How clubs can increase their volunteers by registering U11s

At the beginning of each month, the number of under 11s registered by clubs are monitored by England Athletics, and for every 30 x U11s registered, clubs receive a free place on our Coaching Assistant course. This scheme is in place to offer support and benefits to each club that chooses to register their under 11 athletes as a commitment to supporting clubs in need of more volunteers and coaches.

To see the real impact of this initiative, we recently caught up with Ian Jennings, Quad Kids and multi-event coach at Aldershot Farnham & District. We explored how registering their under 11s has led to parents and older athletes stepping up into volunteering and leadership roles within their club. 

Benefits of registering U11s

“We register our under 11 athletes so that they can benefit from being part of a club. They benefit from structured coaching sessions, practising safely on an athletics track with access to safeguarding advice.”

Many clubs, like Aldershot Farnham and District, struggle with volunteer recruitment which can limit the amount of support they can offer to their athletes. That’s why registering their U11s has been invaluable in helping Ian and the club find more support and be able to continue to deliver sessions.

“Last year, we were the recipients of a coaching voucher, and one of our keen helpers passed the Coaching Assistant course and now helps out on a weekly basis. We now have six regular coaches helping the under 11 athletes.”

The Coaching Assistant course is designed to introduce individuals to providing safe and enjoyable athletic experiences for young people aged 8+. The course covers warm-ups, the basic principles of running, jumping, throwing, cool downs, and how to organise safe and engaging sessions for groups with mixed abilities.

Support from parents

The support from parents and more senior athletes has also been a huge help to the club. Registering under 11 athletes means that the club can capitalise on their support and help them onto the coaching pathway.

“There are keen parents who are always willing to rake the sand pit, help get equipment and put it away. We also often ask our senior athletes to offer inspirational words during sessions, like how is best to run 600 metres, why it’s good to practice all the different athletics disciplines, or how to throw a tennis ball further for example.

“It is invaluable any help we receive.”

The registered under 11 athletes receive an electronic pack, as well as an offer for their parents or guardians to attend a Leading Athletics or officials course free of charge to further encourage their participation.

The Leading Athletics workshop provides an introduction to the skills needed in delivering athletics activities for young athletes. It’s perfect for athletes wanting to support younger members at their club or parents who want to take their first steps into volunteering and leading. Individuals completing the course will be able to support an Athletics Coach in leading elements of a training session.

If your club is feeling inspired and wants to benefit from registering your under 11 athletes, find out how to register them now and be one step closer to receiving your voucher for a free Coaching Assistant course.