Cross Country for Youth

Cross-Country for Youth (CCFY) is a unique fitness program that introduces young people to cross-country training and character-building concepts to develop the whole person. CCFY programming takes place twice a week. A typical day of activities begins with a general introduction, the character focus of the day, an overview of cross-country principles and continue with stretching, a group run and wrap-up exercises. The character development concepts include Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Perseverance, Teamwork, Commitment, Courage, Discipline and Leadership.

Each character trait activity is accompanied by a key message delivered by community stakeholders and screened volunteers. Key messages include topics such as Perseverance.  One specific Commitment key messages discusses that at 211º water is hot, but at 212 degrees it boils and creates steam and steam can power a train. So, that one extra degree makes all the difference. Commitment can give you that extra leverage to succeed.

The youth will also participate in cross-country meets against youth in other elementary and middle schools in Charlotte, Huntersville and the culminating event, which is the Footlocker Regional competition is comprised of youth from 15 States in the Southeast.