Welcome to Daley Thompson Athletics Academy

In Partnership with Sutton & District Athletics Club

For Children and Young Athletes Aged 5–16 Years

Based at the David Weir Leisure Centre in Carshalton, Daley Thompson Athletics Academy delivers high-quality athletics coaching in a fun, supportive, and inspiring environment where children can learn, develop, and thrive.

Whether your child is taking their first steps into athletics or looking to progress their athletic journey, our experienced coaching team provides expert guidance across running, jumping, and throwing disciplines, helping every athlete build confidence, improve performance, and develop a lifelong love of sport.

“The Sutton coaching team at the David Weir Leisure Centre is doing a brilliant job getting young people into athletics the right way — with great coaching, a positive atmosphere, and proper technique from day one. Whether your child wants to compete or just enjoy being active, this club gives them the best foundation in sport.”

 

Daley Thompson CBE

Double Olympic Champion & ATG Ambassador

What We Offer

At Daley Thompson Athletics Academy, we create opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy athletics, stay active, and reach their potential.

Weekly Athletics Training

Our twice-weekly coaching sessions provide a fun and structured environment where athletes can develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed in athletics and all sports.

Training focuses on:

  • Running, sprinting and speed development
  • Jumping events and athletic movement skills
  • Throwing techniques and coordination
  • Agility, balance and physical literacy
  • Fitness, confidence and resilience
  • Teamwork and personal development

Whether your child wants to compete or simply enjoy being active, our sessions are designed to challenge, motivate, and inspire.


Friendly Competitions

Competition is a fantastic way for young athletes to build confidence, develop resilience, and celebrate their progress.

Throughout the year, we provide opportunities to take part in friendly and inclusive competitions where children can experience the excitement of racing, jumping, and throwing alongside their teammates.

Participation is always encouraged but never pressured — children can compete as much or as little as they choose.


Holiday Camps & International Training Experiences

Our popular holiday athletics camps provide energetic and engaging experiences during school breaks.

Children enjoy:

  • Athletics coaching
  • Skill development sessions
  • Fitness challenges
  • Games and team activities
  • Confidence-building experiences

Looking ahead, we are excited to offer international training camps in destinations including St Lucia and La Manga, Spain, giving young athletes the opportunity to combine sport, sunshine, and unforgettable experiences with friends and coaches.


An England Athletics Affiliated Programme

As part of an England Athletics affiliated pathway, we are committed to delivering coaching that meets the highest national standards.

Parents can be confident that their children are participating in a programme that prioritises:

  • Quality coaching
  • Athlete welfare
  • Child safeguarding
  • Long-term athlete development
  • Positive sporting experiences

Our structured approach ensures every athlete receives the support they need to progress at their own pace.


Progression to Sutton & District Athletics Club

For children who wish to take their athletics further, we provide a clear pathway into Sutton & District Athletics Club.

From around age 12, athletes can begin transitioning into club athletics while continuing to benefit from our weekly academy coaching sessions.

This dual pathway allows athletes to:

  • Gain competition experience
  • Access specialist event coaching
  • Build confidence gradually
  • Continue developing across all athletic disciplines

Many athletes choose to train with both programmes, benefiting from additional coaching, support, and opportunities throughout the year.


Meet Our Coaching Team

Our coaching team combines elite sporting experience, professional coaching expertise, and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed.

Aidan Syers Lead Sprint Coach

A former Great Britain international sprinter and UK Athletics Level 2 Coach, Aidan specialises in speed development, acceleration, sprint mechanics, and athletic performance.

His experience at the highest level helps young athletes understand how to move efficiently, run faster, and perform with confidence.


Mandy Walters Jumps Coach

Mandy is a UK Athletics Level 2 Coach with extensive experience coaching athletes of all ages and abilities.

Specialising in jumping events, she brings enthusiasm, patience, and technical expertise to every session, helping athletes develop confidence and strong foundations.


Kate Staples MBE Senior Coach & Saturday Session Lead

Kate is a UK Athletics Level 2 Speed Coach, former Great Britain pole vault record holder, and well-known television personality from the original Gladiators series.

With over 25 years’ experience as a personal trainer and yoga teacher, Kate brings exceptional knowledge of athletic performance, movement, strength, and wellbeing. She regularly supports academy sessions and leads our Saturday coaching programme.


Sebastian Fox Assistant Sprint Coach

Sebastian is an emerging sprint athlete and UK Athletics Level 1 Coach who brings enthusiasm, energy, and positivity to every session.

A fantastic role model for younger athletes, Sebastian helps create an encouraging environment where every child feels supported and motivated to do their best.


Join the Academy

At Daley Thompson Athletics Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy sport, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Whether they want to make friends, stay active, compete, or pursue their athletic ambitions, our academy provides the perfect environment to learn, develop, and succeed.

Run. Jump. Throw. Develop. Achieve.
Join the Daley Thompson Athletics Academy family and start your athletics journey today.

JUNIOR ATHLETICS ACADEMY

6 -12 YEARS   TUESDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

SUMMER TERM

JUNIOR ATHLETICS ACADEMY

6 -12 YEARS   TUESDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

AUTUMN TERM

JUNIOR ATHLETICS ACADEMY

5 - 12 YEARS   THURSDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

SUMMER TERM - SOLD OUT

JUNIOR ATHLETICS ACADEMY

5 -12 YEARS   THURSDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

AUTUMN TERM

SPEED ACADEMY WITH AIDN

11 - 16 years  THURSDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

SUMMER TERM SOLD OUT

 

SPEED ACADEMY WITH AIDN

11 - 16 years  THURSDAY 5:00PM - 5:55PM

AUTUMN TERM 

JUNIOR ATHLETICS ACADEMY

7 - 12 years  SATURDAY 9:15AM - 10:00AM