The Tiny Tots program is for children from 3 to 5 years of age that encompasses skills based games that are focused on participation and fun. The fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing are approached through “appropriate” activities for 3-5 year olds. Emphasis is not on competition but on the development of young children and this is incorporated in play and relatively unstructured games. Games include activities such as running and jumping over rope ladders, mini hurdles, hoops, throwing and catching bean bags or playing with the big parachute. The children also get to participate in ‘Athletics’ events such as long jump or a 50m run on the track.
Tiny Tots Program is now offered in all States/Territory Affiliated Member Associations excluding Victoria. To find out if your local Centre offers Tiny Tots Program, please contact your State/Territory Affiliated Member Association.
Little Athletics provides a great environment for athletic development. While the emphasis in the younger age groups should be on fun and participation, as the athletes get older, there are opportunities for development, competition, and participation, depending on the Little Athlete’s interests. It is important that the level of activity, training, and competition is proportionate to the athlete’s chronological age and development stage. For more information, please see the DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Some Little Athletics Centres may offer a weekly coaching session. Check with your local centre whether they offer this, and when it is on. For those wishing to find coaching in a specific discipline, private coaches are available through the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association (ATFCA) or Athletics Australia.
There are often coaching clinics running throughout the season. These may focus on particular age groups or events, or may be general clinics. These are often held during school holidays, and provide athletes with the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends, and often meet elite athletes. Please contact your Member Association for information on upcoming coaching clinics.
For those athletes (usually U12 and above) wishing to take their athletics to the next level, there are state-based junior development squads. There is no national junior development squad, however, Member associations may run their own development squad programs. The eligibility criteria and program content is at the discretion of the Member Association. Please contact your Member Association for more information on their athlete development squads.
In September/October each year, Coles LAA holds an annual National Camp over four days.
In previous years, LAA have advised minimum qualification standards for athletes to achieve before being considered for the National Camp, scheduled in September/October each year. Each state was allocated a number of positions and states were responsible for selecting athletes.
Selection is by invitation only and is at the discretion of the LAA National Camp Organising group.
This is a great opportunity for athletes to be coached by some of Australia’s best coaches, and to receive expert training and education in a range of areas, both physical and theoretical.
For more information on the National U15 camp or to learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process, please the Coles Little Athletics Australia office at admin@littleathletics.com.au or (03) 9909 3549.
Coles Little Athletics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we work, run, jump and throw throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging.
We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honor their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognize the role and value of culture.
