Yes, we are affiliated with USA Track & Field (USATF) and local USATF Gulf Coast Association.

Yes, we are following the recommended protocols which can be found below in the in documents section.

(1) Come appropriately dressed in shorts, t-shirt, athletic socks, and running shoes. In cooler weather, you may also want to wear warm-up pants and jacket.

(2) Bring plenty of water.

(3) May want to bring towel.

(4) A good attitude, desire to work hard, respect for coaches/teammates.

* Make sure all items are labeled with athlete’s name

Youth competitions typically take place in two-year age divisions. These age divisions provide young athletes the opportunity to compete with other athletes of similar ability.

The age divisions for competition year 2024 are as follows:

Age Division        Year of Birth

6-8*                       2016-2018

9-10                       2014-2015

11-12                     2012-2013

13-14                     2010-2011

15-16                     2008-2009

17-18**                 2006-2007

** Per USATF Rule 300.1 (c) “Athletes must be at least seven (7) years of age on December 31 of the current year to compete at the Youth Athletics or Junior Olympic National Championships.”.
**Athletes who are still 18 through the final day of the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division through that meet. This extended eligibility does not apply to cross country events.

6-8 Division

9-10 Division

11-12 Division

13-14 Division

15-16 Division

17-18 Division

Practice Running Shoes – any sports store or some department stores; i.e. Academy, Sports Authority, Sears, Footlocker, Famous Footwear. Get running or possibly cross-training shoes. No basketball shoes or casual athletic shoes, i.e. Ed Hardy, Baby Phat. There is no need to overspend on practice shoes.
Adequate shoes may be found from $20 – $30, particularly if you find some on sale.

Track Spikes – for younger athletes or smaller sizes (< size 5) – try Fleet Feet (Louetta & Champions Forest behind Whataburger). Let them know your athlete is with Northwest Flyers to receive 10% discount. For larger sizes try Academy, Footlocker, Fleet Feet, or East Bay.

*Most athletes will require a middle distance heel on their track spikes.

• Please bring CASH! Most meets require between $4 – $12 entry fees for athletes and spectators
• Track meets will typically last all day (~8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or later); therefore, unless there is an emergency, please be prepared to stay for all of your child’s events.
• ALWAYS pull/print the meet schedule from the website the day prior to the meet (there may also be changes on the day of the meet, so listen to the announcers carefully)
• Make sure your athlete has their NORTHWEST FLYERS UNIFORM and both practice shoes and spikes. Some athletes prefer to wear another shirt and/or shorts (UnderArmour-type) underneath their uniform.
• Like with all sports, participating in track is a growth opportunity for your child(ren). Help your athlete learn to be INDEPENDENT at meets (i.e. listening for their race, learning where to check in, learning to report to their assigned lane, knowing where to go after the finish, etc.) in preparation for the upcoming championship meets when parents/coaches are not allowed on the field. Of course, the coaches will be assisting with this step as well.
• Have enough healthy food (see Nutrition Guide) for athlete and other family members (if necessary); Although concession stands are usually available, NO concession stand food for the athlete until AFTER all events are complete
• Keep your athlete properly hydrated, particularly once the weather gets hotter
• Sports drinks, like Gatorade or PowerAde, are recommended to be consumed after competition
• Bring books, games, cards, coloring books, etc. to entertain the athletes and siblings between events (LABEL and Keep Up With Everything!)
• You may want to also bring hand sanitizer or wipes, paper towels, a roll of toilet tissue, and extra clothing (socks, underwear, shorts)

Please make sure to follow us on Twitter (@northwestflyers) and we will communicate any last minute changes such as practice cancellations, meet changes, or to simply know what is happening within our track club. Make sure you select to receive notifications from us.

For more instructions and visuals on how to follow us, please view the “Twitter Instructions” in the Documents Section below

Registration includes the costs of club dues, uniform, T-shirt, and meet entry fees for athlete at USATF Championships.

There are no tryouts but athletes must pass a standard fitness test within the first few weeks of practice. The standards can be found below in the documents.

• Please bring CASH! Most meets require between $4 – $12 entry fees for athletes and spectators
• Track meets will typically last all day (~8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or later); therefore, unless there is an emergency, please be prepared to stay for all of your child’s events.
• ALWAYS pull/print the meet schedule from the website the day prior to the meet (there may also be changes on the day of the meet, so listen to the announcers carefully)
• Make sure your athlete has their NORTHWEST FLYERS UNIFORM and both practice shoes and spikes. Some athletes prefer to wear another shirt and/or shorts (UnderArmour-type) underneath their uniform.
• Like with all sports, participating in track is a growth opportunity for your child(ren). Help your athlete learn to be INDEPENDENT at meets (i.e. listening for their race, learning where to check in, learning to report to their assigned lane, knowing where to go after the finish, etc.) in preparation for the upcoming championship meets when parents/coaches are not allowed on the field. Of course, the coaches will be assisting with this step as well.
• Have enough healthy food (see Nutrition Guide Doc. below) for athlete and other family members (if necessary); Although concession stands are usually available, NO concession stand food for the athlete until AFTER all events are complete
• Keep your athlete properly hydrated, particularly once the weather gets hotter
• Sports drinks, like Gatorade or PowerAde, are recommended to be consumed AFTER competition
• Bring books, games, cards, coloring books, etc. to entertain the athletes and siblings between events (LABEL and Keep Up With Everything!)
• You may want to also bring hand sanitizer or wipes, paper towels, a roll of toilet tissue, and extra clothing (socks, underwear, shorts).