Joining the club
I've never run before — can I still join?
Yes — we welcome complete beginners. Come along to a Tuesday or Thursday training session at Sutton Leisure Centre (6:30pm for adults) and our coaches will look after you. You don’t need to be fit first; our coaches will work with whatever level you’re at.
How do I join St Helens Sutton AC?
Three steps: come along to a Tuesday or Thursday training session to see what we do, fill in the membership form on our Join Us page, and pay the annual membership fee.
What ages do you take members from?
Anyone aged 8 to 80+. We are a friendly club for all abilities — competitive athletes, fun runners, joggers, and potential officials and volunteers are all welcome.
My child wants to join — is there a waiting list?
We currently operate a waiting list for athletes under 16, unless they have been referred by a coach or PE teacher. To join the list, email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk with your child’s full name, date of birth, and your phone number and email address.
What should I wear or bring to my first session?
Comfortable running kit and trainers — no specialist kit needed for your first visit. Bring water, an emergency contact phone number, and details of any health conditions the coaching team should know about.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Head to the clubhouse next to the athletics track at Sutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Road, St Helens, WA9 5AU. All training starts from the clubhouse. Junior athletes must be collected from the clubhouse, not the car park.
Membership and fees
How much does membership cost?
Full membership for the 2026–27 season is £42 per year, which covers England Athletics registration (£23), Northern Athletics registration (£2) and club membership (£17). Social or second-claim membership is £17.
Are there any other costs?
Regular attendees pay a small nightly session fee. An automatic monthly direct debit is available and preferred if you train regularly — ask at training or email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk.
When do I renew my membership?
Renewals are processed online and renewal emails are sent from 1st April. The deadline is 30th June — after this date your England Athletics registration expires.
What does England Athletics registration give me?
Full membership includes England Athletics registration, which gives you a competition licence and access to UK Athletics events nationwide.
Training
When and where does the club train?
All groups train at Sutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Road, St Helens on Tuesdays and Thursdays. New junior members train 6:15pm–7:00pm; new adult members 6:30pm–8:00pm; senior athletes 6:30pm–8:30pm. Many groups also train on additional days arranged by their coaches — juniors often on Saturday mornings, sprinters and senior women often on Sundays.
What facilities does the club have?
Our headquarters at Sutton Leisure Centre includes an all-weather athletics track, the clubhouse, a members’ weights gym, changing facilities and plenty of free parking.
Are the coaches qualified?
Yes. We have fully qualified coaches, and all coaches and most run leaders hold an enhanced DBS check. The club follows UK Athletics safeguarding policies.
Competing
What does the club compete in?
We field teams in cross country, track & field and road running at junior, senior and masters level. Cross country is a particular strength — the senior men and senior ladies both won the Liverpool & District Championships in 2026. The club competes in the Northern Athletics Track & Field League, and members race everything from local 10Ks to marathons and ultras.
Do I have to compete?
No. Plenty of members run purely for fitness and enjoyment. Competition is there if you want it, from informal open meetings to leagues and championships.
What competitions can my child enter?
Juniors can take part in open competitions (informal, often entered on the day), regional cross country and track & field leagues, the Young Athletes League, indoor Sportshall events in winter, and county and schools championships. Coaches encourage young athletes to try all running, jumping and throwing events before specialising.
What age group will my child compete in?
England Athletics updated its age groups from April 2026 — groups now run Under 10 through Under 20 by school year, and the competition year runs 1 October to 30 September, so athletes stay in the same age group across all disciplines for the whole year. Your coach will confirm which group your child competes in.
What races are coming up?
Check the club’s Spond page for the latest fixtures, or see the fixtures page.
Kit and communications
Where do I buy club kit?
Club kit (black and red) is available through our online shop provided by Malooka Sports. The shop is password protected — ask for the password at training or email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk.
How does the club communicate with members?
The club uses Spond for member communications, session updates and event management. Members should sign up to Spond to stay connected — ask at training for details. The club also has a weekly column in the St Helens Star and is on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the club
How long has the club been going?
St Helens Sutton AC was formed in 1990 by the merger of Sutton Harriers (founded 1899, four-time National Cross Country champions) and St Helens AC. The club has been based at Sutton Leisure Centre since 1996, when the all-weather track was laid.
How big is the club?
Around 205 members — 198 competitive athletes plus coaches, officials and volunteers — with sections for juniors (from age 8), seniors and veterans/masters.
How do I contact the club?
Email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk, or come along on a Tuesday or Thursday evening to the clubhouse at Sutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Road, St Helens, WA9 5AU.
Volunteering and safeguarding
How can I help as a volunteer?
The club actively welcomes help from parents, friends and family — formal or informal, regular or occasional. Coaching volunteers don’t need prior athletics experience; the club supports volunteers through UK Athletics courses, often at no cost. Speak to any coach or committee member at training, or email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk.
I have a safeguarding concern — what should I do?
Speak to Alan McKeegan (Welfare Officer) at training, any committee member or coach, or email info@st-helens-sutton.co.uk. Don’t keep concerns to yourself. In an emergency, contact St Helens Council on 01744 676600 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or the Emergency Duty Team on 0845 0500 148 outside office hours.