From First Steps to Finish Lines.Where Effort Meets Growth, Year-Round.Develop. Compete. Lead.Every Level. Every Season. Every Athlete.Train with Heart. Grow with Purpose.
About GrassRoots Athletics
Every stride tells a story. This is ours.
GrassRoots Athletics began in 1998 with a simple belief: that the path to greatness starts from the ground up. What began as a program for post-collegiate athletes has grown into a year-round home for runners of all levels—from first-time 4th graders to seasoned high school competitors.
We’re built on more than training plans and race results. We’re built on early mornings, late-season breakthroughs, shared victories, and lessons that last far beyond the finish line.
Every athlete brings their own story. At GrassRoots, we help shape it—with purpose, passion, and pride.
This is more than a team.
This is a movement.
This is ours.
Our Mission & Commitment
Where confidence begins, and potential takes off.
At GrassRoots Athletics, we see sports as more than competition—they’re a launching pad for life. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive environment where young athletes of all levels can grow in confidence, develop leadership, and build lasting resilience—on and off the course.
Every athlete’s journey is unique. Whether your child is chasing a personal best or just discovering their stride, we meet them where they are—and help them move forward. Through intentional coaching, structured development, and meaningful mentorship, we use athletics to unlock character, discipline, and purpose.
Here, growth is celebrated. Effort is valued. And your athlete is never alone on their path.
Our promise: To guide every step with purpose, positivity, and heart—so your athlete doesn’t just train, they thrive.
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
YOUTH PROGRAM
Our GrassRoots Youth program builds strength, speed, and stamina through cross country, track & field, and performance-based physical training. Designed for all levels—focused on fun, fundamentals, and long-term growth.
School Year Training Programs
Monthly Training.
Schedule: Sunday, Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays (flex during February – April due to meets).
Time: Sunday 10 AM, Monday 4:30 PM, Tuesday/Thursday 4:15 PM
Location: Mission Viejo (TBD)
Why Fall and Winter Training Matter
Off-season training in the fall and winter lays the groundwork for athletic success, whether you’re a track and field or multi-sport athlete. These months are focused on building strength, refining movement, and preparing the body and mind for the demands of spring competition.
1. Build a Strong Foundation
2. Develop Strength and Power
3. Improve Movement Mechanics and Form
4. Introduce Controlled Speed Work
5. Build Mental Toughness
6. Prevent Overtraining
7. Reestablish Healthy Habits
Summer Training Programs
Monthly Training.
Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, with occasional Saturday practices (optional).
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Mission Viejo (TBD)
College For Kids (CFK) 2-Week Program
GrassRoots Athletics: Fundamentals of Track and Field – Run, Jump, and Throw!
CFK returns for the Summer of 2025 on the Saddleback College Campus. Give your kiddo the opportunity to experience college life in-person here at Saddleback!
Register through Saddleback College link
Session 1:
| 6/16/2025 – 6/26/2025 | Weekly – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Mission Viejo, Saddleback College Stadium Track Map |
Session 2
| 7/7/2025 – 7/17/2025 | Weekly – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Mission Viejo, Saddleback College Stadium Track Map |
Testimonials
Have a look at some of the wonderful things people say about us.
My son loves running with Grassroots Athletics! The high quality of coaching along with a supportive team atmosphere makes this the perfect team for kids. The coaches are able to work with athletes of all levels from novice to experienced. It is a good mix of competition with fun.
The coaches at GrassRoots Athletics are excellent! They are welcoming, knowledgeable, flexible, and supportive. They are capable of working with youth of all ages and abilities. In just 6 months our son has improved greatly in his form, strength, and endurance. It is a wonderful team to be a part of!
The Grassroots Staff is the most patient and compassionate group of coaches I have ever experienced. They foster a supportive environment, where all members of the team encourage and motivate one another. They have provided a truly rewarding experience for my daughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I join GrassRoots Athletics track and field running club?
- Just complete our registration form and payment.
- Obtain a USATF membership card (Select GrassRoots Athletics #33-0526 as your club).
- Attend practices.
- What is the age range for the club?
- Typically we accept 4th to 8th graders.
- If you have a 3rd grader you feel can follow directions and stay on task, give us a call.
- What is the cost to join a youth running club?
- There is a registration fee which includes the first month’s dues.
- Month-to-month dues thereafter, no contracts.
- What equipment do I need to participate?
- The basic equipment needed is comfortable running shoes.
- athletic shorts and shirt, sometimes warm-ups for cooler weather
- How often do the practices take place and what is a typical practice like?
- We’d love for your son or daughter to join us at every practice, but we get it, life can get hectic and some kids have lots going on. No worries, whether you can make it once, twice, or three times a week, you’ll still get top-notch coaching.
- A typical practice involves warm-up exercises, running drills, and training specific to the session goals. Practice will typically be 60 min long, but could go over a little bit (sometimes stretching takes a little longer)
- Do I have to participate in all the events?
- Taking part in all of the events is encouraged, and athletes have the option to focus on the distances or events that particularly interest them.
- Our goal is to give athletes a taste of different events, rather than just focusing on one.
- What is the competition schedule like for the club?
- The competition schedule will vary between seasons.
- Our training program helps runners get ready for races that are suitable for their age.
- Participants can take part in Track & Field meets, Cross Country races, and nearby road races.
- Competing is not a must, but we do encourage it.
- Will I need to purchase my own racing gear?
- Yes- we have team uniforms for purchase
- Racing spikes or flats are optional but recommended for competition.
- Are there any tryouts or qualifying standards to join GrassRoots Athletics track and field running club?
- We do not have tryouts or standards to join the club. No Experience is Required.
- We expect all athletes to be attentive, well-mannered, respectful and have a positive mindset while showing eagerness to learn and give their best effort.
- What kind of support and coaching can athletes expect from GrassRoots Athletics?
- Our coaches have extensive experience working with runners of all ages and are lifelong enthusiasts of the sport. They joyfully impart their passion to their athletes, with the aim of inspiring young people in the community to take up athletics.
- Just complete our registration form and payment.
- Obtain a USATF membership card (Select GrassRoots Athletics #33-0526 as your club).
- Attend practices.
- Typically we accept 4th to 8th graders.
- If you have a 3rd grader you feel can follow directions and stay on task, give us a call.
Training locations will vary depending on the season and purpose of the workout. For the spring track and field season, the training location will primarily be at Mission Viejo High School. During the fall cross country season, training locations will vary between the local parks.
Chat
Click Chat- right bottom corner
Call or Text
Info@GrassRootsAthletics.org
Connect With Us
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