Starting a Kids Run Club can be intimidating, but we’re here to help! Active SWV wants all schools that start a Kids Run Club to have a fun and successful experience all around.
What is the Process Like to Start a Kids Run Club for the First Time?
The first step is to apply for the Kids Run Club Mini-Grant. Filling out the application will give you more information about the program, and let Active SWV know you’re interested in getting started.
Next, Active SWV will reach out and set up a zoom call with you. In this meeting, we’ll go through a ‘coaches training’ with you, which involves reviewing the Kids Run Club manual and curriculum you’ll be using. In this initial meeting, we’ll also answer any questions you have, and help you plan out how and when to start your club.
You will receive access to a PDF of the Kids Run Club manual for your reference, and Active SWV will also mail paper copies.
You’ll have consistent Technical support from Active SWV
This means that we are here to help through the whole process! We’ll help you get started, and will be there as questions arise throughout the season. We also like to join the end of season fun and attend Fun Runs to celebrate.
I’ve never coached any sport before – how should I structure the club?
The Kids Run Club manual has a sample practice plan as well as resources and a bunch of different activities, so you can plug and play different warm-ups, running workouts, games, and cooldown stretches every week. Coaches are encouraged to get creative and add their personal flair to practices, but you can never go wrong just following what’s in the manual.
Does my Kids Run Club have to be a certain size to qualify for the Mini-Grant?
Our Kids Run Clubs come in all different sizes – some schools open the program to all grades and have 80+ kids, and some limit the club to certain ages and have a group of 15 or less. We encourage schools to do whatever they are comfortable with to have a fun and successful Kids Run Club. Often, in their first year schools will start out offering the program to just 3-5th graders, and then scale up from there the next season if they have enough volunteers and want to open it to more kids.
What is the time commitment like to coach a Kids Run Club?
Most Kids Run Clubs practice for an hour a week on one day afterschool. The program typically runs for 6-8 weeks. The great part is, schools and volunteers can pick any schedule that works for them. Some groups practice before the school day, and some groups practice after, whatever works best for them.
How Do I get Started?
The Kids Run Club Mini-grant is open twice a year in February – April, and again in August – September. You can find and apply for the Mini-grant on our Kids Run Club webpage here. If the Mini-grant is not open, please reach out to [email protected] with any questions you have, and we’ll be happy to chat with you!
Advice from other Kids Run Club Coaches
We know this can be an intimidating process, and we want to make it as simple and stress free as possible! We asked our Spring coaches what advice they would give to a first time Kids Run Club coach, and this is what some of them had to say:
“Make sure to plan ahead and know what game you are playing and have back up plans for when things take less time than intended.” – Kids Run Club Coach
“Stick with it and have fun” – Kids Run Club Coach
“Make sure to have fun, however still be stern, the kids will listen better.” – Corella Beasley, Crescent Elementary
“Get lots of help. Kids want to participate.”- Shellie Simpson, Mercer Elementary
“Make expectation clear, and activities fun and have back up activities.” – Tammy Thomas, Mabscott Elementary
“Plan to have a plan for each day and keep the kids moving. Always include a favorite run game daily.” – Brandy Hudson, Opequon Elementary
“Be flexible because things will for sure change on a dime. But sometimes the changes you have to make are better for the group.” – Allyson Peck, Chamberlain Elementary
“The advice I would give is read the manual. Don’t repeat the same activities all the time and If you have another run club in your area contact their leader and ask them to mentor you.” – Angel Elswick, Brushfork Elementary
“Keep it running” – Kids Run Club coach
“Do it! Find help, create a six week plan, and go for it. You can easily make week to week adjustments as you see fit until you have it exactly the way you want it.” – Kara Vance, Kenna Elementary and Alum Creek Elementary
“Stay calm and have a plan A. B. and C.” – Nathaniel Evans, Berlin McKinney Elementary
“Have fun with it! Do not stress too much. It doesn’t need to be too coordinated or planned for the kids to be active and have fun.” – Stephanie Cummings, North Elementary
“Seek volunteers to help out.” – Phyllis Samuel, Barboursville Middle School
“Be encouraging and fun, and the kids will start to love running! “- Heather Parks, Bruceton School
“Make it fun for the kids to stay motivated.” – Eugenia Jones, Melrose Elementary
“Be flexible. Be willing to modify anything you think may need to be, be creative with ideas to encourage parents to become more involved. I think creating an obstacle course at the end helped with involvement.” – Angeleigha Graybill, Berkeley Heights Elementary
“Start with the basics and be sure to incorporate games.” – Jacqueline Johnson, George Washington Elementary
“Make it fun and enjoy yourself more than you can in class” – Kids Run Club coach
KIDS RUN CLUB CHAMPIONS
Email Active SWV’s Development Director, Kate, at [email protected] to find out how to become the next Kids Run Club Champion!
