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DEVELOPMENT

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.

HLAC Coaching

Hills LAC offers weekly coaching sessions throughout the summer season at Heathfield High School Oval, Hender Road, Heathfield. Coaching for Field Events (High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin) is held on Wednesday at 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Running Training is then held from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.

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.

Note: Where Parents organise private coaching or coaching sessions outside those sessions advertised in Hills LAC or LASA programs, the injury is between the parents and coach not Hills LAC or LASA.

Athlete Pathways

The athlete development pathway is simply the range of events, programs and options available to athletes of different ages as they progress through the sport of athletics.

For further details, refer to the LASA website.

LASA Clinics

For the older athlete that wishes to take their athletics to the next level there is opportunity through the SA Athletics Academy supported by LASA.

During the School Holidays, athletes of all abilities are invited to attend Holiday Development Clinics.

Little Athletics SA State Team

Each year, the Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) are conducted on behalf of Little Athletics Australia (LAA) by one of the Little Athletics Associations affiliated with LAA. The Team will comprise of up to 150 athletes in the U13, U14 and U15 age groups.

For further details, refer to the LASA website.

National Under 15 Camp

In September/October each year, Little Athletics Australia (LAA) hold a National U15 camp over four days at the Gold Coast Performance Centre, Runaway Bay, Gold Coast QLD.

LAA will select the highest performing athletes in each event nationally. Offers for attendance at the camp will be made based on performances at each State’s Track and Field Championships (unless an athlete has missed the Championships, through injury or another legitimate reason prior to Championships, then an application for consideration can be provided to LAA, through the State Association).

Further details, refer to the LAA website.

Coaching and Officiating

For the parent or older athlete, a wide range of coaching and officials courses, at all levels, are offered around the State to help advance your knowledge and skills.

Are you interested in becoming an accredited coach and learning more about this wonderful sport? There is a range of coaching courses available through the LASA and Athletics SA.

Every Little Athletics Centre across the country needs a team of dedicated volunteers to act as Officials. Whether you want to commit to an Official role for the whole season, or if you're able to help out on odd occasions, we always need more helpers!

For details of courses being held, please contact LASA or Athletics SA.