YOUTH COACHING
Tyneside Vagabonds Youth Development Section focuses on helping young riders develop and hone their cycling skills in a fun, safe, traffic free environment with a view to having fun mucking about on bikes. Many of our young members also participate in youth specific group rides and compete in various cycling disciplines at both regional and national level. Our coaches are accredited British Cycling Level 1 or 2, and all are DBS checked and hold current first aid certification.
All we ask of our young riders is that when participating in any of the club activities, they wear a helmet in good condition, and are ride a roadworthy bike. Advice on helmet and clothing fit, and bike safety checks is given at our coaching sessions every week. We also have a limited number of club bikes available to loan if required.
If you’d like to get in touch with us about our Youth activities, please email our contact at tynevags.goride@gmail.com .
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
COACHING:
The main focus of our youth development section is the weekly Youth Coaching sessions which follow the British Cycling Go-Ride programme. This programme is the first step on the British Cycling Talent Development Pathway and is designed for all riders under the age of 18 who can ride a bike, generally focusing on skills and handling techniques.
Youth coaching is offered every Saturday from 8.45-10AM in a variety of disciplines that co-ordinate with the professional racing calendar:
- Cyclocross – September to December (venue: Thorneyford Farm)
- Mountain Biking – January to Easter (venue: Thorneyford Farm)
- Road – Easter to Summer break (venue: Cobalt Business Park)
Cobalt Business ParkWeekly subs of £4 per rider are charged on a pay as you go basis for each coaching session.
RACING:
Many of our riders compete in regional race leagues such as CXNE (cyclocross) and NEYL (closed circuit road racing) where they can put into practice those skills that they have developed at our coaching sessions.
The Youth Development team also organise Go-Ride races throughout the course of the year. These races are generally in the same discipline as the coaching block on-going at the time. Go-Ride racing offers exciting entry-level competition for novice cyclists under the age of 16 and is the first step on the competition pathway. Competing in Go-Ride Races allows young people to prepare themselves for regional competition and beyond.
Every member of our youth section that participates in at least three races regardless of discipline will be awarded a Tyneside Vagabonds Race Team hoodie.
TIME TRIALLING:
In accordance with CTT rules, riders aged 12 and above can participate in our weekly club time trials provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the ride. Some of our younger members (the youngest age 6) also compete in beginner 10 mile time trials at Croft Circuit.
YOUTH RIDES:
During summer months, the youth coaching team organise parent/child group rides around the quieter Northumbrian roads. The rides follow the format of the main club café rides. All riders must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian, and speeds will average no more than 11mph, for this reason road bikes are advised. Please note coaches and ride leaders cannot take responsibility for any child other than their own on these rides.
CYCLING AWARD FOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS (CAYV):
Tyneside Vagabonds are supportive of British Cycling’s CAYV programme, and help those members age 14 and over who wish to take part. The Cycling Award for Young Volunteers (CAYV) is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, where young people commit to developing skills and supporting community activity in order to complete bronze, silver and gold awards. Promoting leadership and organisation, the initiative also helps to support grassroots cycling where volunteers are the foundation of the sport.
GENERAL YOUTH CYCLING ADVICE: