Knoxville Youth Athletics Summer Track Program

This is not a paid promotion for the Knoxville Youth Athletics Summer Track Program. I promise. In fact, I paid them! But now I’m writing about them because, ya’ll…I love this program so much!

Backup a little bit (thirty years) when track and field was the gold standard of excellence at my little country school. Sure, you might have a great jump shot. Yeah, you tow the O-line on Friday nights. But come springtime, you were on the track. Sprawled out in the grass waiting your turn to run or throw or jump, and chasing finish lines to the state track meet. Those were special days.

So you can imagine the delight when my middle schooler agreed to give track a try and ended up loving it! Every meet brought new experiences and honed new skills. She almost cried when it was over! Which brings us to this summer.

I’d heard of KYA’s Summer Track Program, but we had never tried it. (The thought of schlepping my whiny kids out to a track in the middle of the awful summer heat sounded anything but fun.) This summer, though, with a small group of friends and a season of experience under her belt, my tween was pumped and it turned out to be the best decision ever.

Here is what we loved about Knoxville Youth Athletics’ Summer Track Program: 

It Is For Everyone 

Ages 5-18 can participate. They get to do ALL the things (with a few exceptions for littles). And at the track meets, even the parents have events! It is the most family-friendly program we have ever been a part of. We even signed our son up during the second week because we knew he would love it, too. And he absolutely did!

It Is Simple

Practices were two times a week at a location most convenient to us and meets were on Saturday mornings. That’s it. If you missed practices or meets that was okay, but you can be sure we didn’t miss a moment on the track!

Skills, Skills, Skills

Being a developmental program, it was designed to teach the basics of all track and field events, including race etiquette, jumping techniques, and proper throwing form. Any events they were interested in could then be developed further throughout the season by experienced coaches (who love kids). My star long jumper was able to refine some of her skills and capture a PR while my noob third grader enjoyed trying the different events. Not only that, with all ages included, there were numerous opportunities for practicing leadership, encouragement, and team-building. Track skills=life skills.

It Is Fun

The motto of KYA is “Fun, Fitness, and Finish Lines” and that about sums it up. KYA’s summer program is the perfect way to get your whole family outside and moving together. They create a flexible atmosphere that is fun enough to enjoy no matter the age or skill level, but they also make it competitive enough to keep kids coming back week after week.

It Is Pocketbook Friendly

Don’t mind me over here being a tightwad, but seriously…for $50, my daughter got a month of practices, four track meets, a t-shirt, and a lifetime of memories. We were still able to enjoy our summer while mixing in a little training. And our friends were even able to continue their others sports and summer activities! Got a big family? Don’t worry. They cap it off!

There is so much more I could share, but for now let me be the first to say, “MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR!” No matter your child’s athletic interests or ability, I guarantee they will have fun! Click on the link to learn more about Knoxville Youth Athletics, and we’ll see you on the track!