PPYCC has a certificate scheme for both skills and performance results. Many parents and members will know from participating in other youth sports that this is a fun and motivating way of tracking achievements and progression.
There isn’t a formal British Cycling certificate scheme for young riders but there is a British Cycling skills syllabus which is what all of our qualified coaches use when designing their Saturday morning sessions. This syllabus covers a range of skills organised into three technique groupings: bike handling, core cycling and group riding techniques. These three areas form the basis of the PPYCC skills certificate scheme.
We have a wide range of ability levels at Inner Ring, from 8 year-old members who may not have been riding a bike very long to those aged 12+ who may be accomplished riders and racers. Our youngest or newest riders will begin by aiming for their Level 1 certificate, while older riders in the group should be working towards Level 3. Skills progression within each technique grouping is tracked by the coaches in an online sheet and once all skills within a level have been achieved then a Level Mastery Certificate is awarded.
Riders are also issued with a Rider Passport booklet where they can keep track of their progress.
We build in regular assessments into our Saturday morning sessions and these skills have to be witnessed by our coaches. Please note that mastering a level is not related to progressing between Inner and Outer Ring, or progressing between informal groups that may be arranged on a Saturday morning. These things will remain at the coaches discretion in order to keep safe and balanced numbers in each group.
A number of other British Cycling Go-Ride youth clubs advised us on the setup of this scheme and we are very grateful to Pedal Heaven, Hillingdon Slipstreamers, Maindy Flyers and East Bradford Cycling Club for their valuable input.