The Boston Running Collaborative Youth Development Meets are a running success
Last month the Boston Running Collaborative wrapped-up its third successful summer developmental track meet series for Boston’s youth. Created and organized by BRC members, and in partnership with Boston Parks & Recreation, the Youth Track Development Meets for ages 4-14 offer fun, free opportunities to introduce Boston’s youth to the sport. Since 2022, some 1800 youth have had the opportunity to run, jump and throw at four of Boston’s iconic track & field stadiums.
The meets are a collective effort, building on a concept brought to the group by Sherman Hart and Kamilah Rowe who share their thoughts on the program below. Both are long-time coaches in the city and have seen the lack of opportunities for young people to try track and field. The concept is widely supported by Boston’s youth track coaches with four playing key roles: Tony Darocha (Boston United), Tomorrow Peeples (Boston Lions), Saleena Rashed (MetroCobras) and Bryan Van Dorpe (Youth Enrichment Services). Additional support has come from former youth coach Frank Jackson and BRC Steering Committee Members Eric Francis and Darrelle Boyd. Francis & Boyd started their track & field careers in a similar program in Boston and are now USATF Track & Field Officials. The B.A.A.’s Director of Development Suzanne Walmsley has also been instrumental in bringing this program to life.
Rowe shared, “I remember being 12 years old and taking part in an ‘elementary summer Olympics’ track meet at White Stadium. It was a fun-filled day and there were children everywhere participating in various track and field disciplines. I did the 100 meters, and I soon became very passionate about the sport. We realized there was nothing like the elementary summer Olympics in Boston anymore.”
After this positive experience, Kamilah joined the Boston International Track Team. She then ran at the John D. O’Bryant high school and Northeastern University – where she was coached by Sherman.
She continued, “Sherman was my college coach, so we have been connected through running for many years and we both felt strongly about bringing back this opportunity in the backyard of BIPOC communities.”
The BRC Developmental meets are run with the support of volunteer coaches and alumni who come back to help, the track meets are growing each year.
The summer meet series provides free and easy access for families close to where they live. Everyone who takes part receives a ribbon and with it they gain pride in their performance and grow in confidence around their capabilities on and off the track.
Rowe added, “It’s more than a developmental meet, it’s a community event. It’s so great seeing all the smiles of children, parents, officials, and volunteers. We have families who chance upon the event and end up having the best time.
“I tell all the kids to have fun, do your best and keep aiming for your next goal. These moments bring back memories for me and I know these experiences will live with the participants for a long time to come.”
Hart shares his thoughts. “The BRC is a great program, and I am proud to be one of the original members and to be bringing these meets to people of color.
“I felt there was a real gap in Boston with track development. This is a great way to bring out more talent in the sport and it also benefits the parents. We see how much they enjoy it, and it inspires some of them to get back into running too.”
There are challenges to organizing any event and both Hart and Rowe are always ready to tackle them head-on and find solutions.
Rowe shares, “We are looking to extend the programing further next year to take it to more communities where there is a track. Currently, we host meets outside for the summer months, it becomes a challenge to move the meet indoors as indoor spaces are in short supply. We are working on a potential project with Government and City officials to create a year-round indoor space for all, so we hope that comes through to give more youth the chance to participate.”
Hart adds, “Costs and finding officials are some of the biggest challenges for our events. We are very grateful to the B.A.A. for their support. As long as we have that, this program is only going to grow and build.
“This program is a great opportunity to have fun and be introduced to track. It really helps kids go a long way and learn to enjoy running.”
Find out more about the BRC and the Youth Development Meets.