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.