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Teams in BMX
Runnymede Rockets are all about the club before all else. The beating soul of grass roots BMX.
Why BMX
BMX is a unique sport. It teaches children valuable life lessons about winning, losing, competitiveness, fairness, sportsmanship, problem-solving, determination and success. Few other sports prepare children for future life in quite the same way BMX does.
The team question
One of the easiest things to be drawn into in BMX racing is the prestige and image surrounding teams. Around any BMX track, it's common to see riders in matching jerseys and branded kit, and it can naturally create the impression that being part of a team is an important milestone or even a requirement for progression within the sport.
The reality is far more varied and depends entirely on the level of team and the level of racing involved.
What teams actually look like
Some BMX teams are simply groups of friends riding together under a shared identity. Others are collectives, representations of local scenes, bike shops, or brands. At entry and intermediate levels, team support may involve a free jersey, a race plate, small discounts, or occasional parts support. Higher up the ladder, riders may represent shops or co-factory teams where there are better deals and more visible backing, although in many cases riders are still contributing heavily themselves behind the scenes.
The reality at the top
At the very top end of BMX, genuine factory support does exist, with elite riders receiving bikes, equipment, travel support, and sponsorship backing. However, these opportunities are rare and represent only a very small percentage of the sport.
Teams done right
None of this is to say teams are a bad thing. For many riders, teams provide friendships, motivation, community, support networks, and a sense of belonging. They can absolutely enhance the BMX experience when approached for the right reasons.
Don't get carried away
The important thing is simply not to get carried away by the image or feel that a child must ride for a team to progress, be respected, or have value within BMX. It's easy for parents and riders alike to get swept up in the excitement and perceived status surrounding teams, especially when everyone around the track seems to be involved in one.
In reality, many riders develop just as well — and sometimes better — by riding independently, focusing on enjoyment, and keeping the sport fun and pressure-free. A child's progression in BMX will almost always come more from passion, confidence, consistency, and love for riding than from the logo printed on their jersey.
The bottom line
Teams can be a fantastic part of BMX, but they are not the be-all and end-all. It's important to enjoy them for what they are, while keeping realistic expectations and remembering that BMX is ultimately about enjoying the sport, having fun, progressing at your own pace, and developing life long friendships along the way.