London's landscape for junior athletics is broad, offering everything from gentle introduction classes for toddlers to serious track development for older children. For parents whose youngest children need a soft start focusing purely on movement and fun, providers like Mini Athletics South East London Ltd offer engaging activities designed to build a positive first impression. The pricing generally sits in the 'mid' band for specialised coaching, though some larger council-managed facilities offer access fees that fall into a more budget-friendly category. Expect most structured clubs to focus on primary and secondary ages, building foundational skills before considering a competition pathway.
See our top picks
Mini Athletics South East London
The smaller group sizes and consistent approach for toddlers and preschoolers make this a reassuring entry point for the very young or nervous first-timer.
Battersea Park Millennium Arena
As a publicly accessible track, this venue in Battersea often features the lowest participation costs, perfect for older children needing space to train without a heavy term commitment.
Parliament Hill Fields Athletics Track
Because this is a major public facility, there is often a greater chance of finding drop-in options or varied session times hosted by different affiliated clubs.
31 Athletics Providers in London
The classes for toddlers and preschool aged children use engaging games to build a positive association with track and field activities.
This provider runs fantastic athletics classes for young children in South East London, using fun, structured games to introduce running, jumping, and throwing. Sessions are designed for active kids from toddler age upwards, building foundational movement skills in a supportive setting.
- Highly positive parent feedback and reviews noted
- Focus on simple, engaging movement skills
- Website lists session times by age group
London Heathside provides a clear competition pathway for older, dedicated young athletes alongside general track and field for primary age.
This established club provides athletics training for primary and secondary school aged children at the Finsbury Park Athletics Track in North London. They foster a strong community for young athletes progressing from introductory running to more competitive track and field disciplines.
- Offers a trial session to sample the training environment
- Club sessions held at a dedicated athletics venue
- Structured pathway for progression in athletics
The club trains across various venues, giving young athletes exposure to different track and field environments in the Tower Hamlets area.
Based near Victoria Park, this club welcomes primary and secondary school children for athletics training, focusing on fun and skill development across all track and field events. They provide a supportive environment for young athletes in the East London area.
- Hosts training sessions indoors and outdoors as needed
- Welcomes beginners and those seeking competition
- Contact them directly for current age group availability
This Southwark-based group is a dedicated charity providing athletics for children with a specific focus on inclusive participation.
This charity runs athletics sessions in Southwark Park for primary and secondary children, specialising in inclusive sport for a wide range of abilities and needs. Young athletes benefit from structured coaching in a welcoming, supportive Southwark atmosphere.
- A charity organisation prioritising inclusive participation
- Sessions held at the Southwark Park Athletics Centre
- Very positive parent feedback noted for inclusivity
This Southwark athletics club provides training opportunities suitable for older primary and secondary school athletes aiming for competition.
Southwark Athletics Club provides serious track and field coaching for primary and secondary school aged athletes based in Southwark at the local athletics centre. This club is geared towards progression and competitive involvement in various athletics disciplines.
- Offers a trial session before committing to membership
- Training takes place at the Hawkstone Road venue
- Focus is on developing core athletics skills
KIDS IN2 SPORTS offers introductory athletics as part of a wider multi-sport programme for preschool and primary children around the City area.
This organisation runs multi-sport sessions including athletics basics for preschool and primary school children across London, often operating within local school facilities. They aim to give younger kids broad exposure to different sports in a fun, engaging City setting.
- Website details various London school locations
- Focus on making sports fun for younger kids
- Good option for after-school activity blocks
This is a major council-run outdoor athletics track facility in Hampstead, providing space for numerous youth athletics clubs and general fitness.
The council-run athletics track on Parliament Hill offers fantastic outdoor running and field facilities for primary and secondary athletes training in the Hampstead area. While primarily for general use, local clubs often hire the space for their youth athletics sessions.
- This is a public track facility, check club schedules
- Located on Hampstead Heath with beautiful views
- Budget-friendly access for pre-booked club use
Kent AC provides athletics coaching across track, field, and cross country for older primary and secondary athletes in the South East London region.
Kent AC offers athletics training for all ages, including structured sessions for primary and secondary school children at their Ladywell Fields base in South East London. They cover track, field, and cross country running disciplines for keen young participants.
- Offers trial opportunities for prospective new members
- Training is held at the Ladywell Fields venue
- Covers track, field, and long-distance running
The club uses the well-equipped Weir Archer Athletics and Fitness Centre for its varied athletics sessions for older primary and secondary kids.
This Kingston upon Thames club offers dedicated athletics coaching for primary and secondary school children at the Weir Archer Centre, covering track and field events. They provide a friendly environment with a clear pathway for young athletes looking to compete.
- Trial sessions are often available for newcomers
- Uses both indoor and outdoor training facilities
- Located near Kingston upon Thames for easy access
This academy focuses on group running activities as part of its athletics provision for primary and secondary aged children in North London.
iSports Academy runs athletics and running-focused activities for primary and secondary school children in the Wood Green area, often utilising local outdoor spaces. The sessions aim to build fitness and fundamental movement skills for young participants.
- RunTogether platform is used for session information
- Focus seems strong on group running activities
- Check the specific Wood Green location for session times
Harrow AC offers comprehensive athletics coaching for primary and secondary ages at the Bannister Sports Centre, including both track and field elements.
Harrow Athletic Club provides structured athletics training for primary and secondary school children, operating from the Bannister Sports Centre in the Harrow area. The club covers all major track and field disciplines and welcomes athletes looking to improve skills or compete.
- Offers trial periods for interested young athletes
- Training takes place at the Bannister Sports Centre venue
- Covers a wide range of track and field events
This academy provides specific athletics training for children using the facilities at the Croydon Sports Arena in South London.
Based at the Croydon Sports Arena, this academy focuses on developing athletics skills for primary and secondary school children in the Croydon area. Young participants can access dedicated track and field coaching sessions on a proper arena surface.
- Sessions are held at the dedicated Croydon Sports Arena
- Likely follows a term or squad-based structure
- Coaching covers key athletics events
The club benefits from access to the dedicated indoor athletics centre at Brunel University for year-round training for older children.
West London Track & Field hosts athletics sessions for preschool through secondary ages at the Brunel University Indoor Athletics Centre in Uxbridge. They offer coaching across various disciplines and provide an opportunity for young athletes to train year-round.
- Utilises the Brunel University Indoor Athletics Centre
- Trial sessions are available for new members
- Covers a full range of track and field events
The Little Runners concentrates its athletics introduction on fun running activities specifically for toddlers and primary school ages in Woodford.
This organisation runs running and movement classes, including athletics basics, primarily for toddlers, preschool, and primary school children in the Woodford area. The sessions focus heavily on making running enjoyable in an accessible community setting.
- Website suggests a focus on younger age groups
- Classes appear to be mostly located within schools
- Booking seems term-based via their website
This Willesden-based academy runs regular athletics sessions throughout the week, including Tuesday and Thursday evening slots for school-aged children.
Track Academy offers athletics coaching for children from preschool age through secondary school at the Willesden Sports Centre in Willesden. Sessions are scheduled on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, providing regular opportunities for track skill development.
- Training sessions are held across weekdays and Saturdays
- The main training location is Willesden Sports Centre
- A charity structure often implies good value for money
A publicly accessible outdoor track venue in Battersea Park, useful for older children needing dedicated running space.
The council-run Battersea Park Millennium Arena in SW11 offers an outdoor track space where older primary and secondary children can practice athletics skills. While the space is shared, it provides a dedicated track environment in Battersea Park for general running and track work.
- Council-managed public access athletics track in Battersea Park
- Best for self-guided practice or pre-booked club sessions
- Outdoor venue only, located in the South West London area
Specialises in athletics-related fun and movement for toddlers and younger primary kids, using games to build basic running coordination.
The Little Runners hosts athletics based movement classes for toddlers and young primary school children in Woodford and other local areas. These sessions use playful games to introduce foundational athletics skills like running, hopping, and throwing in a gentle, non-competitive environment.
- Classes are often delivered within school settings during term time
- Strong focus on developing fundamental movement patterns for younger kids
- Offers specific sessions targeting the youngest age groups
A premier South London outdoor athletics track where various clubs offer performance and development coaching for older juniors.
Tooting Bec hosts one of London's finest outdoor tracks, which is used by several clubs for athletics coaching suitable for primary and secondary school children. Managed by Enable Leisure and Sports, parents need to search for specific club affiliations to find ongoing junior athletics lessons here.
- Home to a very high-standard outdoor athletics track facility
- Indoor provision is available at the attached gym complex
- Bookings for structured junior athletics programmes vary by provider
Provides indoor hall access in central Pimlico for general athletic drills and agility work used by associated junior clubs.
This Everyone Active centre in Pimlico features indoor sports halls which can be utilised for general athletics drills and movement classes for primary and secondary aged children. Parents looking for regular athletics coaching should check the centre's activity schedule for specific junior sports clubs hiring the space.
- Offers access to indoor facilities for movement and agility training
- Central location makes it accessible for many London families
- Check the programme guide for specific junior athletics clubs operating
This Victoria-based specialist running shop is a valuable resource for personalised running advice and gear for older children participating in athletics.
While primarily a specialist running shop in Victoria, Run and Become facilitates athletics coaching and advice, often focusing on one-to-one sessions for older primary and secondary age runners. Parents looking for expert advice on running technique or gear for their young athlete should visit this London hub.
- Primarily a retail store with associated running advice
- Good resource for performance gear in Victoria
- Focus leans towards older, more committed young runners
Offers dedicated training sessions for young athletes in Highgate, with an established structure supporting competitive athletics involvement.
Highgate Harriers is a prominent club with youth sections training for athletics development across different age brackets in the Highgate area and surrounds. Young athletes benefit from coached sessions focused on fundamental movement skills before moving onto event-specific training.
- Visitors can attend one session before committing to membership
- Training often utilises Parliament Hill Fields
- Coaching covers all core track and field disciplines
A long-running Wimbledon club with junior coaching designed to build fundamental athletic abilities in a supportive group setting.
This established Wimbledon athletics club welcomes young athletes from beginner level through to more dedicated competitors in its junior section. Sessions cover a wide range of track and field activities, aiming to develop speed, agility, and general fitness for kids aged five and up.
- Taster sessions are available for prospective new members
- The club has a strong history in track and cross country
- Focus remains on foundational athletic skills for juniors
Offers progression through structured squads for young athletes training at the Finsbury Park Athletics Track in North London.
London Heathside provides structured athletics training sessions specifically for young athletes at their Finsbury Park base and nearby indoor facilities during winter months. Primary and secondary aged children learn running, jumping, and throwing skills within a friendly, competitive club setting.
- New members can arrange a trial before full sign-up
- Main sessions held at the prominent Finsbury Park Track
- Offers training for a variety of track and field events
This resource provides a curated list of junior running clubs, useful for parents seeking athletics training with a strong emphasis on endurance and track running.
While primarily a running shop, Run and Become lists several affiliated junior athletics clubs across London, catering mainly to primary and secondary aged children who focus on running events. This directory page acts as a central hub to find local running clubs in the Westminster area and beyond.
- This link directs to an external list of various junior clubs
- Focus is heavily skewed towards distance and track running
- The main shop is located near Westminster for gear advice
A traditional athletics club in the West London area offering coaching across the full spectrum of track and field events for school-aged children.
Thames Valley Harriers welcomes young athletes into their junior section for coaching in all core athletics disciplines, covering jumping, throwing, and running for primary and secondary ages. This West London club provides coaching that supports development through the age groups with pathway options available.
- Visitors are usually welcome for a trial session
- The club primarily trains at Perivale track facilities
- Coaching covers all aspects of track and field for juniors
Utilises the Indoor Athletics Centre at Brunel University in Uxbridge, providing a dedicated indoor space for training during colder months.
West London Track & Field runs introductory athletics sessions for younger children and ongoing coaching for older primary and secondary athletes at their Uxbridge base. They offer a positive environment focusing on fundamental movement skills before exploring specific track and field disciplines.
- Juniors introductory sessions are available for new members
- Training takes place at the Brunel University Indoor Centre
- A good option for athletics near West London suburbs
A dedicated junior athletics club in Ealing offering standard track and field disciplines for school-aged kids within a competitive club framework.
The Ealing Eagles junior section provides athletics coaching for young people in the Ealing area, covering running, jumping, and throwing fundamentals for primary and secondary school children. They operate as a competitive club offering progression for dedicated young athletes.
- Prospective members can often join for a trial session
- Sessions are structured to encourage long-term athletic development
- The club is based in the West London Borough of Ealing
An established South London Harriers section providing comprehensive athletics coaching for school-aged juniors near Tooting.
South London Harriers runs junior athletics training sessions near Tooting, focusing on developing core running, jumping, and throwing skills for primary and secondary school children. This established club offers a strong environment for young athletes progressing through various age groups.
- Trial sessions are generally available for newcomers to the club
- Coaching covers the full range of track and field events
- Sessions are held at facilities in the South London region
Offers structured athletics activities for juniors with a focus on inclusive fun, often running during weekend and after-school slots.
The Kestrel Club provides energetic athletics classes for primary and secondary school children, focusing on developing general physical literacy through track and field inspired games. This club offers term-based bookings for consistent athletics fun in their local London area.
- Trial sessions are typically offered before committing to a term
- Coaching covers running, jumping, and basic throwing skills
- Sessions are structured to keep younger children engaged
A historic Herne Hill athletics club with structured junior coaching available across the primary and secondary age ranges.
The Herne Hill Harriers junior section is a cornerstone of athletics in the Herne Hill area, offering training for primary and secondary aged kids in running, jumping, and throwing events. This club environment encourages both casual participation and a pathway towards competitive track and field.
- New junior members can usually try a session before joining
- Training is based at their well-known Herne Hill facilities
- Covers a broad range of track and field elements for kids
The best reviewed option for non-competitive athletics, specifically catering to toddlers and preschoolers aged 2 to 5 near Herne Hill.
Mini Athletics focuses on non-competitive athletics classes specifically for toddlers and preschool children around the Herne Hill area, using fun games to develop basic motor skills. This provider has an excellent 5-star rating and offers a gentle introduction to movement for the very young.
- Excellent option for toddlers from age 2 in South East London
- Classes are kept small to maintain personal attention
- Offers a trial session to gauge suitability for your child
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids athletics classes cost in London?
Most specialist junior athletics clubs operate within a mid-range price band, usually requiring termly payments that average out to a moderate cost per session. However, access to large public track facilities, like those in Tooting or near Hampstead, can sometimes be accessed through pay-as-you-go session fees which are noticeably lower, sometimes significantly so.
What age can kids start athletics in London?
The scene caters extensively to the early years. Many programmes begin introducing movement and basic coordination for toddlers around age two or three, often using games. Coaching becomes more formally structured for primary school ages, and most clubs provide avenues for secondary students interested in competition.
What should I look for in a beginner athletics class?
For beginners, look for classes emphasising fun and progress over immediate performance, particularly for the younger age groups. Small group sizes are helpful, and ensuring the provider covers a range of disciplines, not just running, helps build balanced fundamental movement skills before specialising.
Can my child try a athletics class before committing?
Many athletic clubs, especially those focused on the primary and secondary age groups, welcome prospective members to try a session first, usually by appointment. It is always worthwhile to check with the specific provider since availability for trial sessions can depend on current group capacity and term schedules.
Where in London can I find kids athletics classes?
There is significant coverage across London, though certain areas have higher concentrations. South London venues, particularly around Tooting and Southwark, are rich in club options. The North London areas near Finsbury Park and Highgate also host several dedicated centres and clubs for track and field.
Do all junior athletics groups focus on competition?
No, the focus varies widely. While many established clubs have a clear pathway for children who wish to compete in local or regional events, there are also providers whose stated aim is purely participation, fitness, and fun for younger children who are not yet interested in official meets.
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