Broughton Runners
Broughton Runners Juniors section of Ambleside AC
Broughton Runners Juniors section of Ambleside started over 20 years ago. There are currently 33 members across the 2 groups that we run (Jan 2025). We take children from age 8.
Broughton Runners Juniors aims to be very inclusive. Children don’t have to be good runners to join, and we will try and adapt sessions to any special needs they may have. We aim to deliver fun sessions; develop running technique; good sportsmanship and a love of running that will last a lifetime. We do encourage our juniors to enter races, especially local ones, but there is no pressure to do so. Some of our juniors race a lot, but others not at all. Several of our “Teens” assist with the “Minis” sessions, developing their coaching and leadership skills in the process.
Although outside sessions are not on open fells, the area used provides an excellent training environment. We have hills of varying lengths and steepness for uphill and downhill skills development, and long flat sections for speed etc.
Training
Sessions take place on Fridays during school term time.
“Minis” is for children from age 8 upwards and runs from 5.30 to 6.25pm. Parents are expected to pick children up promptly.
“Teens” is for year 7 and up, and for year 6 “by invitation” and runs from 6.30 to 7.30pm.
We meet at the Parsonage Rooms for our outside sessions. In the winter months we have some sessions inside at the Victory Hall which enables specific different training e.g. strength and conditioning for the “Teens”.
Each sessions costs £1.
Although most of our children live within walking distance of our sessions, we will not let them leave without an identified adult, except that “Teens” can leave independently if that has been agreed by parents or guardians.
All children are expected to attend with clothing appropriate to the conditions. We can provide reflective tops and head torches for our outside winter sessions.
Parents are very welcome at the “Minis” session and will be put to good use. (You don’t have to be able to run to be helpful.)
Joining
We currently have a waiting list for our “Minis” section, but not for our “Teens” section. If you are interested in your child joining, or have any questions, email broughtonrunnersjuniors@gmail.com.
Children can join at any time in the year once they reach 8 years old and we have capacity. Our capacity is determined by coach/child ratios as dictated by England Athletics and our insurance.
Safeguarding your children
You will be asked to complete information about your child on joining, and to update this annually, including medical information and contact details.
We will not post any pictures of your children without your permission.
All our coaches and regular adult helpers have DBS checks.
Our licensed Coaches and Welfare Officer have all completed safeguarding training.
Our coaches
Helen Lecky-Thompson, the Head Coach and Club Coordinator, is a qualified Athletics Coach (Endurance). (She was a junior member herself in the past.)
Richard Lecky-Thompson is an Event Specialist Coach in Fell and Mountain Running and has been involved in the club for 20 years. These days he only attends occasional sessions.
Agnes Nagy is a Coaching Assistant in Athletics, and parent of one of the juniors.
Edward Cowley is a Coaching Assistant in Athletics.
Liz Lecky-Thompson is our Welfare Officer. Should you prefer to speak to a Welfare Officer outside of Broughton Runners then Paula Bowen is the Ambleside AC Junior Welfare Officer and can be contacted at paulabowen599@btinternet.com .
If you are interested in training to be a Coaching Assistant, we can fund your training and would love to have you!
Contact broughtonrunnersjuniors@gmail.com for more information.