Junior athletics in Brentwood for children aged seven and over
Brentwood Beagles coaches children from age seven on the 400 m track at Brentwood School. Junior sessions run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:30 and normally finish between 19:35 and 19:45.
What a session looks like
Junior coaching follows the England Athletics Athletics 365 approach, which builds running, jumping and throwing skills step by step as children grow. Each session starts with a warm-up and movement drills, then moves through run, jump and throw activities, and finishes with a cool-down. Younger children try every event so they find what they enjoy. Older juniors begin to specialise once they know their events.
Age groups
UK Athletics sets age groups by age on 31 August at the end of the competition year, which runs from 1 October to 30 September. School year is a good guide, but date of birth decides. Use our age group calculator to find your child’s group.
| Age group | Typical school years | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Age 7 to 9 | Years 2 to 4 | All events through games and fun competitions |
| U12 | Years 5 to 6 | All events, selected U12 competitions, cross country |
| U14 | Years 7 to 8 | Eastern Young Athletes’ League, Essex Cross Country League, county championships |
| U16 and U18 | Years 9 to 12 | Event group coaching, county, regional and national championships |
| U20 | Year 13 and beyond | Performance Academy, national championships, scholarship support |
Competitions
Competing is optional. Juniors who want to race take part in:
- the Eastern Young Athletes’ League in the summer
- the Essex Cross Country League in the winter
- Essex county championships
- open meetings across Essex and London
- English Schools events through their school
In October 2026 Beagles juniors won two national U14 girls titles.
Safety and welfare
Every coach holds a current DBS certificate and has completed coach development in the last 12 months. The club has two Club Welfare Officers, appointed at the Annual General Meeting. Parents receive session details and changes through the free Spond app, which is also how we record attendance. Read our safeguarding and child protection policy and athlete wellbeing guidance.
What to bring
- Trainers suitable for running on a track (spikes come later)
- Comfortable sports kit and a warm layer
- A water bottle
- Any inhaler or medication your child needs
Parking and drop-off
Park at Middleton Hall Lodge on Middleton Hall Lane, almost opposite the sports centre. Please do not park at the sports centre itself. You can drop your child at the track reception next to the track.
Questions from parents
My child has never done athletics. Can they still join?
Yes. Most juniors start as beginners. The free trial, arranged through the contact page, helps us place them in the right group.
Does my child have to compete?
No. Many juniors train for fitness or to get faster for another sport.
How much does it cost?
Start with a free two-week trial, which you can arrange by contacting us. If your child would like to stay, you join afterwards using the membership form, where the fees are shown. If cost is a barrier, read about financial assistance.
Can I stay and watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay and watch. Better still, help out as a volunteer or train as a coach with the club. See coaching at the Beagles.