Long Island track and field has a proud tradition at the high school level, with Nassau and Suffolk producing All-American athletes regularly. Youth programs through USATF Junior Olympics, CYO leagues, and school-affiliated clubs build the pipeline from early ages.
Whether your child is a sprinter, distance runner, or field event athlete, Long Island has programs for every level. Browse all LI youth track and field programs below.
Track gear needs vary by event — sprinters, distance runners, and field athletes all have different requirements. Start simple and add event-specific gear as your athlete develops.
USATF (USA Track and Field) Junior Olympics is the national championship for youth track athletes. On Long Island, athletes compete through the Niagara Association in qualifying meets advancing to Regionals and National Championships.
Most USATF youth clubs accept athletes starting at age 7–8 in the Bantam division. CYO programs offer track for younger athletes. Many kids start with school-based track before joining a club.
USATF youth divisions are: Bantam (7–8), Midget (9–10), Youth (11–12), Intermediate (13–14), and Young/Teen (15–16). Each age group has specific events they're allowed to compete in.
USATF club fees run $100–$400 per year. Meet entry fees are $5–$20 per event. Track spikes and training gear cost $50–$200.
Track is excellent cross-training — sprint mechanics improve in all field sports, distance running builds aerobic base for soccer and lacrosse, and field events develop explosive power for basketball and football.
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