GUIDES
How are the groups split?
Groups are split two ways: by age band, and by level within it. That second one is what stops a ten-year-old beginner training beside a ten-year-old who started at five.
THE DETAIL
01The age bands
Football runs U8, U12, U16 and a girls' group. Basketball runs U8 mixed, U14 girls and U14 boys. Volleyball is a single group, U14 girls. Gymnastics, karate, taekwondo, swimming, roller skating and badminton group four to sixteen year olds by age and ability.
02Why level matters more from eight
Under about seven, children are all beginners and the band does the work. From eight they notice whether they are keeping up, and a child in the wrong group either coasts or gives up. That is the age where getting the level right matters most.
03Where the coach overrules the birthday
Where a child sits near the edge of a band, the coach decides on ability rather than date of birth. A strong nine-year-old is not held back and a nervous beginner is not pushed up.
04Moving groups
Children move up when the coach thinks they are ready, not on a schedule. If you think your child is in the wrong group, say so — that is a conversation worth having early.
Common questions
How are the groups split?
- 01
How are kids sports groups organised?
- By age band and by level within the band. Football runs U8, U12, U16 and a girls' group; basketball runs U8 mixed, U14 girls and U14 boys; volleyball is one U14 girls group. The rest split four to sixteen year olds by age and ability.
- 02
Will my beginner train with experienced children?
- No. Level is used alongside age precisely so a beginner trains with beginners, whatever their birthday.
- 03
When does a child move up a group?
- When the coach judges they are ready, rather than on a fixed date.