities, from those who have never competed before to the elite.  

The Junior section is key to our future success.  

The Juniors meet at the Athletics Arena in the Springhill Sports Centre, Turf Road, Rochdale, OL16 4XA.

Our training times vary slightly depending on the time of the year, from March/April until the end of September we train Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.00 till 8.30 p.m., from then onwards we train from 7.00 till 8.00 p.m. until the following March/April.

In our Spring/Summer training period we may finish slightly earlier than 8.30 p.m., particularly with the youngest group, and/or if the weather is poor, therefore we would ask parents to be ready to pick their children up at around 8.15 p.m.

If you are interested in taking part in athletics then we currently have an induction evening on the 1st Tuesday of every month, this runs from 6.30 till 7.00 p.m. The induction evening is primarily to help us to assess an athlete's ability, thereby allowing us to place them in the most suitable group, at the same time we also go through an induction form for each athlete that gives us their contact details, any underlying medical conditions they might have, previous athletic experience, etc.

Please ensure that you have suitable clothing as training takes place on the outdoor track from March/April to September and on some nights through the winter months if conditions are suitable. We also recommend that you bring a still (non-fizzy) drink.

Q5. Do Juniors have to attend Every Training Session?

We like to see athletes attending on both nights but once is OK as we understand you may have other commitments  

Q6. How Much Does it Cost?

The first two sessions free as a ‘taster’ and after that subs are £1.50 per session. After one month we require athletes to become a member of the club for UK Athletics insurance reasons.  Annual membership prices (including UK Athletics fee) are £7 for under 11s and £12  for 11 – 16 year olds. Full details are on the membership form which can be downloaded by clicking here. 

Competitions and races often require athletes to wear club vests. The club vests are shown here and are available at a very reasonable price from the club.

We also have a range of clubwear for purchase, incuding tracksuits, showerproof jackets and hoodies. Details of sizes and prices from Brian Moore on any training night.

Q8. Are the Coaches Qualified?

We currently have six coaches, four of whom are qualified to UK Athletics Level 1 or 2 standard and two are assistant coaches in training. Several of the coaches are parents of current or past junior members. All of our coaches have undergone full CRB background checks. Our Child Protection Officer is Janet Proctor.   

Q9. What do the Juniors Do at Training?

Typical training sessions in the summer season include warm-up, technical drills and practices, fitness work, skills development in all of the running, jumping and throwing events, and cool-down. In the winter, we have the opportunity to use the indoor sports centre where we do circuit training, fitness work, flexibility and Sportshall athletics.

Q10. What Competitions do the Juniors enter?

During the summer season (March-Sept), our athletes compete in a wide range of events across the North of England. In 2009, we were in action at open and Grand Prix meetings at venues such as Blackpool, Trafford, Wigan, Wakefield, Warrington, Oldham and Barnsley.

In winter, we have a team in the Greater Manchester Sportshall Athletics League, competing against other clubs in the region at four indoor meetings. In 2008/09, two of our athletes were chosen to represent Greater Manchester in the North West Finals at the JJB Stadium. 

Those who like the mud compete in the Red Rose and South East Lancs cross country series, while we also have athletes competing at Sportcity in a series of open indoor meetings run by Sale Harriers.

Entering competitions is not expensive and transport to venues can usually be arranged if required.

Q11. So do I have to be a really good Athlete to Join?

Athletes don't have to have any particular level of ability in athletics events, our coaches will help you to find out what you like or are good at and help you to develop. It helps, though, if you are reasonably fit when you join us. If you're just at the stage where you want to get a bit fitter and have some fun while doing so, the Community Sport Coach runs a fun and fitness session on Wednesday evenings.

Q12. Contacts

Contacts for Junior section enquiries are included here.

Q13. Printer Friendly version of this page

The printer friendly version of this page together with the membership form are  our information pack.