HAVE YOU GOT A QUESTION ABOUT LITTLE ATHLETICS WA?

Then we have probably answered it...

As registrations open for the 24/25 season, we thought we would answer all the burning question's you might have about the Little Athletics WA program!

What is Little Athletics WA?

Little Athletics WA is a modified athletics program, intended for children to participate in and learn the sport of athletics. There is a wide range of events from running, jumping, throwing and walking and each event has specific modifications depending on the age, ability and developmental stage of the child. 

Little Athletics WA is a fun and supportive way for your child to participate in health and physical activity, all while building new relationships and creating lasting memories. It is a great sport where your child will learn lifelong skills and can build a strong foundation for all sports. 

Who can do Little Athletics WA?

Little Athletics WA is suitable for all children aged five to 16 years old. There are no standards or requirements that little athletes must meet to be able to participate, meaning it is a suitable sport for children of ALL abilities. Little Athletics WA modifies its program specifically depending on the age and ability of the child. 

Why should my child do Little Athletics WA?

Research shows that children who participate in sport and exercise develop essential life skills such as teamwork, increased self-confidence, developed coordination, muscle and bone strength and emotional resilience. 

Little Athletics WA is a great way for your child to engage in physical activity and start building positive lifestyle choices. Alongside the physical benefits of joining Little Athletics WA, you are also providing your child with a fun and supportive environment to make new friends and learn the importance of making positive life choices from an early age. 

How do I Register my child for Little Athletics WA?

Registering your child for Little Athletics WA is easy! Whether you live in the Northwest, Country WA or are in the Metropolitan Region, there are over 30 Little Athletics WA Centres for you to choose from.

Start by finding the nearest centre to you, then follow the steps online to register. Registrations for the 2024/25 season are open, contact your nearest centre to register now. 

For any questions or queries, visit the Athletic West website or call us on (08) 6272 0480.

How regularly do Little Athletics WA events occur?

Little Athletics WA is primarily a summer sport running from October through to late March. Most Little Athletics WA Centres hold at least one weekly competition meet every week on a Saturday morning through summer however meet days and times can vary between clubs and centres. Summer meets usually consist of typical track & field events and children can have their results recorded. 

During the Winter months in WA, there are limited cross-country, and Road Walking meets taking place from April through to the end of July. 

Please contact your local Little Athletics WA Centre to find out the session and key event dates. 

Can my child participate if they have a disability?

Little Athletics WA is an inclusive sport and offers several opportunities and pathways for children of all abilities. Little Athletics WA recognises that children vary widely in shape, size and athletic ability and thus is one of few sports that successfully caters for all. 

Little Athletics WA centres aim to provide an inclusive environment for all children, however, where necessary some activities may be modified to suit specific needs. To find out more about how your local centre can cater for specific needs, please contact your centre. 

Alternatively, for more information on pathways for Para Athletes please visit the Athletics West website. 

How much does it cost?

Registration fees can vary from centre to centre. Generally, fees range from $180 to $220 per child for the full season, inclusive of the winter season calendar events and events such as Road Walking and Cross Country. 

All children aged five to 18 with a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card are eligible to apply for a KidSport Voucher. KidSport is an initiative by the WA Government that offers up to $300 per financial year per child, toward club fees. 

Please contact your Centre directly for specific information regarding fees. 

Can my little athlete try before I buy?           

Has your child never tried athletics, or can’t decide which sport they want to play? Then why not head down to one of our Centres FREE Come & Try Sessions?

Little Athletics WA Free Come & Try Sessions are designed to introduce you and your Little Athlete to the Little Athletics WA program and meet your centre champions. 

Contact your nearest centre/s to find out when they are hosting a Come & Try Night. 

Is there anything parents and caregivers have to contribute?

Little Athletics WA is an entirely voluntary sport and therefore Centres cannot operate without the assistance of parents and other adult volunteers each week in fulfilling the many and varied duties required. 

Volunteering duties include officiating an event, managing an age group, recording results and working the canteen just to name a few. Most centres have duty rosters to share the load. 

Volunteering at Little Athletics WA events is not only about giving back to the community but is a place for you to meet new people all while watching your child participate in sport. Additional assistance is often required on the Centre Committees and all parents are encouraged to get involved. 

What happens when my child gets too old for Little Athletics WA?

Athletics doesn’t stop at 16, in fact, Athletics is a sport that you can do for life with a Masters Competition offering no maximum age limit. 

From age 11 your child is eligible to join a senior club and participate in Senior Athletics, including WA’s Strive Program Powered by Go For 2&5. 

Throughout the Summer Season, Athletics West hosts a senior competition called Strive, powered by Go For 2&5. The Strive Program offers weekly athletics competitions for Athletics West members from October to March, predominantly on Friday evenings at the WA Athletics Stadium in Mt Claremont, including the WA State Track and Field Championships.

To be eligible to compete at Strive, an athlete must register as a member of an affiliated senior club.  Athletics West offers several different membership options, including dual memberships for members currently registered with a Little Athletics WA Centre.

Click HERE to find your local Senior Club. 

For questions and queries, contact us at admin@athleticswest.com.au or phone us on (08) 6272 0480.

By Imogen McDonald 

Published 2 September 2024