For many years now Canberra’s Saturday mornings through summer have become synonymous with sounds and sights of Little Athletics ACT.

The sounds of starting gun and excited children, and sights of kids jumping into sandpits, over hurdles and high jump bars, and throwing objects permeate across the country.

Athletics gives children the chance to have fun and make friends while getting fit, and learning good exercise habits and skills for life, and the Little Athletics community in Canberra is no exception.

Little Athletics is home to 17 centres throughout the ACT and Canberra region.

Our volunteers make sure that there is a fun, friendly environment for everyone to develop their running, jumping and throwing skills.

It’s a fun, friendly setting with an emphasis on safety. 

Activities include a range of track and field disciplines; with a focus on appropriate activities for each age and ability level.

There are activities for children under five, including obstacle courses and fundamental movement skills.

More advanced track and field events for children up to 16 years of age.

Little Athletics centre volunteers, including coaches, provide children with guidance to make sure that they learn the proper technique.

The kids are recognised for attendance, effort and being their best.

As Paralympic silver medallist Jaryd Clifford said, “sport is about so much more than just medals”. 

The friendly and encouraging enjoyment has always been the cornerstone of Little Athletics.

Families help out by raking long jump pits, recording results and cheering on all the children.

The kids enjoy the social environment, spending time with friends every weekend while using their abundant energy on the track and in the field. 

Pretty soon, the summer of athletics will again light up Saturday mornings in Canberra and the surrounding region! 

One of the leading Little Athletics ACT coaches, Matt Wecker, noted the renewed level of excitement about the season ahead.

“I’ve heard from so many athletes how keen they are to get back to training and competition as soon as the restrictions allow,” he said.

“It’s just awesome how excited everyone is for the summer of athletics!,” he said.

When is Little Athletics ACT back?

Most of our Canberra-based centres are preparing to start competition on Saturday 30 October, and with community sport returning in NSW after reaching 80 per cent vaccination rates.

Most NSW centres are also preparing to launch their seasons.

With 17 centres in the ACT and region, there is a centre near you, so register now at athleticsintheact.com.au 

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