Sports Coaching
Athletics
Athletics
You may not know already, but here at Edinburgh Leisure we offer the largest coaching programme in the City. Led by professional coaches, our new athletics programmes focuses on fun and ensures participants receive a positive experience of athletics, with an emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and the acquisition of skills so that they maintain an interest in the sport. Not only that, they’ll have a blast meeting new friends and having lots of fun!
What is athletics?
Put simply, athletics is about running faster, jumping higher or for a longer distance, or throwing further than someone else. It's perhaps the oldest sport of all, with running, jumping and throwing events taking place thousands and thousands of years ago.
How do I get started?
If you really want to get into athletics there are lots of ways to get started. Currently we offer classes at 5 of our venues throughout the City:
Meadowbank Sports Centre
Ainslie Park Leisure Centre
Queensferry Recreation Centre
Craiglockhart Leisure Centre
Saughton Sports Complex
It's one of the easiest sports to get into, because you need very little equipment to have a go. In most cases a pair of trainers and some sporty clothes are enough to get started, we have the rest!
Saughton summer tasters continue
The summer taster sessions that took place at Saughton Sports Complex over the holiday period will continue to take place every Friday from 2-3pm at Saughton Sports Complex, and will run every week along with the school term. For more info call 0131 458 2177.
What age can I start?
We have lots on offer from pre-school, right through to teenager. Below is a description of each of the classes, including ages. During the classes participants will be able to try out all athletics disciplines, including javelin, shot put, long jump, triple jump and hurdles as well as sprinting and endurance running.
To find out times and locations of our classes, please check the activity & timetable search.
Mini Athletics
This is our class for pre-school children aged 3-5 years. It teaches basic movement skills for running, jumping & throwing. The ethos behind this class is “play and learn” and encourages your child to learn whilst having fun.
Introductory Athletics
This class builds on what your child has learned in Mini Athletics and is ideal for children aged 5-8 years. The focus of the class is “participation” and encourages participants to try every event in the running, jumping and throwing fields of athletics.
General Athletics
This class further develops athleticism with more focus on “getting better” at athletics events. It is suited to those aged 8-12 years and equips your child with the necessary skill base to enter a local athletics club.
Teens Athletics
This class is for older children aged 12 years and above. It is open to those who enjoy the sport and wish to continue with recreational rather than competitive athletics. It is also open to those who want to try the sport for the first time and learn the skills necessary to join their local club.
To find out times and locations of our classes, please check the activity & timetable search.
Development pathway through the sessions
Our classes form a pathway that takes the absolute beginner from grassroots activity through to club level where athletes can train for and take part in competitions at both a local and national level.
You do not, however, have to follow the pathway from start to finish as you can join our programme at any age and stage. Our coaches are able to identify differing abilities and alter each participant’s activity to suit their level of fitness and capability.
We have links with athletics and running clubs in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, providing a clear route for progression for those who want to take their athletics to the next level.
We hope we have answered everything for you, if not though, please see our FAQs or contact Jane Scott (Athletics Development Officer) on 0131 458 2177 or janescott@edinburghleisure.co.uk
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