We are delighted to be in a position to recommence a limited return to official training sessions from next Tuesday June 9th. These will be organised under the strict Covid guidelines as set out by the Government, Dublin City Council and Athletics Ireland.

All sessions will require pre-booking. No athlete will be allowed to train unless they are paid-up members of Crusaders AC for 2020 and they have pre-booked their session.  In the initial stage athletes must be 13 years of age. As we go through the phases new guidelines are to be issued and we will review the age groups for whom there is training.

There is currently a limit on the number of athletes whom can attend a session.  When an age group has an approved planned session notice of how to book will be issued.  Only those who have pre-booked will be allowed entrance to the stadium.  We would appreciate all of your support at this time as we re-open with new challenges which provide further workload on the volunteers who run the club.

From Tuesday, June 9th we will have use of Irishtown track – however the Stadium will remain closed meaning NO TOILET, SHOWER, GYM facilities will be available.

Please see our Guidelines for athletes and coaches on returning to training during Covid19 below; Please ensure parent/guardian and athlete are all familiar with these guidelines.

We recommend that you read and make yourself aware of Athletics Ireland Guidelines, which can be found in the following links:
Guidance for Clubs 
Guidance for Athletes
Guidance for Coaches

Ahletics Ireland have issued some guidelines regarding the easing of restrictions on sporting activities, and we wanted to share with you, the members of Crusaders AC, how this will impact our return to training. 

Phase 1 of the easing of restrictions will begin on May 18th. This will allow for athletic activities for groups of up to four people, as long as social distancing is maintained, with no physical contact. 

Irishtown Stadium, which is owned by Dublin City Council, have confirmed that the stadium will not be open for Phase 1. Phases 2, 3 and 4, (June 8th, June 29th, July 20th) will result in further easing of restrictions. We are currently working on a document outlining our proposals to Dublin City Council, with a view to allowing access to the track in future phases. We will update our members once any further information is available. 

More detailed guidelines for this first phase may be found in the documents below issued by Athletics Ireland.

Stay fit and safe,
Best,
​Jim, Maria & John

In  support of Government guidelines to defeat Covid19 all training is currently cancelled.

Please see our Athletics at Homes section to practice athletics and keep in shape during the period of social distancing.

Best
​Jim, Maria and John

How did JnrCru get on at the Dublin Indoor Championships, training closed until further notice and other news.

In support of the Government decision to close schools etc. there will be no training until the 29th March 2020. Please stay safe and well and follow the HSE guidelines.

Based on guidance received we will update this position as we get near to the 29th.

Thanks and stay safe and well.

Best

JnrCru Committee 

​Jim, John & Maria

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NATIONAL SPORTS CAMPUS
Where?  National Sports Campus Abbotstown

How do I enter?   By emailing athletes name, date of birth and events to be entered in to jnrcruentries@gmail.com    We will only accept entries where 2020 membership has been paid. ENTRIES CLOSE 19th January.

Who can enter?   To enter you must be a current member and registered with Athletics Ireland for 2020.  You can only be registered if you have paid your 2020 club membership.  WE WILL NOT ENTER ANY ATHLETE WHO HAS NOT PAID THEIR 2020 MEMBERSHIP

How much does it cost?  The cost is €4 per event entered.  The club will pay entry for all athletes who turn up and compete.  If  you enter and do not turn up you must reimburse the club the cost of entry.

When & what events can they enter?  See events post in upcoming competitions.   If your athlete turns 10 in 2020 they are U11; if your athlete turns 11 in 2020 they are under 12 etc etc 

What does my athlete wear/bring?  When racing you must wear your Crusaders singlet/t-shirt.  Don't forget your spikes if you have them.  Please also bring water and you may need food etc. if there all day.

Who is responsible for my athlete?  YOU ARE; with the large number of entries it would be impossible for coaches to be responsible for athletes.  There is also a requirement on Crusaders to provide officials and this takes up coaches time.

What time should I arrive?  To ensure your athlete checks in, completes a warm-up, gets familiarity with surroundings we recommend arriving a minimum of 1 hour before race scheduled time.
"BUT it never runs to schedule?"  :  With the large number of athletes entering multiple events it is very difficult to schedule; please be patient with officials and expect to spend time there.

I am not happy with a result?   In Crusaders sportsmanship comes first.  If you are not happy with a result DO NOT CHALLENGE THE OFFICIAL (they have voluntarily given their time); please refer to John Caird, Jim O’Neill or Maria Caird ONLY.

Any hints to make the weekend more enjoyable?  Be prepared to spend time there.  Your athlete may have to complete heats and a final; bring food, drinks, extra clothes etc.  

Where do I park?  There will be parking on the campus BUT, it will get very busy.   We recommend you arrive early. 

How will I know when my race is on?  Listen carefully to announcements and follow timetable but, remember it is subject to change on the day.  Crusaders coaches will be around on the day and will also assist.

They won't let me on the track with my athlete/child?  Only officials are allowed track side.  It is normal for there to be a call area which is where your athlete is brought to when their race is called.  You will then return to the viewing area.

I don't have a Crusaders singlet OR T-shirt?  Your coach can get you one at training.  T-shirts are now €10 and Singlet €20.

My athlete does not have spikes?  Spikes are not a necessity but, do give an advantage.  Our members have found the following shops very helpful in the past:   Grandstand Sports, 106 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire.   Runzone 27/29 Orwell Road , Rathgar.  We also have a bag of spikes in the SHED.  If you have spikes that no longer fit please bring them down and swap for a pair in your athletes size.

Well done to all Crusaders athletes who competed in National Juvenile Championships Tullamore over two weekends in July. 

Crusaders was well represented in a variety of events against very strong opposition. Conor Napper brought home a silver medal in the U15s pole vault and battled against fierce competition in blazing heat in high jump & triple jump. Morgan Brennan also received a silver medal in the U17 discus and placed 6th in the hammer. 

Shane Cosgrave narrowly missed out on a medal placing 4th in U16 hammer.
Luke Timlin, Sean Owens, Emily Lyne, Stephen Conneely and Hugo Magee all qualified from their heats into the final of their track events while Nadine Deehan & Luke Timlin battled hard in their field events. 
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Congratulations to everyone.