Athletics for Children (in Dublin 15)

ELFOYZER

Hi all,

I have two children with an interest/curiosity in running and athletics. They will be 8 and 9 years old this coming october.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend how I should encourage their curiosity and perhaps develop this into good sporting habits.
Should I look at introducing them into an athletics club (not being a member myself)? Are they too young to join an athletics club?
Like all children their age, they'd probably enjoy it to begin and then become fed up after a while ( they went through the 'Karate phase' a while ago)
I'm a runner/triathlete myself and I'd like to think that they might take some inspiration from my efforts and as a result may remain interested in this type of activity.
We're based in Clonee and I would be greatful for your thoughts/recommendations.

Many thanks,

ELFOYZER

meathcountysec

ELFOYZER wrote: »

Hi all,

I have two children with an interest/curiosity in running and athletics. They will be 8 and 9 years old this coming october.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend how I should encourage their curiosity and perhaps develop this into good sporting habits.
Should I look at introducing them into an athletics club (not being a member myself)? Are they too young to join an athletics club?
Like all children their age, they'd probably enjoy it to begin and then become fed up after a while ( they went through the 'Karate phase' a while ago)
I'm a runner/triathlete myself and I'd like to think that they might take some inspiration from my efforts and as a result may remain interested in this type of activity.
We're based in Clonee and I would be greatful for your thoughts/recommendations.

Many thanks,

ELFOYZER

Bring them along to your local athletics club (www.dunboyneac.com) and let them try it out and see how they get on. All kids go through phases and jump from one thing to another. Age wise, as long as they are with a group of similar age/ability they should be ok.

RoyMcC

In my experience your children are just about the right age to be joining an athletics club. Any younger tbh and they are not likely to have the concentration to pick up the good habits that a club will teach them.

Unfortunately not too many clubs cater for the younger age group. However you are ideally situated for Clonliffe Harriers who are based at the national stadium at Santry. I see that they start children at U10 - your youngest will be U10 for athletics purposes in 2010. Why not give them a call - 8370278.

thirtyfoot

I was just about to suggest http://www.dunboyneac.com/ also and also suggest that meathcountysec could help further but was beaten to the punch.

Definetly get them to a club. I started when I was 7 and that was years ago and I still remember back with fondness the fun we used to have.

They are also at an age where they are unlikely to fear anything, will try anything and will pick things up very quickly.

GoHardOrGoHome

Le Cheile athletics club also caters for kids. They're based at Leixlip Amenities Centre which is pretty close to you.

http://lecheileac.blogspot.com/

They train on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

LeCheile himself could probably give you more info.

hunnymonster

Tingle wrote: »

Definetly get them to a club. I started when I was 7 and that was years ago and I still remember back with fondness the fun we used to have.

+1

dna_leri

RoyMcC wrote: »

In my experience your children are just about the right age to be joining an athletics club. Any younger tbh and they are not likely to have the concentration to pick up the good habits that a club will teach them.

Unfortunately not too many clubs cater for the younger age group. However you are ideally situated for Clonliffe Harriers who are based at the national stadium at Santry. I see that they start children at U10 - your youngest will be U10 for athletics purposes in 2010. Why not give them a call - 8370278.

I agree with all of above. My two (one even younger than yours) joined our local club last year and are enjoying the activities.

I would suggest contacting your local club(s) and ask them if they have a "little athletics program". This is targetted at the under 10's and teaches them basic skills in a fun environment.

See http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=5994 for details and contacts for your area.

downthemiddle

Celtic/D.C.H. A.C. cater for children in the Dublin 7 / 15 area. They are based behind the church on the Navan Road and cater for children from the age of 8 upwards. Mary McKenna, a former international athlete, is the driving force behind the club along with Dermot Nagle who has been a prominent athletics official for many years.
The emphasis for younger children is on fun, enjoyment and participation. Children of all abilities are catered for. Training takes place on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. During the winter months training takes place in the Belvedere College sportsgrounds and the Phoenix Park as well as Ashington estate off the Navan Road.
If you require any further information please p.m. me.

ELFOYZER

Hey there,

Thanks to all for your advise and recommendations.
I've contacted Dunboyne a/c and am gonna let them try it out to see if its they enjoy it.
Sounds very fun orientated for the children, should be great for them.

Cheers,