The objective of the athletics academy section with the Mellieha Athletic Club is to build a solid foundation for kids who are interested to attend running training sessions. The main philosophy behind the setup is to build a training system which is attractive to the kids and at the same time making sure that the very basic principles of our training regime are already introduced at this early stage.
The club’s academy mission is to focus on middle to long distance running and as a result the training delivered is based around this focus. Parents are well informed about our strategy at the introductory meeting, so that we make sure that communication is clear and no other type of training is expected during their kids training sessions.
Age Groups
- Age (5-6 years)
- Age (7-8 years)
- Age (9-10 years)
- Age (11-16 years)
- Age (13 – 17 years) – long distance team
Venues / Days of the week / Time
San Anton School track (limits of Imgarr)
- Saturdays @ 8.00am (All year) – 1.5hrs long
- Wednesdays @ 5.30pm (Winter) & 6.00pm (Summer) – 1hr long
All sessions during the season are carried out at the above-mentioned venues. Saturday’s sessions are to be attended by groups 2 to 5 while Wednesday’s sessions are to be attended by groups 1 to 5.
Coaches
At Mellieha AC we make sure that every athlete gets the top attention and guidance at all times and is not dependent on his/her performance. All our trainers are certified with the Level 1 IAAF Coaching Certificate.
Administration and Communication
Every new kid who is interested to join our academy section is allowed 1-2 free taster sessions. During this time we will explain to the parents the importance of making sure that the kids enjoy themselves before enrolling them in our academy. Upon registration, the membership duration is selected and the respective fee is settled in advance. At this stage the new member’s details are inputted into our database so as to ensure that any communication issued by the club is delivered to its members accordingly. A Facebook Page is also set up to share events, information and other communications.
Attendance
Whilst we emphasise the importance of the kids to enjoy each session held, we also place a lot of importance on the fact that every sport is based on discipline – our sport is no exception to this basic principle.
It is important for parents to transmit and encourage this approach to their kids so that a constant attendance is maintained. Should for any reason the session will have to be missed, it is important for the parents to inform the trainer accordingly.
Pickup point is strictly from the point of training and no other place out of this training area. Further, parents should also inform the trainers beforehand when their kids will be picked up by other guardians and not themselves.
Health and other medical issues
The parents or guardians should make sure that their kids are medically fit to practice this sport. They should also notify the trainers and the administrative staff about any medical conditions that their kids have. This information is treated with strict confidentiality. A medical responsibility form should also be signed by all the parents or guardians of the kids attending these sessions and handed over to the trainers immediately.
Fun Run / Races to Attend
A number of activities will be organised during the course of the season both within our club, MAAA and other clubs/national events.
As highlighted under our mission above, our philosophy is of making sure that every athlete in the academy section is primarily enjoying the sessions. As a result while we are really pleased to have a good attendance to such events held and encourage them to attend.
Joining Us / Fees
Following the 1-2 taster sessions the parents will have to enrol their kids within the academy. Fees are due every August and anyone joining during the year will pay pro-rata until the renewal period.
- Ages 5-6 year old – 12 months membership (fee of €90)
- Ages 7+ year old – 12 months membership (fee of €180)
Who is behind it all
Coaching Staff
- Andreas Cini
- Sam Fenech
- Owen Psaila
- Krista Hili
- Mario Pisani (Head Coach)
Administration – Ivan Cassar, Richard Borg, Stephanie Azzopardi
