Get your young athlete moving, learning, and having fun this spring with the YMCA Youth Track & Field program! Whether they’re brand new to sports or already love to run, this program builds confidence, coordination, and foundational skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Program Details
Location: Folsom Lake College – Track & Field Facility
Season Dates (Wednesdays):
Practice Dates: May 20, 27 & June 3, 10, 17 (5:00 PM – 6:15 PM)
YMCA Track Meet Date: Saturday, June 20th, 10am-2pm
*Practice participation is encouraged, but not required for participation in Track Meet.
Program Costs:
$125 for total 'season' + Meet
$25 per clinic
$25 for Track Meet - Choose 3 events
Registration Required Ahead of Time
Ages 2–5: Movement & Play-Based Track
Kids learn through play! This group focuses on coordination, balance, and basic movement skills through fun games and exploration.
Ages 6–9: Track & Field Fundamentals
Participants are introduced to proper running, jumping, and throwing techniques in an encouraging and age-appropriate setting.
Registration Options
- Practice Dates: May 20, 27 and June 3, 10, 17 from 5:00–6:15 PM at the Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Youth Track Meet: Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM.
YMCA Youth Track Clinic – Session Overview
- Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Each session includes a fun, structured warm-up and introductory lesson focused on running, jumping, or throwing fundamentals
- Participants are grouped by age and ability for the best learning experience
- Ages 2–5: Parent/guardian participation is encouraged to help guide and support young athletes
- Ages 6–9: Coach-led instruction introducing the basics of track & field events in an engaging environment
- Sessions emphasize skill development, confidence-building, and fun
- What to bring: Athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle
- Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be ready to start on time
YMCA Youth Track Clinic – Session Overview
- Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Each session includes a fun, structured warm-up and introductory lesson focused on running, jumping, or throwing fundamentals
- Participants are grouped by age and ability for the best learning experience
- Ages 2–5: Parent/guardian participation is encouraged to help guide and support young athletes
- Ages 6–9: Coach-led instruction introducing the basics of track & field events in an engaging environment
- Sessions emphasize skill development, confidence-building, and fun
- What to bring: Athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle
- Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be ready to start on time
YMCA Youth Track Clinic – Session Overview
- Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Each session includes a fun, structured warm-up and introductory lesson focused on running, jumping, or throwing fundamentals
- Participants are grouped by age and ability for the best learning experience
- Ages 2–5: Parent/guardian participation is encouraged to help guide and support young athletes
- Ages 6–9: Coach-led instruction introducing the basics of track & field events in an engaging environment
- Sessions emphasize skill development, confidence-building, and fun
- What to bring: Athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle
- Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be ready to start on time
YMCA Youth Track Clinic – Session Overview
- Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Each session includes a fun, structured warm-up and introductory lesson focused on running, jumping, or throwing fundamentals
- Participants are grouped by age and ability for the best learning experience
- Ages 2–5: Parent/guardian participation is encouraged to help guide and support young athletes
- Ages 6–9: Coach-led instruction introducing the basics of track & field events in an engaging environment
- Sessions emphasize skill development, confidence-building, and fun
- What to bring: Athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle
- Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be ready to start on time
YMCA Youth Track Clinic – Session Overview
- Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Each session includes a fun, structured warm-up and introductory lesson focused on running, jumping, or throwing fundamentals
- Participants are grouped by age and ability for the best learning experience
- Ages 2–5: Parent/guardian participation is encouraged to help guide and support young athletes
- Ages 6–9: Coach-led instruction introducing the basics of track & field events in an engaging environment
- Sessions emphasize skill development, confidence-building, and fun
- What to bring: Athletic clothing, running shoes, and a water bottle
- Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be ready to start on time
YMCA Youth Track Meet – Event Day Overview
- Date: Saturday, June 20
- Start Time: 10:00 AM (rolling schedule)
- Location: Folsom Lake College Track & Field Facility
- Athletes may compete in up to 3 events
- Meet Cost: $25
Event Schedule (Rolling
Events run continuously—times listed reflect the first start.
- 10:00 AM – Track Events
- 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m (ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–9)
- Mile Run (All Ages Combined – Final Event!)
- 10:15 AM – Field Events Open
- Long Jump: 3 attempts, measured live
- Softball Throw: Throws marked with athlete flags, measured after
What to Expect
- Fun, fast-paced, and supportive meet environment
- Age-based racing with a festival-style flow
- Great introduction to track & field competition
What to Bring
- Athletic clothes & running shoes
- Water bottle
- Positive energy!
Volunteers Needed
- Volunteer Meeting: 9:30 AM
- Help needed with timing and field events—jump in and be part of the experience!
What to Expect
YMCA Youth Track & Field keeps kids active, learning, and having fun! Sessions focus on building skills in running, jumping, and throwing through high-energy activities, positive coaching, and a supportive environment. Kids gain confidence, develop coordination, and discover a love for movement.
The season wraps up with our inaugural YMCA Youth Track Meet at Folsom Lake College. This introductory meet lets kids showcase their progress in a fun, low-pressure setting. Participants can choose up to three events. Registration for the track meet is included with the full season or available separately for $25.
Please note:
- Introductory-level experience, perfect for first-time competitors
- No automatic timing systems
- Event options are limited based on equipment
- Not USATF sanctioned
Meet the Coaches
Josh Priester
Program Founder | YMCA COO | Lead Coach
With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Josh brings elite-level expertise to athletes of all ages and abilities, from beginners to Olympians.
Highlights:
- Dad to an active 2 year old
- Collegiate coaching experience at multiple universities
- Founder & Head Coach, Santa Barbara Track Club
- Coached athletes to the Olympic Games (Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020)
- Experience across youth, collegiate, professional, and Paralympic levels
- Former Executive Director, Big Sur International Marathon
Nicole Priester
Nicole combines high-level athletic experience with a deep understanding of youth development.
Highlights:
- Mom to an active 2 year old
- Competed at Oregon State University (Cross Country & Track)
- All-Pac-10 performer
- Former collegiate coach
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Nicole brings a thoughtful, supportive approach, helping kids build confidence, resilience, and a positive relationship with sports.
Ian Bamsey
Ian spent over a decade competing in Track & Field, starting as a sprinter and later as a decathlete at American River College. He competed at the national level in both high school and college, as well as playing football, and wrestling.
After college, Ian continued training through weightlifting and currently competes in powerlifting. He is passionate about introducing kids to Track & Field and helping them build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of being active.