Clubs

Member clubs are at the heart of USA Track & Field. They provide much needed support to athletes in the form of coaching, financial support and athletic satisfaction. It is with, and through, the clubs that USATF is able to carry out its mission: "To provide vision and leadership to the sport of track and field in the United States, and to promote the pursuit of excellence from youth to masters, from grass roots to the Olympic Games."

Many of USA's present and past Olympic stars developed through the club system. Many were members of clubs and competed in the Junior Olympic program during their youth, trained with one of the elite developmental clubs during their prime, and continued to compete in USATF's masters programs.

The focus and goals of each club are as unique and diverse as the athletes who compete for them. Some clubs focus primarily on elite development, while others specialize in youth or masters programs. Some are solely track & field clubs, while others provide support to only race walkers, throwers, or distance runners. What ever the case may be, each club is vital to the sport's future in the United States.

Over the past several years, USATF has initiated national club championships in cross country and track & field, and has recently added a marathon relay championship. These national club championships provide clubs a chance to showcase their talents and earn national bragging rights.