Starting a team is incredibly rewarding and we want to make it as straightforward as possible. The Washington League has years of experience helping coaches start and develop teams. Anyone can start a team – parents, teachers, cycling enthusiasts.

Extensive cycling experience is not necessary. One should simply have the desire to introduce kids to the sport of mountain biking. Once you have decided to create a team, the Washington League can help educate you and provide you with all the tools necessary to be an excellent coach.

STEP 1 – Research

Familiarize yourself with the Washington Student Cycling League, our Coach License Program, team types and divisions. Review the website in detail and ask questions, that’s what we are here for.

The League is here to help you! Contact the League if you are considering starting a team.

STEP 2 – Organize Your Team

Team organization varies from team to team and will evolve over time. However, all teams start with the basics. Here’s what you need to know:

Understand Team Structures

School-Based Teams: A team comprised of full-time students from the same school. Can be an “official” team that is recognized as an official club by the school or unofficial.  Home-school students may join school-based teams.

Composite Teams: A team comprised of full-time students from more than one school within the same district or proximity. Home-school students may also join composite teams.

Leadership Team: Start thinking about your leadership team. You can’t do this alone, it takes a village. You will have plenty of time along the way to develop a management team, but it’s good to have help in the beginning.

Do you have any friends or contacts interested in helping you start and manage a team? Everyone has skills and areas of expertise to contribute to your team. The most successful teams have a strong group of adult leaders and they divide team tasks and conquer. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be an expert mountain biker to be a positive role model and contribute to the team.

STEP 3 – Get Your Coach License

The Washington League requires that all adults riding with a WSCL team be licensed and covered by the WSCL’s insurance plan. This coach license ensures that our students will be safe and have qualified adults present during team rides and races.

START THE COACH LICENSE PROCESS BY CONTACTING THE LEAGUE TO OBTAIN THE CODE NEEDED FOR OUR REGISTRATION SYSTEM WHERE THE PROCESS BEGINS.

STEP 4 – Spread the Word and Start Recruiting

• Build a relationship with our local school. Getting schools and administrators on board with the program can be a critical path to team success.

• Build a relationship with your local bike shop.

• Spread the word by distributing team flyers. Check with your local school, bike shops, libraries, etc. to assist with posting flyers

• Advertise on social media.

• Put an ad in your community newspaper or community forum.

• Hold a community informational meeting and invite coaches, students, parents and other community members.

The Washington League has resources to help you and can assist with holding community informational meetings.

STEP 5 – Start the Season

• Register the team with the Washington League and then open up registration for other coaches and students.

• Start riding!