GrassRoots Athletics Youth Program

GrassRoots Athletics Youth Program includes cross country, track and field, and performance-based physical training. Participants take part in endurance work, speedwork, dynamic drills and mobility, and learn the fundamentals of track and field, including running, jumping, and throwing.

• Ages: 9–14 years old
• Schedule: School-year monthly training with practices on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and summer monthly training with practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and occasional optional Saturdays. College For Kids offers two separate 2-week sessions in June and July 2025, meeting Monday through Thursday from 9:00–10:30 AM.

GrassRoots Athletics began in 1998. The mission of GrassRoots Athletics Youth Program is to create a safe, inclusive environment where young athletes of all levels can grow in confidence, develop leadership, and build lasting resilience on and off the course. Coaches in the program have extensive experience working with runners of all ages and are lifelong enthusiasts of the sport. CFK returns for the summer of 2025 on the Saddleback College campus, giving participants the chance to experience college life in person there.

Parents describe the coaching as high quality, welcoming, knowledgeable, flexible, and supportive, and note that the staff is patient and compassionate. Testimonials report that athletes of all levels, from novice to experienced, train together, and that families have seen improvements in form, strength, and endurance within six months. Families also describe a supportive team atmosphere where members encourage and motivate one another.

GrassRoots Athletics Youth Program is described as a year-round home for runners of all levels, from first-time 4th graders to seasoned high school competitors. The program is described as designed for all levels and focused on fun, fundamentals, and long-term growth, with off-season fall and winter training that focuses on building strength, refining movement, and preparing for spring competition. Participants can take part in track and field meets, cross country races, and nearby road races. No experience is required and there are no tryouts or standards to join the club. The basic equipment needed includes comfortable running shoes, athletic shorts and shirt, and sometimes warm-ups for cooler weather; team uniforms are available for purchase, and racing spikes or flats are optional but recommended for competition.

Last updated June 28, 2026.