Junior Development Group
Welcome to the Junior Development (JD) Group!
The JD program is a year-round program tailored for young athletes born between 2010-2013 (Grade 6 to Grade 9). Registration is ongoing throughout the year. With flexibility at its core, our program offers athletes the chance to explore their potential, with commitment levels adjusted to suite individual needs.
Our program stands as a comprehensive gateway to the diverse world of track and field events. By participating, young athletes gain profound exposure and experience across various disciplines. The journey includes engaging in local track meets within Calgary, Edmonton, and neighboring regions, as well as venturing into competitions beyond provincial borders. Additionally, athletes born in 2009-2010 can even vie for coveted spots in Provincial Teams.
NOTE: Athletes born in 2013 will initially train with the Cheetahs for the X-Country/Base season, transitioning to the Junior Development Group in November.
U16 athletes have the option to train 2x per week.
About the Program
Our program is structured around 3 distinct training sessions.
Cross-Country/Base Season – Spanning September to November, this phase caters to both distance runners participating in cross-country races and power speed athletes. Training sessions are thoughtfully crafted, offering tailored workouts to these distinct groups, thereby cultivating advantages that endure even beyond this season.
Practice days Ages 14 and 15: Saturday and two weekdays.
Practice days Ages 12 and 13: Attend two to three practices per week.
| Monday | 5:45-7:00 p.m. | West Confederation Park aka Canmore Park |
| Wednesday | 5:45-7:00 p.m. | Confederation |
| Thursday | 5:45-7:00 p.m. | North Glenmore Park |
| Saturday | 10:00-11:30 a.m. | North Glenmore Park |
| Saturday | 9:00-10:15 a.m.
| MidD – As scheduled, various locations |
U14 Indoor Season Practices – Running from November to April, this phase sees a shift to indoor training venues (subject to confirmation from the University of Calgary). Athletes dive into event-specific training, progressing through age-appropriate skill development for events like long jump, high jump, shotput, hurdles, sprints, and distance.
| Wednesday | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | MNP Sports Center |
| Thursday (Optional Practice) | 6:00 – 8:00 | Dr. EP Scarlett High School |
| Sunday | 9:00 am-11:00 a.m. | MNP Center |
U16 Indoor Season Practices – Running from November to April, this phase sees a shift to indoor training venues (subject to confirmation from the University of Calgary). Athletes dive into event-specific training, progressing through age-appropriate skill development for events like long jump, high jump, shotput, hurdles, sprints, and distance.
| Monday | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Jack Simpson – University of Calgary |
| Wednesday | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Jack Simpson – University of Calgary |
| Thursday | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Jack Simpson – University of Calgary |
| Saturday | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | MNP Center |
| Saturday | 9:00-10:15 a.m. | MidD – Angel’s Café (at the River) |
- Outdoor Season – Operating from April until the season’s end, this phase intensifies event-specific training, accompanied by increased participation in meets. Athletes also have opportunities to vie for provincial and national team spots. Important meets to note are the Caltaf Track Classic which is Father’s Day this year and Outdoor Provincials which will be held the 2nd weekend of July in Edmonton.
| Monday | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Foothills Athletic Park |
| Wednesday | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Glenmore Athletic Park |
| Thursday | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Foothills Athletic Park |
| Saturday | 10:00-12:00 p.m. | Glenmore Athletic Park |
NEW!! We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news with our U16 athletes and their supporters. The upcoming Legion National Championships are set to take place right here in Calgary again in August of 2025. This presents a remarkable opportunity for a larger group of our dedicated Caltaf athletes to take part and gain invaluable competitive experience at the national championship level. The prospect of competing on a national stage within our own city provides an added layer of motivation and excitement for our athletes. Those that would like to participate and have achieved either open standards, or standards to compete in the qualifying rounds (information to come), will have the opportunity to train for an extended period and participate in this fantastic opportunity.
Volunteer and Clothing FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Here at Caltaf, we strongly believe in the power of community and collaboration. As part of our commitment to fostering a supportive environment for our athletes, we do have a volunteer requirement that we’d like to share with you.
We kindly request that each family contributes to the vibrant Caltaf community by volunteering or officiating at two key events:
Caltaf Track Classic (June): This event is a cornerstone of our calendar, and we encourage each family to lend a hand during this exciting time.
A Meet of Your Choice: We understand the value of flexibility, so we’re letting you choose another meet where you’d like to volunteer. Your involvement not only strengthens our team but also allows you to experience the energy of different events.
New This Year! ? We’re thrilled to announce a special addition to our volunteering opportunities. The highly anticipated Legion National Championships are taking place right here in Calgary in August of 2025. We’re actively seeking volunteers for this prestigious event, and trust us, there’s an array of unique roles you can step into. This is an incredible chance to witness firsthand the exceptional talent of the Nationals’ best U16 and U18 athletes up close and personal. Moreover, any volunteering you do for the Legion National Championships can be counted towards your “meet of choice” commitment. This means your time and effort can contribute to both our community and your firsthand experience of national-level competition.
As of June 30th, if the volunteer requirement has not been fulfilled, a fee of $300.00 will be applied. We want to emphasize that we uphold a firm stance on this requirement.
The Role of Volunteers: Track and Field, along with Caltaf, stands out as one of the most budget-friendly sports in our city. However, much like other sports in Calgary, our operations and events heavily rely on the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers. They’re the lifeblood of our organization, playing a pivotal role in its functioning and success.
The Purpose of the Fee: It’s important to clarify that introducing a volunteer fee is a step we’ve taken with careful consideration. Our aim is to encourage active participation from all members in the volunteering aspect of our community. The fee serves as a mechanism to ensure the smooth execution of our events and operations in the absence of fulfilled volunteer commitments.
Our Shared Goal: We want to assure you that our primary goal is not to impose fees, but rather to create a thriving, inclusive community where members actively contribute. This collaborative approach minimizes our reliance on external assistance and keeps our fees accessible to all.
Ultimately, we believe that by coming together as a community to fulfill the volunteer requirement, we enhance not only the vitality of our events and activities but also the bonds that make Caltaf so special. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication that define Caltaf.
Singlets: A Must-Have Staple
If you’re new to our dynamic Caltaf family, we’re excited to welcome you on board! As part of our uniform, all new athletes are required to snag a Caltaf singlet upon registration. These sporty essentials come at a cost of $65.00. During registration, please follow the provided instructions, and while choosing a size, a rough estimate is just fine for now. We’ll make sure to get the sizing spot-on during a later fitting session.
To ensure a unified and sharp look, we have a specific requirement for the bottoms: black or red shorts. We will let take care of purchasing these as there are so many options.
Elevate Your Style with Optional Caltaf Clothing
For those eager to take their Caltaf spirit to the next level, we’ve got some fantastic optional clothing items waiting for you. Our spanking new clothing site has you covered, offering a diverse selection to choose from. Head over to our dedicated clothing hub at Caltaf UR Store
Simple Ordering, Delivered to Your Door
Making your selections is a breeze on the website, and the best part is that your chosen items will be delivered right to your preferred address. The range is impressive, spanning everything from tops and bottoms to coats, bags, and even accessories. You’ll find options to customize items to your liking as well.
A Friendly Reminder: Keep in mind that each order is customized to your preferences, including logo choices and sizing. Fortunately, the size charts appear to be pretty accurate, helping you make the right choices.
For any queries related to our clothing lineup, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email at info@caltaf.com. I’m here to help you rock that Caltaf spirit with style and confidence. So, gear up, showcase your team pride, and let’s make a bold statement together!
Proudly Supporting
