The squad takes athletes from school years 6 and 7 and develops them over a period of about two years, to the point that they are ready to progress to one of the specialist event squads where they can continue to develop their preferred event or, events. Most athletes in the squad compete at u14 level.
The squad aims to develop an athletes mobility, coordination, speed, strength, power, stiffness and endurance, and learn the technical skills, to enable them to participate in a range of events including - sprints, middle distance running, cross country running, hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot and, javelin.
We train all year round on Tuesday evenings at Little Marlow track, event specific training is provided some Thursdays during summer (depending on demand and by invitation only) and, cross country training is provided by our Endurance squad, on Saturdays, during winter.
Squad coaches
Graeme Kerr
UKA Qualified Athletics Coach
For existing members, if you have any squad related queries, please contact: your coach at the track or via email
About the coaches
This squad is lead by Graeme.
Training schedule
Summer Training
Summer training typically starts around April.
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Little Marlow Athletics Track - core training day
Thursday 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Little Marlow Athletics Track - by invite only
Winter Training
Winter training typically starts around the September/October
Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Little Marlow Athletics Track - core training day
Saturday 9:30 -11:00 am at Hughenden Park - cross country training provided by endurance squad.
Please ask your coach before starting any optional sessions.
Other training information
Training is all year round unless cancelled by the coach. There's usually no training the weekends we compete as a club.
Your Commitment to the Club
Please remember we are a competitive club over the the entire year, with a mixture of track, field (jump/throw) and cross country events. Membership at WPH provides training to compete, which is a membership requirement.
The club expects athletes at this age to compete in 4+ track & field competitions (April-July) and 3+ cross country competitions (October-February.) Full details are in the membership section under Competition.
During the Autumn & Winter we compete in cross country. You are welcome to treat races as training sessions instead; and have fun with your friends! There are many benefits to be gained from cross country and athletes who have had a good winter typically have a good summer track season.
Athletes will only be asked to compete if they are capable.
Chiltern League Cross Country Competition - Winter
Wycombe Phoenix competes in this set of 5 matches at various locations.
Everyone can take part, there is no selection process and Wycombe Phoenix will pay for your entry. Athletes run in their age category from U12 to senior. All results appear on the National Athletics Database (po10) and the top 3/4 will score us points to move up in the league (depending on the division and age category). You will see lots of WPH Coaches and parents at races. (We also put up a gazebo and WPH Flag to find us easily).
For 26/27 races are being held Saturdays in at the following locations: Teardrops Lake (Milton Keynes), Horspath (Oxford), Campbell Park (Milton Keynes), Cassiobury Park (Watford) Stopsley Park (Luton).
Cross Country is a team event, please try your best to make our Saturday training sessions and you'll also have super fitness for all your athletics.
Other Winter Competitions
Athletes will be informed of other appropriate competitions by Coach
Equipment
To enjoy athletics you will need a pair of trainers and later, a pair of running spikes. To compete for the club you will need a Club Competition Vest (and ensure to have your England Athletics registration number).
Running Spikes
Please bring running spikes to every session and arrive in trainers (it's not essential during trial sessions). When wet or slippery it's not safe to train for some activities like high jump, long jump and javelin without spikes. (Please ask if you would prefer to find some pre-loved spikes from another member)
Spikes for athletics can be bought for all sorts of events, from cross country to sprint, long jump, javelin and long jump. It's suggested to buy multi-use spikes (often sold as cross country shoes) for foundation athletes.
Spike shoes are usually a whole size bigger than running trainers. They are meant to be a snug fit, but allowing a "thumbs width" in front of the toes is usually good advice, running also make your feet expand!
They usually come with a bag of metal 5mm spikes that screw into the bottom with a spike key. The maximum length of spikes allowed on a track is 6mm, otherwise it will damage the surface. For Cross Country races and training at Hughenden on Saturdays you will need a pack of 9mm spikes.
If running spikes don't suit you for cross country, trail shoes are a great alternative. They're more like trainers with deep tread on the bottom.
Where to Buy Spikes Locally
Runners Retreat in Marlow specialise in running shoes and fitting, they offer a 10% discount to WPH members.
Sports Crest in Eden High Wycombe have a few typical brands like Adidas.
Decathlon (also in Eden) usually have a range of more budget spikes.
Socks
Remember to avoid socks made of cotton, which absorb water and causes blisters. Go for synthetic running socks, like Nylon,polyester and merino.
Staying Warm
We will train all weather: rain or snow we will go!
As the temperature drops below 10deg there is no reason to be cold or miss sessions. Layers work well, you might like to consider a base layer "compression top" for athletics/football (found in typical sports shops locally)