Track & Field Teams & Clinics
Youth Track and Field
Discover the thrill of track and field at Greater Indianapolis YMCA! Our expertly coached programs across Indianapolis are tailored for youth aged 4-12 to enhance technique, sportsmanship, and endurance.
RegisterDeveloping Young Athletes
Our youth track and field program is at the heart of our offerings. This program is ideal for children looking to improve their running technique, learn new field event skills, and gain endurance for other sports. Over a seven-week course, athletes train in various track and field events, including relays, dashes, and modified shot put and javelin.
Age-Specific Training
Competitive Opportunities
Diverse Locations
Cost Effective
Track and Field Running Programs
Youth Track & Field Team
Ages 4 -12
Our Youth Track and Field Team at The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and community building among young athletes. Training up to two times a week, the program allows participants to enhance their physical capabilities while instilling values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Sprints: Participants can engage in various sprints including the popular 100m dash.
Middle-Distance Races: Events like the 800m are available for those interested in middle-distance challenges.
Field Events: Athletes can choose to participate in field events such as long jump and shot put.
The program is open to children aged 4-12, catering to a wide range of young athletes.
- Irsay and OrthoIndy Foundation: Ages 4-12
- Fishers:
- Age 4
- Age 5-6
- Age 7-8
- Ages 9-10
- Ages 11-12
Irsay and OrthoIndy Branches: At these branches, comprehensive training is provided across all sprint and field events. This ensures a well-rounded athletic education and prepares participants for competitive meets.
Fishers: This location focuses on delivering age-appropriate training that addresses the developmental needs of various age groups, providing targeted skill development that is both challenging and rewarding.
Practice Sessions: During the 7-week training period, athletes engage in comprehensive practice sessions held twice a week. These sessions focus on developing essential skills in various track and field disciplines, improving overall athletic performance, and preparing participants for competitive meets. Coaches emphasize technique, sportsmanship, and strategic approaches to competition, ensuring athletes are well-prepared and confident.
Meets
- Dual Meets: After weeks of diligent training, athletes have the opportunity to compete in two dual meets. These meets allow participants to test their skills against their peers in a friendly yet competitive environment, applying what they’ve learned in practice to real race situations.
- All-City Meet: The season reaches its climax with an all-city meet, which brings together the most promising young talents from around Indianapolis. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage, competing with the best in the city and gaining valuable competitive experience.
Our programs are priced inclusively to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
- Members: $118
- Non-Members: $149
- Additional Costs: Uniforms required, available for purchase through our partnered vendor.
Participation in YMCA sports programs requires a uniform, which can be ordered directly from our vendor. These uniforms are designed for multiple sports and can be reused across seasons, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Youth Cross-Country Team
Ages 4-12
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers comprehensive Track and field and Cross-Country programs designed for young athletes interested in developing their running and field event skills. These programs focus on enhancing athletic performance, building endurance, and fostering a competitive spirit among participants. Each program lasts several weeks and includes both training sessions and competitive meets, allowing athletes to apply their skills in real competitive settings and improve through structured feedback and coaching.
Short Distance: For younger runners, focus on distances suitable for their age and stamina.
Long Distance: For more experienced runners, increasing endurance and tactical racing strategies.
Junior Runners (Ages 4-8): Engage in shorter, manageable distances with a focus on fun and basic running techniques.
- Age 4
- Ages 5-6
- Ages 7-8
Senior Runners (Ages 9-12): Prepare for longer distances emphasizing endurance and competitive tactics.
- Ages 9-10
- Ages 11-12
Jordan YMCA: The exclusive location for the cross-country program, offering tailored terrain and courses ideal for cross-country training.
Practice Sessions: The cross country program follows a 7-week training schedule with practice sessions held twice a week. These practices are designed to build endurance, enhance running techniques, and teach race strategies. Each session is tailored to progressively develop runners’ stamina and efficiency, crucial for the longer distances characteristic of cross country racing. Coaches focus on a variety of training elements ,such as tempo runs, hill workouts, and speed intervals, which are essential for building a strong running foundation and improving overall race performance.
Meets
- Mini Meets: Throughout the training period, cross-country athletes participate in mini meets. These meets provide a platform for runners to apply their training in a competitive setting, helping them to adjust their pace and use their skills effectively against other runners. It’s an excellent way for athletes to experience the dynamics of a real race and identify areas for improvement.
- YMCA Cross Country Meet: The training culminates in the YMCA Cross Country Meet held in October. This event is a major highlight of the season, where runners from various YMCA locations across Indianapolis come together to compete. It offers a larger, more challenging competitive environment where athletes can showcase their endurance and racing tactics learned over the season.
Our programs are priced inclusively to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
- Members: $118
- Non-Members: $149
- Additional Costs: Uniforms required, available for purchase through our partnered vendor.
Participation in YMCA sports programs requires a uniform, which can be ordered directly from our vendor. These uniforms are designed for multiple sports and can be reused across seasons, ensuring cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Clinics
Ages 2-12
The YMCA Track Clinic provides an ideal entry point for young athletes beginning their journey in track and field. Tailored for newcomers as well as those seeking to enhance their existing abilities, this clinic focuses on a thorough introduction to the sport through expert guidance and a nurturing environment.
Participants receive instruction in essential running fundamentals, including running form and stride technique. Our experienced coaches ensure that each child learns the correct mechanics of running, which is crucial for preventing injuries and improving efficiency. The clinics also cover proper warm-up and cool-down routines, helping young athletes establish good habits from the start.
- Structured Sessions: The clinic sessions are structured to provide a balance of instruction, practice, and fun. Each session is designed to keep the young athletes engaged and motivated, with a variety of activities that cater to different skill levels.
- Progressive Learning: Over the course of the clinic, participants will experience a progressive learning curve, starting from the very basics to more advanced aspects of running. This ensures a comprehensive understanding and ability to apply what they’ve learned effectively in their future athletic endeavors.
- Ransburg YMCA: Ages 2-12
- Benjamin Harrison YMCA: Ages 3-12
- OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA: Ages 4-12
- Jordan YMCA: Ages 4-15
- Fishers YMCA: Ages 5-12
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: The skills learned at the track clinic have wide-ranging benefits that go beyond the track, aiding performance in virtually any sport.
- Building Confidence: As participants see their skills improve, their confidence grows, which is essential for their development both as athletes and individuals.
- Social Development: Interacting with peers and coaches in a structured setting helps young athletes develop social skills and teamwork.
Our programs are priced inclusively to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
- Members: $41
- Non-Members: $54
Find Your Nearest Track and Field Hub
Our track and field clubs near me are located across several branches, including Fishers, Irsay, Jordan, OrthoIndy Foundation, Benjamin Harrison, and Ransburg. Each location offers unique programs and facilities that cater to the needs of young athletes.
Are you ready to enroll your child in one of our track and field or cross-country programs? Visit our website or speak to the front desk at any of our locations to find the perfect fit for your young athlete and start their track and field journey today!
