ABOUT TBF

Trial by Fire Youth Track & Field Club is a nonprofit youth development organization that uses track & field to shape young lives from all backgrounds, promoting health, wellness, and lifelong values like integrity, respect, discipline, and leadership.

What's in a name?

The genesis of Trial by fire

Trial by Fire Youth Track & Field Club offers young athletes more than just training—we forge life champions.

Trial by Fire Youth Track & Field Club was established in 2008 by husband and wife, Kevin ("Coach") and Lanique Woodson. Their inspiration came from a place of resolve: they were determined to counter the egocentric and toxic elements they experienced as new track parents—the pressures that cause young athletes to burn out, drop out, and quit.

The club was created on the commitment: No more.

The name Trial by Fire defines the club's philosophy: it represents the rigorous tests and challenges experienced in life. Just as metal is forged, the heat and pressure of these trials reveal and determine true character and how we rise to overcome them.



Trial by Fire provides an affordable, organized program that fosters a safe, competitive environment. By blending athletic training with vital life and leadership skills, we ensure that young people learn more than how to run, jump, and throw. They learn the values necessary to thrive.

Trial By Fire Time Capsule | A Moment in Time | 2018

The Trial By Fire Method: React, Push, Drive

The Trial By Fire Trailblazers don't just teach running, jumping and throwing; we teach a philosophy for life, built on the fundamentals of the perfect start. For our athletes, success begin with a clear React, a sustained Push, and a focused Drive.

RESPONDING TO THE PROBLEM

REACT

Just as a sprinter reacts instantly to the starting gun, Trial By Fire was founded as an immediate, principled response to the toxicity in youth sports.

The Vision: We reacted to the need for a sanctuary where youth could discover their love for the sport without the pressure of adult-driven ego.

Our Promise: To provide an enjoyable and thriving environment that inspires young people, prioritizing their long-term well-being and genuine participation over parental vicarious living. We are the immediate, positive reaction to a systemic problem.

our philosophy & training intensity

PUSH

The push off the blocks requires maximum, sustained force. This symbolizes the candor and intensity of the Trial By Fire training program, where we meet goals with realistic effort.

The Philosophy: We don't sugarcoat success. We are candid and realistic with our athletes about what it takes to reach their goals. Our training is the intense, disciplined pus required to accelerate away from the pack-mentally and physically.

The Commitment: Our program is designed to develop athletes who understand the value of honest effort. We blend the rules of the sport with life and leadership skills, emphasizing that the path to reaching full potential -in track and in life- requires commitment, perseverance, and willingness to embrace the intensity of the "trial."

sUSTAINING mOMENTUM

DRIVE

The drive phase is the sustained, powerful journey down the track that turns effort into victory. This represents the long-term mission and the enduring character we build.

The Mission: Our ultimate goal is to empower youth adolescents with the essential tools, skills, and information needed to lead productive, healthy, and active lifestyles. The drive we instill is a foundation built on core values-confidence, responsibility, and leadership.

The Legacy: We use track and field as the vehicle, but our mission extends for beyond the finish line. We teach young people how to maximize their fullest potential in all aspects of life, ensuring the sport stay with them long after they've left the track. We don't just build better track and field athletes, we build character.

fueling the drive, building character

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Our journey from eight athletes and three coaches to a thriving club of over fifty members is proof of the power of collaboration—powered by dedicated families, committed leadership, and the grace of God. This growth means we are transforming more young lives than ever through the character-building experience of track and field.



However, the rapid growth that brought us here also presents challenges. To maintain our affordable, impactful programming and provide the resources needed for over fifty athletes, we need the community’s financial support now more than ever.

Please make a donation today. Your contribution is a direct investment in the success of a young person, ensuring that our challenging yet rewarding journey forward continues to change lives.

OUR cOACHES

Our coaching staff does more than teach technique-they embody the Trial By Fire Method. Every coach on our team is committed to the founding "React:-ensuring the athlete's well-being and growth always comes first. They deliver the intense, candid "Push" of our training program, providing the expertise required for competitive success. Ultimately, they are the navigators guiding each athlete's long-term "Drive," transforming potential into character and performance. Our team of certified professionals is dedicated to building champions both on the track and in life.

fueling the trailblazer spirit

Community

We believe that true success means giving back. Our athletes and families engage in activities that positively impact our community, ensuring our shared "Drive" creates not just great runners, but responsible citizens. Join our team behind the team and help us build character that serves the finish line and beyond.