SYA Cross Country (XC) is open to boys and girls ages 6-16.
First and foremost, the program is designed to be fun. Some runners have a goal to compete in a national race at the end of the season, some use XC to prepare for other sports and others run simply for enjoyment.
Athletes train and compete in off-road races on trails, hills, and park paths. The program focuses on improving endurance, speed, and proper running technique, with races held locally in the Northern Virginia area. Participants are grouped by age, with distances ranging from 2K for the youngest runners to 5K for older athletes. All skill levels are welcome, and no tryouts are required!
Coaches focus on proper running technique, injury prevention and helping athletes improve their endurance and speed. Each practice starts with extensive warm-ups, drills and stretches designed to keep your runner injury free. Your runners will be busy from the time they start practice until it concludes. Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to participate in the warm-ups and the runs.
The 2025 Cross Country season starts in August.
Some athletes may compete in regional races as late as November and nationals in December.
Practices start in August.
Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings in Centreville, with additional weekend practices when there are no races. When we do not have a weekend race, we may practice on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon at various locations (e.g., Manassas Battlefield or Burke Lake).
Early October
Races are held at local venues in the Northern Virginia area, such as Van Dyck Park, SYA Sports Park, Providence Park, and Nottoway Park.
No; all skill levels are welcome.
Yes.
No.
What are the registration dates for all SYA sports?
| Season | Registration opens with $15 discount | Regular Registration Fee | Registration Late Fee $25 | Registration Wait List | Season Registration Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | May | June | July | Aug 1-14 | Aug 15 |
| WINTER | August | September/October | November | Dec 1-14 | Dec 15 |
| SPRING | November | December/January | February | Mar 1-14 | Mar 15 |
| SUMMER | February | April | May | June 1-14 | June 15 |
Races:
Races are local and normally held during the weekend in the Northern Virginia area. Depending on each athlete’s success, some may participate in regional races in November and nationals in December.
Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.
Although races are broken down into gender and age divisions, all of our XC athletes train and practice together at the same time and location using the same program and coaches. Once the coaches get a feel for individual skill levels, athletes will be grouped with others at a similar level.
| USTAF Age Division | Birth Year | Age at the end of 12/31/2024 | Distance (K=kilometer) | Approximate Distance in Miles |
| 8 & Under | born in or after 2017 | 8 and under | 2K | 1.24 |
| 9-10 | born in 2015 and 2016 | 9-10 | 3K | 1.86 |
| 11-12 | born in 2013 and 2014 | 11-12 | 3K | 1.86 |
| 13-14 | born in 2011 and 2012 | 13-14 | 4K | 2.48 |
| 15-16 | born in 2009 and 2010 | 15-16 | 5K | 3.10 |
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Families will receive a $15 multi-child discount.
| League | Regular Registration | Fairfax County Recreation Fee | Out-of-county fee if applicable: |
| Track (Cross Country) | $150 | $10 | $50 |
The system accepts Visa or MasterCard & online checks (your registration is not FINAL until your check payment is received). You may pay your registration fees, and make donations during online registration. You may register multiple players online as well and receive a multiple player discount.
SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. Learn more about SYA scholarships.
Athletes need a good pair of running shoes and are encouraged to wear t-shirts and running shorts. A runner’s watch is also recommended for pacing.
No. Athletes are required to bring their own running shoes and are encouraged to wear appropriate gear.
| Position | Name |
| Commissioner | Alonzo Davis |
For other questions: [email protected]
Inclement weather line: 703.324.526
Refund Policy
SYA encourages parents and high school players to volunteer as referees or team staff.
Community and business sponsors help support field maintenance, equipment upgrades, and overall league operations
Please check on field status if it has rained in the last 48 hours.
Decisions on field status are generally made by 3:30pm each day Monday-Friday and by 7am on Saturday and Sunday.
Field/Gym Status info can be obtained by:
Consider signing up for Fairfax Alerts!
This Fairfax County free public service will alert coaches and parents to school closings due to weather or other emergency situations via e-mail or cell phone.
There is an out-of-county fee, if applicable, of $50.
Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.
Fairfax County issues permits to SYA to use facilities in the Centreville/Clifton area. Typically a team will practice at the same facility each week with varying locations for weekend meets throughout Fairfax County.
Notification of schedules/locations/times will be sent out 1-2 weeks prior to start of season (as determined by when we receive permits).
Mobile app, email, etc.
SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. Learn more about SYA scholarships.
