Athletics

Athletics classesDo you want to run faster? Jump higher? Or throw further? If so, there are a number of opportunities for you to get involved throughout Stirling, whether at an introductory level or at an advanced competitive standard.
Active Stirling Athletics Development Programme prides itself on being at the cutting edge of Athletic provision in Scotland, ensuring an effective development pathway and providing a number of programmes to promote and develop athletics including:

School Programmes

Stirling Athletics development programme provides a number of opportunities for school aged children to learn and develop a passion for athletics in a fun and safe environment. Taster sessions are delivered throughout the Stirling clusters and are aimed at introducing school-aged children to athletics. The curricular sessions are delivered by fully qualified UK Athletics coaches and combine basic fundamentals with fun games and activities. Coaches use specialist equipment, which is designed for young people, maximising the benefits from these sessions.

Run, Jump, Throw Clubs/ABC Athletics Classes

Run, Jump, Throw clubs and ABC Athletic classes operate in Stirling, Balfron, Dunblane, Bannockburn and Callander and cater for 6 – 12 year olds. Once children have been exposed to Athletics in their school they are actively encouraged to particpate in one of the clubs.


These clubs operate on a 12 week block basis so please refer to the link at the bottom of this page for more details.  The club focuses on key athletics skills in a fun and safe environment including the fundamentals of sprinting, hurdling, javelin, shot putt, discus, long jump and triple jump  Children will develop with help from fully qualified UK Athletics coaches who will ensure a quality programme is delivered.

Athletics Booking Form

Summer Programmes

During the summer months the Norwich Union star:track scheme is delivered at a number of venues throughout Stirling. The star:track programme is a partnership scheme between UK Athletics and Norwich Union and is aimed at all children between the ages of 8 and 15. All participating children receive coaching from qualified UK Athletic coaches.

The scheme is a week long programme, during which time children learn fundamental skills in a number of events and get to participate in fun games and activities. At the end of each week, every child receives individual rewards pertaining to their success in the events throughout the week and a complimentary gift pack.

Coach and Official Education

All UKCC coaching courses are organised and delivered by Scottish Athletics and every opportunity is provided for aspiring coaches to gain access to Coach Education Courses.

More information regarding coaching courses can be obtained from:

Alison Grey - Active Stirling's Athletics Development Officer:
Tel: (01786) 432330

- Scottish Athletics Education and Development Manager:
Tel: 0870 145 1510

or visit the UK Athletics
Tel: 0870 998 6771.

All UK Athletics Officials Education is organised by Scottish Athletics. More information regarding Officials Education can be obtained from:

Central Athletic Club

Having achieved Charter Club status from Stirling Sports Council, The Central Athletics Club is one of the premier clubs in terms of success and administration in the Stirling area and with around 300 members the Club is one of the largest in Central Scotland. Established in 1974, the club caters for athletes of all ages and abilities. Coaching and competition is offered throughout the year in a variety of disciplines, including, Track and Field, Indoor League, Cross Country, Road Running and Hill Running.

The club operates from three training centres: Stirling, Alloa and Dollar. Stirling is by far the largest group, they train during the Summer season, from early April to the end of September, at Stirling University track and in the Winter months, from October until March.

The Alloa group is based at the Tulligarth Leisure complex, which forms part of Lornshill Academy in Alloa. This group caters for athletes of all ages from the Alloa and Hillfoots area.

The Dollar group is the smallest of the three groups. This group also meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the emphsais during the summer being on track and field and on cross country in the winter.

The main club training nights are every Tuesday and Thursday rain, hail or shine, from 7 to 8.30pm with venues varying depending on the season. Other informal training sessions are arranged from time to time by the coaches.

As a Charter Club of Stirling Sports Council, Central Athletics benefit from various club development and growth opportunities, including:


Competitions are for male and female athletes and are organised within age groups, starting at Under 11, moving up every 2 years to Under 20, then senior. There are also Veteran age groups currently starting at 35 for women and 40 for men.

For those children wanting to develop their athletic skills and compete for the club, bi-Annual time-trials are organised for all children in the Run, Jump and Throw programme, as a feeder system into The Central Athletics Club.

For more information go to the Central Athletics Club website or contact the Athletics Development Officer on 01786 432330.

Cross Country

The Stirling Primary and Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships takes place at Stirling County Rugby Club in January each year. In 2005 there were over 700 entries into the event with 29 primary schools and 7 secondary schools.

Following the event the leading schools are invited to the Forth Valley Schools Cross-Country Championships.