Collage of various people participating in outdoor track and field event, wearing casual and athletic clothing, some with hats and sunglasses, with a logo that reads 'USA Track & Field' in the bottom left corner.

Welcome

We’re glad you’re here.

Joining Eastside Steppers means becoming part of a structured, supportive, and competitive environment. Families can expect clear communication, consistent practice schedules, and coaching that emphasizes preparation, accountability, and athlete growth.

2026 CALENDAR
Smiling woman wearing a black Nike cap, hoop earrings, and a light gray T-shirt, holding up her index finger outdoors.

What to Expect as a New Family

Eastside Steppers is more than a track program, it’s a community committed to athlete development, discipline, and growth.

As a parent, you can expect:

  • Structured practices focused on long-term development

  • Clear expectations for athletes and families

  • Support from coaches and experienced families

  • Opportunities for athletes to grow in confidence, responsibility, and leadership

New Parent Resource Toolkit

Joining a competitive track club can feel like a lot at first, but at Eastside Steppers, we believe clear communication and preparation make all the difference. This page is designed to help new families understand what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find important information throughout the season. To make things easier, we’ve created a New Parent Resource Toolkit, your go-to guide for navigating the season.

A man and a young boy sitting on grass, both wearing 'EASTSIDE STEPPERS' shirts. The man is looking at his phone, wearing a white cap, glasses, and jewelry. The boy is holding a bottle and wearing sunglasses.

This toolkit includes:

  • An overview of the Eastside Steppers program

  • Practice and meet expectations

  • Track meet essentials (what to bring and how to prepare)

  • Communication guidelines

  • Helpful tips for meet days and long competition weekends

We recommend reviewing this resource before the season begins and revisiting it throughout the year.

DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT
A man and a woman smiling outdoors at a gathering or event.
A man and a young girl standing outdoors. The girl is wearing a sports outfit with a race number bib, and the man is smiling with a cap backwards. They are likely participating in or celebrating a running event.

New Parent Frequently Asked Questions

Joining a new track program comes with a learning curve, and that’s okay. Our New Parent FAQ was created to answer the most common questions families have as they get settled, from practices and meets to communication, uniforms, and long-term commitment. This resource is designed to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident as part of the Eastside Steppers community.

READ THE FULL NEW PARENT FAQ

  • Covers who to contact, how the program is structured, and how Eastside Steppers operates day to day so parents know where to go for answers and support.

  • Explains where and when practices are held, how training is structured, and what to expect during different times of the year, including flexibility for high school athletes.

  • Breaks down how meet selection works, the purpose of different meets, and how competition is used strategically for development, experience, and long-term success.

  • Answers common questions about uniforms, distribution, and team gear so families know what’s required and who manages it.

  • Highlights how Eastside Steppers communicates important updates and why joining GroupMe is essential for staying informed during the season.

  • Provides an overview of volunteer opportunities and fundraising efforts that support the team, including events that help offset season costs and strengthen the program.

  • Outlines what families should expect during summer meets and how to prepare for long competition days, especially in warm weather.

  • Introduces the people and resources available to support athletes and families, including ambassadors, intake support, and medical/health resources.

  • Explains the level of commitment involved in competitive track & field and the long-term return on investment, athletic development, discipline, exposure, and opportunity.