Youth Cycling in St Albans
Helping young riders build cycling skills, confidence and friendships through fun, structured coaching. Our Youth Development Programme welcomes young cyclists who want to improve their riding, try different types of cycling or progress towards competitive racing.
WELCOME TO VCC YOUTH
More than just learning to ride a bike. Verulam Cycling Club's Youth Development Programme gives young riders the opportunity to develop their cycling in a friendly and supportive club environment.Sessions are designed to improve bike handling, confidence, fitness and cycling skills while keeping riding fun. As riders develop, they can explore track cycling, cyclo-cross, road riding and, for those who want to compete, cycle racing.
Whether your child is new to organised cycling or already loves riding and wants to take the next step, there is a pathway at Verulam.LET'S GET STARTED
- Who can join? 6–18 years old young cyclists.
- Who runs the sessions? Qualified British Cycling club coaches.
- How much does it cost? £6 Annual youth membership per year, £6 per session.
Learn. Develop. Ride. Race.
Young riders can progress at their own pace and discover the type of cycling they enjoy most.Learn
Build fundamental bike-handling skills, confidence and awareness through fun coaching activities.Develop
Improve technique and fitness through track and off-road cycling with experienced British Cycling-qualified coaches.Ride
Develop the skills and confidence needed to ride with other young cyclists and take part in youth road activities.Race
For riders who want to compete, we can help introduce them to racing, race craft, preparation and local youth events.Youth cycling activities
Our programme changes with the seasons so young riders can experience different cycling disciplines throughout the year.
Track Cycling - April to August
Develop bike handling, speed, confidence and race craft at the Gosling Sports Park Velodrome in Welwyn Garden City.- Saturday coaching session 2pm - 4pm
- Gosling Sports Park Velodrome
- Track bikes available to hire
- Suitable for developing young riders
Cyclo-Cross - September to March
Take your riding off-road and develop bike handling, balance and confidence in a fun environment.- Saturday coaching sessions 1pm - 3pm
- Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre
- Mountain bikes or cyclo-cross bikes
- Great for developing stamina and improving fitness
Youth Road Riding
More experienced young riders (12yo or over) can develop their confidence and road-riding skills on supervised youth rides.- Sunday youth rides
- Suitable for confident road riders
- Induction ride for new participants
- Progressive group riding (10 different ability groups)
Youth Racing
Interested in racing? We can help young riders understand how to get started and develop their skills as they progress.- Introduction to racing
- Race preparation
- Race craft and tactics
- Pathway into the VCC Racing Team
A club where young riders can grow
Verulam CC is one of Hertfordshire's established cycling clubs, with hundreds of members across a wide range of cycling disciplines.- Experienced British Cycling-qualified coaches
- Structured youth development sessions
- Track, cyclo-cross and road cycling
- Opportunities to progress into racing
- Friendly and supportive club environment
- Clear pathway as riders gain experience
What should my child bring?
For coaching sessions?
- A suitable, well-maintained bicycle (track bikes provided)
- Cycle helmet
- Gloves or mittens
- Suitable clothing for the weather
- Drinking water
Before your first session
- Join Verulam CC
- Check the current session information
- Complete any required booking
- Contact the Youth Development team if unsure
Give your young rider the chance to discover cycling
Join Verulam CC and become part of a friendly cycling community where young riders can learn, develop and have fun on two wheels.Youth Cycling FAQ
What age can my child start cycling with Verulam CC?
Our Youth Development Programme is designed for young riders from around 6 years old upwards. The most important consideration is your child's current riding ability and which session is appropriate for them.
Does my child need to be an experienced cyclist?
No. Our programme is designed to help young riders develop their skills and confidence. Some activities do have specific ability requirements, so please check the individual session information before attending.
Do you provide cycling coaching?
Yes. Youth sessions are delivered by qualified British Cycling coaches who plan activities around developing young riders' cycling skills.
Can my child try racing?
Yes. Riders who become interested in competition can be supported in progressing towards cycle racing, including advice about getting started, race preparation and race craft.
Where are the youth sessions held?
Depending on the season and activity, youth sessions are held at Gosling Sports Park Velodrome in Welwyn Garden City or Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre in St Albans.
How much does youth membership cost?
Youth membership is currently £6 per year. Some activities also have separate facility or session charges. Please check the current activity information before attending.
Questions about Youth Development?
If you're not sure which session is right for your child, get in touch with the Verulam CC Youth Development team.
Contact Youth Development
