About Firebirds • Since 1981

More than a track club. A legacy built one athlete at a time.

Since 1981, Firebirds Track Club has helped young athletes discover confidence, discipline, and purpose through track & field. What began as a community effort has grown into one of Maryland's longest-running youth track clubs while remaining true to one simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to grow through sport.

45 Years of Impact
250+ Athletes Annually
1981 Established
501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Our History

Built by Coaches. Sustained by Generations.

Firebirds athletes and coaches celebrating together

Every generation of Firebirds has helped make the next one possible.

1975–1980

The foundation

Two successful youth track programs, led by George Barnes, Melvin Ware, and Eugene Neal, served athletes throughout upper Montgomery County. When both programs lost funding, local youth were left without a place to compete.

1981

A club is born

Determined to keep youth track alive, Barnes, Ware, and Neal united to form Firebirds Track Club. The club opened its first season with 45 athletes and a mission that continues to guide it today.

2005

Expanding opportunity

As Firebirds grew, club families helped establish the Maryland Titans in Germantown, Maryland, expanding opportunities for youth track throughout Montgomery County. The Maryland Titans have since become a prominent youth track program in the Metropolitan Washington area.

2008

Year-round development

Firebirds launched its indoor track program, giving athletes the opportunity to train and compete throughout the winter.

Today

A legacy that continues

More than 250 athletes train with Firebirds each year. The club now welcomes second- and third-generation Firebird families. A reflection of more than four decades of community, tradition, and excellence.

Our Mission

To develop young athletes through track and field. Excellence in competition. Commitment in the classroom. Character for life.

Firebirds exists to create an environment where young athletes can pursue their potential with confidence, discipline, and purpose. Our mission guides how we coach, how we compete, and how we support every athlete beyond the finish line.

Develop every athlete

Help each athlete pursue their personal best through quality coaching, consistent preparation, and meaningful competition.

Put academics first

Reinforce discipline, focus, accountability, and success in the classroom as well as on the track.

Build healthy habits for life

Combat obesity by inspiring lifelong wellness through fitness, nutrition, and healthy habits.

Powered by Community

It takes a community to build champions.

Firebirds has always been more than a track club. It is a community built by coaches, volunteers, families, sponsors, and supporters who believe every young athlete deserves the opportunity to compete, grow, and belong. Together, we can build the next generation of Firebirds.

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