Walton Youth Track Club (WYTC)

FAQs

What does WYTC offer?
Our Club has two seasons, track and field in the Spring and cross country in the Fall. Our program is designed to introduce kids to sprint and distance running and field events by providing an experience that is fun, competitive, social, and informative about the sport.

The Walton Youth Track Club is a track and field and cross country running club for girls and boys ages 5 to 15 which participates in Northwest Georgia Youth Track League, AAU, and USATF sanctioned meets. No prior experience with running competitively is required to participate on the Walton Youth Track Club team.

How Much does it cost to join?
The registration cost is $165 for new athletes and $90 for returning athletes. This fee covers all of the clubs operating expenses, meet entry fees, insurance, National Park Service permit fees and the end of season party and awards. Also covered by this cost is the team uniform which includes a t-shirt, shorts, sweatshirt, sweatpants, racing singlet, hat and backpack.

What information do I need to submit?
Print off and complete a registration application. Also submit two (2) copies of your birth certificate with the registration application. If you will be participating in the USATF meets after the end of the regular track and field or cross country seasons you must obtain a USATF Membership at USATF.ORG- Membership. Use Walton Club number 197 when registering.

What equipment do I need to buy?
The only equipment that is needed (highly recommended) is a new/newer pair of performance running shoes. Using worn down shoes, non-running shoes, or running shoes that do not provide the proper fit and support will lead to injuries. Some athletes also choose to purchase running spikes for use during the meets (this is purely optional). A wide selection of all these shoes are available at the Big Peach Running Company.

Where do you practice?
Regular practices at either the Sope Creek Elementary School, the Sope Creek National Recreation Area trails, or the Walton High School track. during the season will be on Tuesday (6:00 to 7:15 p.m.) and Thursday (6:00 to 7:15 p.m.) evenings and at either the Sope Creek National Recreation Area trails or the Walton High School track on Sunday (4:00 to 5:30 p.m.) afternoons. Our club will participate in at least four or five track and field meets which will take place on Saturdays during April and May, and at least five cross country meets that occur on Saturdays in September and October.

Are practices ever cancelled?
Lightning is really the only weather condition that will cause practice to be cancelled. Coaches will attempt to contact parents via email prior to practices.

How do I get more information?
Go to the Contact us page on this site to email one of our coaches if you have questions which are not answered on this website.

Things to Remember for Practices and Meets:

BE ON-TIME
MEET AT THE START AND FINISH OF EACH PRACTICE WITH YOUR GROUP SO YOU CAN STRETCH OUT, WARM UP, AND COOL DOWN

Again, BE ON-TIME getting to practice (our practice time is very limited) and parents be on time picking up your kids after practice
Have your child go to the bathroom before practice (the bathrooms are not always open)
Bring water/sports drink to every practice and meet
Bring sweats, gloves, hats... as needed (during certain times of the season the weather is unpredictable and kids get cold!!!) and remember to take this stuff home with you
Carry water, sweats... in a backpack/bag (things easily get misplaced at practice)
Make sure your child’s shoes are tied in double knots
Try to have your child rest a little after school/homework and have a light snack and fluids (no dairy products, other rich foods, or heavy meals)
Let the coaches know if your child has any allergies or medical conditions that may need attention (allergic to ant bites, bee stings... or has asthma...)
Girls with long hair should wear their hair in a pony tail to keep them cooler and less distracted
Watch out for mountain bikers, other people walking/hiking/running, and their dogs when we are running at the Sope Creek NRA Trails. THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE PROHIBITS RUNNING ON THE TRAILS IN GROUPS MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE ACROSS. ***Also, watch out for your fellow teammates when we are running on the track at Sope Creek Elementary or Walton High School

[Parents/older siblings, feel free to help out in any way you wish at the practices and the meets]

Walton Youth Track Club

www.wytc.org info@wytc.org