How do I start a high school mountain bike team? Administrators, teachers, students, community members, anyone can potentially begin a cycling club at their local high school. Every district works a little differently, but most schools athletic programs depend on the support of community members. Visit your school and ask questions about their current sports programs and clubs. Whether considered a club, or an athletic program, it is important to find support from the school. Discuss your plans and ideas with your school administration, and your ready to get started. Next, you’ll need to meet a few NICA coaching requirements to get started.
How do I recruit kids for a team? Various teams have had success with many different recruiting techniques. Hosting a Bike Club table at Club Rush (or whatever your high school Club recruitment day is called) is a great way to garner initial interest. Meeting with the Athletic Director in order to educate he/she about your new club is another idea. Email Jason Cairo and ask if there are current teams or clubs that you can connect with in your area. Put an article in the school newspaper, get parents to talk to other parents, send an email to your school’s Boosters Club. There are lots of ways to get kids interested in cycling!
Do I have to have insurance for a club or team? Yes. Do not run a program without adequate insurance coverage! NICA provides comprehensive liability insurance to all teams and coaches who officially register with the New York League.
Can I get a scholarship for race entry fees? The New York League is able to provide scholarships to registered League athletes who are in need of financial assistance. Please contact Jason Cairo at jason@newyorkmtb.org for information on how to apply for a scholarship.
Do you have any cycling gear that our team can buy? Yes, we do. The New York League runs a lycra drive program and gets new and used gear donated for the sole purpose of donating to teams and individual riders. Please call or email us, let us know what you need, and we will get you set up. Also, we always bring all our donated cycling gear to our Leaders Summit for coaches to access for their teams.
Can I get a good deal or discount on a new bike? Please go to the Shops page and find the closest bike shop to you that is a New York sponsor shop. These shops all offer incredible discounts to New York League riders and coaches.