The Blackshots Athletics Stadium, a local Athletics club in Grays, is excited to promote the upcoming TRAINING SQUAD Foundation event. Led by Chris, this program is specifically designed for athletes aged 11–13 years, who are in school years 6 to 8. The primary objective of this squad is to enhance athletes' physical development by focusing on their speed, strength, mobility, coordination, and endurance. To achieve this, the program incorporates various athletic events such as running, jumping, and throwing.
Athletes involved in the TRAINING SQUAD Foundation typically train for one to two sessions per week, with a particular emphasis on gradually increasing the training volume. By doing so, they will become strong and fit enough to eventually transition into a specialist squad at a later age.
Once athletes reach a certain age, usually in their teenage years, they will have the opportunity to join one of the specialist squads. In these squads, their ongoing development will be overseen by a lead coach. The primary focus in the specialist squad is to improve in the athlete's preferred or best event, while still allowing participation in other events if desired. The TRAINING SQUAD Foundation encourages athletes with talent across multiple events to continue working with other squad coaches in addition to their lead coach. As athletes mature, it is recommended that they engage in additional runs on days without training to maximise their potential.
The TRAINING SQUAD Foundation is fortunate to be led by Chris, an experienced coach who is qualified by UK Athletics and has completed various international marathons and ultra-marathons. Chris is particularly passionate about long-distance events and enjoys competing in them himself. Additionally, the coaching team includes Marcus Faulkner, a qualified assistant coach also certified by UK Athletics.
The training schedule for the squad varies depending on the season. During summer, core training sessions take place on Thursdays in the evening at the Little Marlow Athletics Track. Additionally, Saturday mornings also involve training at the same venue. Furthermore, event-specific training sessions may be arranged by invitation only. Occasionally, training sessions for hurdles, throws, and jumps may be available on Saturdays as well.
In winter, core training sessions transition to Thursdays in the evening at Naphill Playing Fields. Saturday mornings are spent at Hughenden Park Fitness & Conditioning, which is particularly beneficial for athletes interested in sprints, jumps, track racing, or cross country races. These sessions are designed to improve endurance and provide a fun way to enhance overall fitness and conditioning.
At Wycombe Phoenix, training is available throughout the year, including school holidays, with a typical break period of one month. However, there is usually no training on weekends when the club competes. It is expected that members of the club will actively participate in track & field competitions from April to July and cross country competitions from October to February. The club places great importance on the commitment of its athletes to both training and competing.
Membership at Wycombe Phoenix offers athletes the necessary training required for competition, which is a requirement of membership. The club highlights the importance of cross country competitions during the autumn and winter seasons, encouraging athletes to view races as training sessions and to enjoy the experience with their friends. It is important to note that athletes will only be asked to compete if they are capable and ready.
Overall, the TRAINING SQUAD Foundation aims to develop well-rounded athletes who excel in their preferred events while maintaining involvement in other athletic disciplines. The program provides a supportive and competitive environment for young athletes to grow and reach their full potential.
