Without Limits Youth Club Team

👟 Upstate Running Club

Youth Mentor Running Program

Ages 7–13 | $50 per Season | 1x Weekly | All Levels Welcome

🏃 What It Is:

The URC Youth Mentor Program is a welcoming, low-pressure introduction to running for kids ages 7–13. Led by experienced volunteer parents and community runners, this once-a-week program encourages movement, teamwork, and confidence — no matter a child’s fitness level or background.

Whether they’re preparing for their first fun run or just want to get active with friends, we’re here to help them discover a lifelong love of running.

🗓️ Program Details:

Ages: 7–13
Cost: $50 per season (includes shirt, season-end fun run, and snacks)
Frequency: Once per week (typically weekday evenings or Saturday mornings)
Location: Rotating local parks and trails (TBA by region)
Season Length: 6–8 weeks per session

👥 Who Leads It:

Each session is led by volunteer parent coaches and mentors from the local URC community. All mentors will be background-checked and provided with basic session outlines and guidance to ensure a safe and fun environment.

🎯 Program Goals:

Build foundational fitness and movement skills
Encourage positive habits and self-esteem through running
Create an inclusive and fun community for all kids
Provide mentorship from positive role models in the running community
Prepare kids for local fun runs, 1-mile races, and URC youth events

✨ What’s Included:

Weekly running-based activity sessions
URC Youth Program t-shirt
End-of-season celebration event
Access to URC discounts and youth race entries
Parent/mentor support and volunteer opportunities

🤝 Want to Mentor or Coach?

We’re always looking for parents, runners, and older youth to help lead and support sessions. No coaching experience needed — just a love for running and a willingness to encourage others!
📩 Email us to get involved!: UpstateRaceSeries@gmail.com

Volunteer Parent Coaching Outline

🙌 Thank You for Volunteering!

As a parent volunteer, you’re not just leading a run—you’re building confidence, community, and healthy habits in our youth. No coaching experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to support kids through movement and play.

🧭 Weekly Practice Structure

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Brief check-in with the group (high fives, names, “How was your day?”)
Group dynamic warm-up:
- Arm circles, jumping jacks, high knees
- Cone tag or relay warm-up game

2. Running Skill or Game (15–20 minutes)

Use equipment and play-based activities to build agility, speed, and coordination. Examples:

Ladder drills for footwork
Hurdle hops for explosive movement
Cone zig-zags or sprint relays
"Sharks and Minnows" (running game)
Leapfrog or partner exercises

3. Main Run or Challenge (15–20 minutes)

Adjust by age group and ability level. Emphasize effort over speed. Options:

400m repeats (walk/run intervals)
Short trail loop with cones
Team relay challenges
Time trial (How far can you go in 5 minutes?)

4. Cool Down & Chat (5–10 minutes)

Walk together and stretch (hamstrings, quads, arms)
End with a positive message:
- “What was your favorite part today?”
- “What’s something you improved this week?”
- Encourage kindness, effort, and teamwork

🧰 Equipment You Can Use

We'll provide some basic gear. You can keep sessions fun and varied using:

🟧 Cones – For marking loops, games, and courses
🪜 Ladders – Footwork drills and coordination
🏃 Mini-Hurdles – Jumping, balance, explosive power
🎽 Pinnies/Bands – For team games
🪁 Chalk or flags – To mark lines or start/finish zones
🏁 Stopwatch – Optional, to track fun timed efforts

💡 Tips for Coaching Ages 7–13

Keep it fun first – focus on movement, not mileage
Give lots of encouragement – every effort counts
Be flexible – sometimes you’ll need to pivot based on weather, moods, or energy levels
Use names and give high-fives often
End every session on a positive note

🛟 Safety Reminders

Always walk the route/course before starting
Bring water and encourage hydration breaks
Know where the restroom/first aid station is
Head counts before and after any loop or game
Keep sessions short and appropriate to the heat/temperature
Use buddy system if running in wooded areas or trails

📞 Questions or Need Help?

You're never alone! If you need ideas or support, reach out anytime:
📧 UpstateRunningClub@gmail.com

Location Ideas/Options

Unity Park
Legacy Park
Sunset Park
Cleveland Park / Zoo

Seasonal Events

Sept. 28th - Inner squad 3k
Nov. 2nd - Inner squad 3k
Nov. 23rd - Hay Bale Hustle 3k
Nov. 29th - Footlocker XC @ McAlpine Park, - NC