Poole Runners in all its sections believe that enjoyment is fundamental to everyone in sport.  This underlies everything the club does.

We do not push the youngsters to train too often, schoolwork comes first.  We expect no under 17 or younger to train more than three times a week max.  Most train once or twice weekly and if they do less than that, that’s fine too.

Everyone is important equally.  Whether you are nationally ranked or you can’t make the school team, you are still a precious member of Poole Runners.  The club will always do their best for its members.

We do not encourage youngsters to specialise at an early age.  In fact we discourage it strongly.  Members are also encouraged to try different sports.

We make each session fun, and we finish with a game and a joke.  Regular social events are also important.

We always try to compete as a team.  Our main goals are team competitions where everyone can feel part of it.  We will even go to championships and open meetings as a team.

In team competitions, we make sure there is room for everyone, and no one is forced to do things they don’t want to.  The club often enters more than one team in each league to fit everyone in.

Finally, there is no pressure put on youngsters to win.  This is counter-productive and doesn’t bring the best out of people.  What we encourage at all times is to do your best.  This is at the heart of the club’s Code of Conduct for Children and Parents.

There is a Child Care Policy also. Anyone in the club working with our children has a copy and they are expected to follow it at all times.