WHAT TO EXPECT AT A
Our weekly program is designed to suit each age group, with a strong focus on fun, participation, and skill development. Sessions vary by age to ensure athletes are appropriately challenged and engaged.
Tiny Tots (5:00–5:45 PM)
A fun, play-based program focused on developing basic movement skills each week.
Under 6 (6:00–7:00 PM)
Introduction to event skills, with a rotating focus to build confidence across different disciplines.
Under 7 & Under 8 (6:00–7:30 PM)
A mix of event participation and scheduled coaching sessions, helping athletes develop skills while enjoying competition.
Under 9 to Under 17 (6:00–8:00 PM)
Rotating event participation supported by two structured coaching sessions delivered through a progressive 5‑week program.
A STANDARD EVENING LOOKS LIKE THIS
It takes a team effort to get the oval and systems ready for a competition evening. Tasks include final facility preparation (sometimes even a quick mow), setting up events, preparing tablets, and placing out age group trolleys.
If you’re able to arrive a little early, we encourage you to jump in and lend a hand—your support makes a big difference.
Athletes should be gathered at their age group trolleys by 5:45 PM. Our coaches and senior athletes will then lead a 15-minute warm-up to prepare everyone for the evening.
During this time, important information will be shared with parents and carers, and a final check will be completed to ensure each group has sufficient helpers. For safety and organisation, only approved volunteers should remain on the oval during events.
Athletes stay together with their age group throughout the evening, moving from event to event as a group.
Our program is designed to keep things flowing smoothly while giving athletes plenty of time at each event. While the schedule is shown as Blocks 1 to 5, it actually runs as two programs—track and field.
Field events run in set time blocks (around 60 minutes), so athletes have enough time to participate and learn. When it’s time for their track event, athletes will be called over.
There’s no need to move between events early—just stay with your group and follow the announcements.
At Springwood Little Athletics, our programs are designed to to maximise junior athletes attention spans and energy levels.
Under 6s should be finished by 7:00 PM
Under 7s and U8s should be finished by 7:30 PMÂ
The estimated finish time for U9–U17 athletes is around 8:00 PM. As with any live program, actual finish times can vary depending on the events scheduled and the size of each age group.
Some events, such as hurdles and high jump—particularly early in the season—can take a little longer to complete and may extend the evening.
Our committee and Program Officer carefully monitor group sizes and how events are progressing throughout the night, making adjustments where possible to keep the program running smoothly and finish times as close to schedule as possible.
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