U14 and U16 Junior Development Group – 2023/2024

Registration is NOW OPEN!
New registrations must register with CALTAF and with Athletics Alberta using this LINK.

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Junior Development Group – 2023-2024

Welcome to the Junior Development Group (JD Group), a year-round program tailored for young athletes born between 2009-2012 (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 2012 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.

Our program is structured around three distinct training seasons:

1. Starting September 11, 2023 – 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.

2. Indoor Season – 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.

Special Saturdays Long Jump @ Repsol 1:30-3:30 pm – The Saturday practice will not run every week and will be based on the technical needs of the athletes and the competition schedule.

3. 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 2^nd weekend of July in Edmonton.

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 this August. 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. 

Registration Fees

For the upcoming 2023-2024 season, the registration fees amount to $1550.00. We understand the importance of flexibility, so payments can be conveniently split into three installments, due in September, November, and April.

Monthly Proration: Our registration fees are prorated on a monthly basis, tailored to suit your entry point during the year. For precise fee information, feel free to get in touch with the Caltaf Office.

Taking on Track Meets Together: When it comes to traveling for track meets with the team, athletes are responsible for covering their own expenses. To simplify matters, I’ll handle the travel arrangements and then send you an invoice reflecting the costs.

Facility Fee and Its Silver Lining: Additionally, there’s a $105 facility fee. However, here’s the exciting part – this fee is refundable by contributing your time to work at one bingo event.

Mandatory Athletics Alberta Fee: As a member of Athletics Alberta, our governing body, there’s a mandatory fee ranging from $65 to $110, depending on the athlete’s age. This fee is forwarded directly to Athletics Alberta.

Mitigating Costs Together: To make the financial aspects more manageable, we offer various avenues to offset these costs. Bingo and casino opportunities are available, alongside a spectrum of fundraising activities throughout the year. Moreover, an athlete assistance fund is in place, and additional grants like Jumpstart and Kidsport are accessible for those who require assistance.

Remember, we’re committed to ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to pursuing your passion. Your journey with us is not just about athletics – it’s about growing, thriving, and forging unforgettable experiences as part of the Caltaf family. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further details. Let’s embark on this journey together!

The breakdown are below:

November  2023

Registration Fee – $698.00
Facility Fee – $105.00
Singlet – $65.00

April 1, 2024

Registration Fee $527.00

June 30, 2024

Volunteer fee $300.00 – If the volunteer requirement has not been met, this fee will be assessed on June 30th.

Volunteer Requirement

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 from August 8th to the 12th. 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.

 Meeting the Volunteer Requirement and Fees: 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.

Clothing Choices to Showcase Your Caltaf Spirit

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!

Got Questions? Feel Free to Reach Out!

If you find yourself with more questions or simply want to chat about anything related to our program, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email. I’m here and eager to assist in any way I can.

Experience Our Training Firsthand: We wholeheartedly invite athletes to join us for a training session – it’s on the house for a week! This gives you the chance to get a feel for our group dynamic, connect with our coaches, and experience our training style. It’s all about ensuring the perfect fit for you.  If you would like to take advantage of our 1-week free trial, please let me know.

Ready to Dive In?

If you’re enthusiastic and ready to register, please reach out to me and I will forward our registration information.

Your journey with us begins with a simple message, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s explore the possibilities together!

For more information, please contact the Caltaf office.