Track & Field Scheme (On Track)
The Scheme is for children in school years 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Our belief is that children should ideally gain a broad athletic experience in these early years before progressing into more specific training. All children will benefit from some time in the Bees Academy before moving on. Under no circumstances will younger children be able to participate in Track & Field Scheme. It is recognised by many leading authorities in the long-term development of athletes that a broad-base at a young age is far more beneficial than specialising at that young age. The drop out of early-specialisation athletes is quite high, although traditionally this how most clubs handle things. But we want things to change! We will now push that year 7 athletes are encouraged to take the Academy route rather than any other. As part of the U13 athletes development in the Academy, we will be looking to identify those who might benefit from some exposure to specialist sessions in addition to the multi-event approach we take in the Bees.
Children will be grouped into the 4 groups. In this way sessions will normally only have children covering a two year span.
Being a Bees Academy U13+ athlete will not preclude attending with a specialist group as well if that were desirable, however the really important thing is that the athletes that we hope will progress through to the main club teams, will have a well-rounded and broad athletic base upon which to develop their true potential. The U11 athletes will have the added benefit of not being inadvertently put under pressure when participating with much older children, and the fun will remain.
Endurance Scheme (Off Track)
This Scheme is for children in school years 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Despite a relatively high level of focus on endurance running skills, we ensure that the Off Track athletes are introduced to a full range of movement skills to improve their all-round athleticsm.
In the same way as Under 13+ children in the Track & Field Scheme will be able to compete, the same can be said for the children on the Endurance Scheme. Attending specialist group training sessions may be of benefit to some of the young athletes in this Scheme.
Mini Bees Scheme
This Scheme is very clearly focussed on fundamental movement skills for children in School Years 1 and 2. Please do not register Children before the have started school year 1.