Coaching Groups

At Victoria Park Athletics, we offer a wide range of training opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities. Our groups are designed to help athletes develop their skills, build confidence and progress through the sport, from learning the fundamentals to competing at the highest level.

U10–U14 Athletics (Born 2014 or after)

Our U10–U14 programme is designed to give young athletes a strong foundation in athletics. Athletes have the opportunity to experience a wide range of running, jumping and throwing events, while developing the fundamental movement skills needed to progress.

Our Coach Coordinator provides structured training plans for coaches, ensuring sessions are purposeful, progressive and focused on developing athletic ability and confidence. As athletes progress, sessions also introduce competition preparation and help them develop the skills and experience needed to take the next step in their athletics journey.

Our Training Groups:

Competition Group

For athletes who have been involved in athletics for some time and regularly compete. These athletes are generally more experienced and are ready to focus on developing their performance and competing at a higher level.

Development Group

For athletes who are ready to take the next step into competition. This may include athletes preparing for their first competition or those who have recently started competing.

The group also provides additional coaching support for athletes who need to build their skills, understanding and confidence in competition.

Foundation Group

For athletes who are new to athletics or are still developing their fundamental skills.

Athletes have the opportunity to explore running, jumping and throwing while learning the basics, developing confidence and building the skills needed to progress to the next stage of their athletics journey.

Training Times

From 5 October 2026

  • Monday: 19:00–20:30
  • Tuesday: 19:00–20:30
  • Wednesday: 19:00–20:30
  • Thursday: 19:00–20:30
  • Saturday: 11:00–12:30

Coaching & Membership

Sessions are led by qualified Level 1 and Level 2 coaches, following structured training plans prepared by our Coach Coordinator.

Training is open to all Victoria Park members aged U10–U14 who pay the monthly training fee.

Train as often as you like: athletes can attend as many available sessions as they wish, giving families the flexibility to fit training around school, family and other commitments.

Sprint Training(U16+)

Our sprint programme offers two levels of training, allowing athletes to train within a group suited to their experience, competition background and performance goals.

Intermediate Sprint Group

For athletes who are beginners in sprint-specific training or have some previous competition experience and are ready to develop their sprinting further.

Training focuses on:

  • Sprint technique and mechanics
  • Speed development
  • Conditioning
  • Preparation for indoor and outdoor competition
  • Regular performance testing and monitoring

Regular testing allows athletes and coaches to track progress throughout the season and identify areas for development.

Training: Monday–Thursday, 19:00–20:30

Event-Level Sprint Group (Selection Only)

For the club's top-performing sprinters who are working towards high-level competition.

Athletes selected for this group have demonstrated strong performances in their events and are working towards competing at a high level, with some athletes progressing to represent their country at international level.

Training focuses on:

  • Event-specific development
  • Advanced sprint technique
  • Performance development
  • Competition preparation
  • High-level training and progression

Training: Tuesday & Thursday, 19:00–20:30

High Jump (U14+)

Our high jump sessions cater for athletes at all stages, from those learning the event for the first time to athletes competing at national level.

Sessions focus on developing technical understanding, approach, take-off and clearance technique, while helping athletes progress confidently within the event.

Training: Monday, 19:00–20:30

U14 athletes: Athletes in this group must also attend at least one session of the general U10–U14 athletics programme

Long Jump (U16+)

Our long jump training supports athletes at every stage of development, from learning the correct technique and building a consistent run-up to preparing for competition.

Sessions focus on:

  • Run-up technique and speed
  • Take-off mechanics
  • Flight and landing technique
  • Developing power and consistency
  • Competition preparation

Sessions:

  • Monday: 19:00–20:30 — Richard Papworth
  • Thursday: 19:00–20:30 — Richard Papworth

Richard also provides support for athletes developing in the triple jump.

Throws (Discus, Javelin, Shot Put, Hammer)

Our throws group is open to athletes at all stages, from beginners learning the fundamentals through to athletes preparing for higher-level competition.

Training covers all four throwing events, with structured coaching designed to develop technique, strength, power and competition performance.

Regular Sessions:

  • Monday: 19:00–20:30
  • Tuesday: 19:00–20:30
  • Thursday: 19:00–20:30

Experienced & Senior Sessions

Additional sessions are available for more experienced athletes:

  • Monday: 17:30–19:00
  • Tuesday: 17:30–19:00
  • Thursday: 17:30–19:00
  • Saturday: 11:00–12:30

Coach: Gordon Innes

Endurance (U16+)

Our endurance group develops athletes competing in track events from 800m upwards, as well as supporting athletes competing in cross country during the winter season.

Training is designed to develop:

  • Strength and stamina
  • Running efficiency
  • Race preparation
  • Pacing and race strategy
  • Competition performance

Sessions provide structured coaching and support throughout the year, with training adapted to the track and cross-country seasons.

Sessions

  • Tuesday: 19:00–20:30
  • Thursday: 19:00–20:30
  • Saturday: Cross-country training during the winter season, U14’s can take part in the cross country training

Coaches: Graeme Laing, Jim Harvie & Ralph Connolly

Hurdles(U12+)

Our hurdles programme supports athletes at all levels, from those learning the event for the first time through to experienced hurdlers looking to refine their technique and improve performance.

Sessions focus on developing hurdle technique, rhythm, speed and confidence.

Coach: Moira Jordan

Sessions

  • Monday: 18:00–19:00 — Beginners
  • Monday: 19:00–20:30 — Experienced Hurdlers

U12 & U14 athletes: Athletes must also attend at least one session of the general U10–U14 athletics programme.

Pole Vault(U16+)

Our pole vault programme is for athletes with a solid athletic foundation who are ready to learn and develop this specialist event.

Sessions provide technical instruction and a structured approach to progression, with a strong emphasis on safety, confidence and skill development.

Coach: Jax Thoirs, Former Commonwealth Games athlete

Sessions: Fridays at the Emirates Arena

 

Disability Athletics

All Ages & Abilities

Our Disability Athletics Group provides a welcoming and supportive environment where athletes can enjoy athletics, develop their skills and take part in competition.

While sprint training is a key focus, athletes also have opportunities to explore a range of track and field events.

The group includes a thriving Frame Running section and opportunities to participate in club-level throwing events.

We encourage athletes to:

  • Develop confidence and independence
  • Work towards personal bests
  • Take part in competition
  • Develop new skills
  • Become part of the wider athletics community

Coaches: Gordon Innes & Martha Johnson

Training: Wednesday, 19:00–20:30