Looking for Track and Field

My oldest is 13 and was involved in organized sports starting at 4. I was the secretary and basketball commissioner for a youth sports association and I have never seen any sort of track and field related organizations for kids under 7th grade.

Good luck to you!

I'd contact the elementary school PE coach. If there is anything available in your area, they'd probably know about it. My Kinder and 1st grade girls do a lot of supervised running in PE every week. They are great about physical fitness training even at those young ages.

Good for you! Never too early to get them active. :-)

Where do you live? There are programs all around Austin, but I can't remember if any start as young as 5. Check out:

http://www.io.com/%7Egopper/CPC_Links.html

Scroll down to "Clubs (Track & Field, Cross Country, and Road Running) - Youth clubs in the Cedar Park / Austin Area"

Have you checked with Del Mar or A&M? There may well be programs within CCISD or the city recreation service.

My daughter began running track when she was only 6 years old and she loved it. Our local school district offers it in a summer program (I don't remember if it included 5 year olds). The practices were every day in the early morning, as were the track meets. Yes, actual track meets competing with children your age! She competed in the 50 yard dash and standing broad jump, also gave hurdles a try. She is now 19 and didn't stay with track but still has those ribbons hanging on her wall. Check with your local school district and city parks department. BTW, my daughter attended private school but this was a non issue.

The last two summers Baytown has had a track team for the community. I think you would contact the community center. It is designed for younger ages, but I'm not sure how young.

Here's the thing about that...

I started running at 5. I had tons of fun, and did very well. However, that much running is VERY hard on little growing bones. I would recommend waiting until late elementarty, or middle school before getting your son into track.
At the very least, I'd suggest talking to his pediatrician about it first.
I know this isn't the advice you asked for, but it's something I feel strongly about. To this day, I have problems with my ankles & knees due to running at such an early age.

My first instinct is to ask "why?" 5 years old is very young to start any organized sport. If your child just loves to run, then find a neighborhood school's track you can use together after hours and enjoy eachother's company!

There is a Track and Field camp in Kerrville that is run through the coaches of our local high school. It usually is in June. Your 5 year old will be of age to be part of the camp this summer. It is GREAT FUN! I have had 2 of my children participate in it and they love it. The practices are in the evenings and there is one track meet per week for about 2-3 weeks. The coaches are excellent and very encouraging. Call Tivy High School and they should be able to refer you to someone (Coach Palmer).

Try your local community center. If you are near the Deer Park area you are in luck!

Have you checked into the Runtex Kids running? They can tell you of any track sports for kids and other running advice.

check with your local high school coach. Our high school coach runs a summer program and children as young as five can sign up for this club track team.

What part of town do you live in? I know of something in the summer in The Woodlands.

D.