Kids of Mud

• The official youth cycling program of the Manitoba Cycling Association (MCA) for ages 5 to 16.
• Focuses on off-road cycling skills in a fun and supportive environment.
• Follows the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) pathway, covering Fundamentals, Learn to Train, and Train to Train stages.

• Cycling techniques, including:
  • Braking, gear usage, hill riding, and obstacle navigation
  • Trail riding and trail etiquette
  • Cycling safety and best practices
• Opportunities to participate in provincial mountain bike races open to age-category racers.

Kids of Mud is a low-barrier program, meaning you don’t need fancy gear to join the fun! With just a few key pieces of equipment, young riders can hit the trails, build their skills, and have a blast on two wheels.

Required:

• A properly fitted mountain bike – Must have hand brakes and multiple gears (coaster brakes are not allowed). A good bike doesn’t have to be expensive—just safe and in working order!
• A certified cycling helmet – Safety first! Helmets must be in good condition and fit properly.
• Appropriate clothing – Comfortable, weather-appropriate athletic wear (no loose pant legs that can get caught in the chain).
• Water bottle – Staying hydrated is key for all-day adventure!

Bonus Gear (not required  but suggested):

• Cycling gloves – great for grip and protecting little hands from scrapes.
• Eye protection – Sunglasses or clear lenses help keep dirt, bugs, and tree branches out of the way.
• Basic repair kit – spare tube, tire levers, mini pump, multi-tool

Getting started with Kids of Mud is simple, but the process is handled through individual cycling clubs, so here’s what you need to know:

1. Register Through Your Local Club
   Registration for Kids of Mud is done through the cycling club that runs the program in your area. Each club handles their own registration process, so be sure to connect with your local club for all the details.
2. Program Fees Vary
   Fees for the program depend on the club you are registering with. Each club sets their own fee structure based on their local costs and resources.
3. Ride Schedules
   Ride schedules are also set by each individual club, but most clubs offer rides twice a week. Be sure to check your club’s schedule to know when sessions will be taking place.
4. Find Registration Links
   You can find registration links directly on each club’s webpage, social media pages, or by email. Be sure to check out the KIDS OF MUD WEBSITE to see which clubs are hosting a Kids of Mud Program.
5. MCA License Requirement
   All participants are required to have an MCA license to join the program. When registering, Kids of Mud participants will select the KOM Program License, which also allows them to participate in MCA-sanctioned races. Coaches must have a minimum of a General MCA Membership.
   Note: MCA licenses are purchased separately from program registrations but are required. Be sure to factor in the cost of the MCA license as part of your program fees.
6. Registration Platforms
   Registration is handled through various platforms depending on the club’s preferences. These may include platforms such as CCN, Google Forms, or even manual registration. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your club for completing the process.

It’s a bit of a multi-step process, but once you’ve signed up, your rider will be all set to join the Kids of Mud community and hit the trails!

The coaching tiers for the Kids of Mud program follow a structured pathway, allowing you to grow and advance your coaching skills:

• Tier 1 – Program Volunteer: This role is ideal for those new to coaching, offering a great opportunity to support young riders and gain experience. Coaches must complete online Safe Sport training. 
• Tier 2 – Ride Leader: Basic coaching skills; requires completion of both online & in-person (on-bike) training.
• Tier 3 – Community Trained Coach: In-depth coaching education and certification.

For more details on certification and training requirements, check out the MCA COACH WEBSITE PAGE

• Kids of Mud: Program Leader Requirements
• Responsible Coaching Standards Policy
• Kids of Mud Program Guide: How to start a Kids of Mud Club
• Kids of Mud: CCN Club Registration
• Kids of Mud License: Guide to Purchasing