Newbury Velo Cycling Club expands youth coaching program with Easter skills camp

Newbury Velo is continuing to drive youth cycling forward with its comprehensive coaching program.

They’ll welcome 50 young riders for the first 2025 term, introducing an exciting new Easter holiday skills camp for young cyclists.

The club's long-standing youth coaching initiative offers a structured cycling development pathway for children aged three to twelve.

Newbury Velo is also exploring extending its age range to 16-years, with a specific focus on off-road skills and mountain biking.

This will be integrated into Tuesday evening sessions during the summer term, allowing the coaching team to develop and refine their approach.

Every Tuesday during term time, young cyclists gather at Henwick Sports Ground, where they are grouped by ability and guided by a team of Club, British Cycling qualified coaches who are committed to developing both technical skills and a passion for cycling.

Lead Coach, Melanie Sneddon, heads up a dedicated team of volunteer coaches, all of whom are first aid qualified, and DBS checked, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.

"Coaching children is incredibly rewarding," she explained.

"We're not just teaching cycling skills; we're building confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of cycling."

This term brings an exciting new addition to the club's youth program, the Velomite Easter Holiday Club.

Designed for young cyclists who can already pedal confidently, this specialized camp will focus on off-road cycling skills.

Participants will have access to purpose-built and specialized ramps and equipment, providing a unique opportunity to develop more advanced cycling techniques in a controlled and supportive environment.

As the term progresses, coached sessions evolve into group rides, allowing young cyclists to apply and cement their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios.

This approach ensures that children not only learn technical skills but also develop confidence, spatial awareness, and a sense of community.

The club is now also introducing Mountain Bike skills sessions catering to both older youth and adults.

The club is actively seeking passionate helpers and coaches who are interested in supporting this expansion.

"Our goal is to create a supportive, fun, and skill-focused environment where children can discover the joy of cycling," said Sneddon.

"Whether it's a three-year-old taking their first pedal on a balance bike or a confident twelve-year-old mastering off-road techniques, we're here to support every stage of their cycling journey."

Newbury Velo recently collaborated with Banjo Cycles, providing support to Newbury Road Club, to engage Trinity School students in cycling.

The partnership introduced young riders to Zwift racing through static bike sessions, providing an exciting glimpse into the world of cycling.

Newbury Velo is inviting local cyclists of all ages and skill levels to participate in their upcoming Summer Cyclo-Cross events at Godwell Park.

A specially designed novice event has been added to the schedule, ensuring that everyone, from complete beginners to experienced riders, has the opportunity to join in and enjoy the thrill of cyclo-cross racing.

Families interested in youth cycling, the Velomite Easter Holiday Club, adult and youth MTB training, or potential coaching opportunities are invited to explore more at newburyvelo.cc.