Thinking about signing your kids up for Dapto Little Athletics in 2025? It’s a great way to get them moving, meet new friends, and have a bit of fun every week. The program is all about participation and improvement, not just winning medals. If you’re new to the club or just want to know what’s involved for families, here’s a simple guide to help you get started and understand what’s expected for the 2025/26 season.
Key Takeaways
- Online registration for Dapto Little Athletics opens 1 August 2025, and all sign-ups must be completed online.
- Children can join from age 3, and the program has clear age groups, including Tiny Tots for the youngest athletes.
- Weekly competitions run from September to March, with events on Saturday afternoons and Thursday evenings later in the season.
- Every family must provide an adult helper each week, and volunteers need a Working With Children Check.
- Athletes are required to wear the club uniform, which can be tried on at registration days and ordered online.
Registration Process for Dapto Little Athletics
Getting your child signed up for Dapto Little Athletics for the 2025/26 season is pretty straightforward, but there are a few steps you should know about. Everyone must register online—there are no paper forms anymore, so you’ll need internet access and a working email address. Below, you’ll find details on key dates, how to register, and what happens after you’ve paid your fees online.
Key Dates for the 2025/26 Season
Staying on top of dates can save a lot of headaches later on. Here’s a quick table showing what’s coming up:
| Event | Date/Period |
|---|---|
| Online Registrations Open | 1 August 2025 |
| First Competition Day | Saturday, 13 September 2025 |
| Move to Thursday Evenings | Thursday, 6 November 2025 |
| Dapto Carnival | 9 November 2025 |
| Zone Championships | 29 & 30 November 2025 |
| Regional Championships | 7 & 8 February 2026 |
| End of Season | March 2026 (exact date TBC) |
Quick note: Weekly comps run on Saturday afternoons at 2 pm until November, then shift to Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm for the rest of the season.
How to Register Online
You won’t need to leave the house to enrol your child at Dapto Little Athletics—it’s all done via the website.
- Go to the registration portal at www.daptolittleathletics.org.au once registrations open (from 1 August 2025).
- Fill in your child’s details and upload any required documentation (like proof of age).
- Pay your registration fees online by card.
- If eligible for the NSW Active Kids Voucher, claim it during this step for a discount.
Registration Fees 2025/26
| Number of Athletes (same family) | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | $160 |
| 2 Children | $320 |
| 3 Children | $430 |
| 4 Children | $550 |
| 5 Children | $650 |
| 6 Children | $750 |
| Tiny Tots (3 & 4 yrs) | $110 |
Collecting Registration Packs and Uniforms
After finishing your online registration, you’ll need to pop by the club to grab everything your athlete needs to get started.
- Attend one of the scheduled Registration Pack Collection Days at Dapto High School’s oval (dates will be emailed and posted online).
- Pick up your child’s registration pack (this usually includes their competition number, handbook, and any extras).
- Uniforms can be tried on for size at registration collection—then you place your order online via the Sports Magic website.
If you lose track, keep an eye on your email or the club’s Facebook page—lots of reminders get posted there about pack collection and uniform fitting times.
All in all, registering takes less than half an hour online, and the pack pickups are usually pretty quick, depending on crowds. The key is not to leave everything until the last week; things get busy, and you’ll want your child to have their gear sorted before the first event.
Understanding Age Groups and Eligibility
Sorting your child into the right age group at Dapto Little Athletics can be confusing the first time around. Here’s a rundown so your family can arrive at the track ready to go for the 2025/26 season.
Minimum and Maximum Age Requirements
Children must be at least 3 years old to take part in Dapto Little Athletics, and the oldest eligible group is Under 17. Age is taken as at 31 December in the year the season begins (for 2025/26, that’s 31 December 2025).
- Kids who turn 3 before or on 31 December 2025 can sign up as Tiny Tots.
- Children turning 17 after 31 December 2025 can participate in the U17 group for the whole season.
- If your child doesn’t hit the minimum age by that cut-off date, they’ll need to wait for next season.
| Age on 31 Dec 2025 | Age Group for 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| 3 or 4 | Tiny Tots |
| 5 | U6 |
| 6 | U7 |
| … | … |
| 16 | U17 |
What Age Group Does My Child Join?
It’s based strictly on how old your child is on 31 December each year. It doesn’t matter what school grade they’re in, or if their birthday falls right after the new year.
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Find your child’s birth year.
- Count their age as at 31 December 2025.
- Match that age to the age group in the club’s table.
This keeps things fair across all kids and means friends might sometimes be in different groups, even if they’re in the same class at school.
Tiny Tots and Junior Athletes Explained
Tiny Tots is a special program for 3 and 4 year olds. It’s not about racing and times—lots more about play and learning basic movement. Each week is built around fun, simple games, not formal competition.
The jump to Under 6 and up is where events are more varied and points start getting tracked. For junior age groups:
- U6 to U12: Focus is still on skills and participation, less on winning.
- Events become a bit more structured each year as kids get older.
- By U13-U17, competition steps up a notch, but everyone’s encouraged to keep having a go, regardless of ability.
It’s completely normal for siblings to end up in different age groups, or for parents to feel unsure where their little ones fit. Don’t hesitate to check with the committee—the volunteers have seen it all before and can usually confirm your child’s group on the spot.
Competition Structure and Weekly Events
Little Athletics at Dapto really runs on a rhythm. There’s a set routine each week, plenty of variety for the kids, and a fair bit for parents to keep on top of.
Season Calendar and Important Dates
The 2025/26 season kicks off in September and wraps up in March, taking a short break over Christmas. Here’s how the key dates often look:
| Month | Competition Day & Time |
|---|---|
| September–October | Saturdays, 1:30pm |
| November–March | Thursdays, 5:30pm |
- Dapto Carnival: 9th November 2025
- Zone Championships: 29–30th November 2025 (TBC)
- Regional and State Champs: Early 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Weekday changes can catch people off guard, so double-check the time and day each month as we switch from afternoons to evenings.
Format of Weekly Competitions
Every week, athletes join four different events, rotating through their group:
- Athletes compete only with others in their own age group.
- All events are run by trained officials or parent helpers who explain each activity.
- The program is designed to balance running, jumping, and throwing over each month—no two weeks are exactly the same!
A sample weekly flow might look like:
- Gather for a quick update and warm-up.
- Move as an age group through their designated events for the week (like sprints, long jump, shot put, and hurdles).
- Record results and cheer for your mates.
Types of Events and Rotations
Events are tailored by age but always mix up the challenge:
- Track: Sprints (70m, 100m, 200m, 400m), longer runs and relays
- Field: Long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, javelin (for older kids)
- Novelty (especially for Tiny Tots and Juniors): Mini hurdles, obstacle races
Events rotate so all kids get a crack at different skills throughout the season. The full event program changes week to week, so if your child has a favourite—don’t worry, it’ll come around again soon.
Kids are encouraged to try everything, even if it’s new or a bit daunting. It’s pretty common for a first-timer to end up loving an event they thought would be tough.
Parent and Family Involvement Requirements
Mandatory Adult Helpers Explained
Every family at Dapto Little Athletics must nominate an adult to help out on competition days—no exceptions, even for Tiny Tots. The club truly depends on these helpers to run events safely and smoothly each week. If a family doesn’t provide a helper, their athlete won’t be allowed to compete. This includes all ages, from the littlest through to the ten-year-olds.
Many parents worry they won’t know what to do, but honestly, the roles are straightforward and most jobs only require basic instructions you’ll get on the day. If you’re unsure, the officials or chief at each activity will walk you through it (and it usually makes the day go faster, too!).
Flexible Job Roles for Parents and Carers
Don’t stress if you’re not athletic or don’t feel comfortable with certain roles. There are a heap of different jobs that get rotated each week. Some examples are:
- Retrieving discus or shot puts after each throw
- Recording scores or distances (with a chair provided for those who need to sit!)
- Timekeeping for races
- Helping set up or pack down equipment
- Acting as an Age Patron (supervising an age group—especially popular with parents whose kids are in the younger divisions)
If you can’t make it every week, that’s OK. Another family member or a trusted friend can take your place, as long as there’s always one helper per family when your child is competing. If you have young children with you or a physical limitation, chat to the committee about being allocated a more suitable task.
Working With Children Checks for Volunteers
Parent helpers are encouraged (and some roles require) to complete a Working With Children Check (WWCC). Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Role | WWCC Required? |
|---|---|
| Age Patron | Yes |
| Committee Member / Coach | Yes |
| General Parent Helper (on roster) | Strongly advised |
- Age Patrons must have their WWCC before they can supervise children.
- WWCCs are free for volunteers and easy to apply for online.
- Once you’ve got your check, make sure you give your number/details to the committee at the canteen.
If you’re following your child around or helping at various events, it’s best to have a WWCC clearance.
Ask the Officer For Officials or any committee member if you’re unsure what’s involved with checks or if you want to help more frequently—in many cases, they’ll gladly walk you through the process right there at the track.
Uniforms and Equipment Guidelines
Getting the right gear for Dapto Little Athletics isn’t hard, but there are a few things families need to stay on top of so the season goes smoothly. The club has clear rules around what uniforms are needed, what gear to bring, and how to order extra pieces.
Uniform Purchasing and Fitting
Every athlete has to wear the official club uniform on competition nights. Here’s how to get sorted:
- Uniforms are available at the club: there are designated sizing and collection days before the season starts.
- If you miss the in-person days, you can order online through the club website (see the Online Uniform Orders section).
- The fit matters! Kids grow quickly, so don’t grab the smallest size. Try a few on, especially if you’re not sure. Uniforms include a club shirt or singlet and club shorts (or plain black shorts).
- Shoes: All athletes must wear appropriate running shoes — no spikes for the youngest age groups.
Uniforms are more than just a dress code; they’re about feeling included and making sure every child lines up with the right club on event nights.
What to Bring Each Week
Packing can be a scramble week to week, so use this checklist:
- Club uniform and running shoes
- Water bottle (labelled)
- Hat and sunscreen (afternoon sessions can get hot)
- Safety pins or reusable bib fasteners for registration numbers
- Optional: Light jacket (it gets chilly on the field as the sun sets)
There’s no need to buy starting blocks, batons, or any athletics-specific equipment — that stuff’s provided by the club each night.
Online Uniform Orders
For families who can’t make the pre-season collection or want an extra shirt mid-season, the club’s online shop is handy:
| Item | Price (approx) | How to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Club Shirt/Singlet | $35 | Online shop or club desk |
| Club Shorts | $30 | Online shop only |
| Hat (optional) | $20 | Online shop or club desk |
- Orders placed online will be handed out at the next club night — no waiting for postage.
- Exchange for sizing mishaps is possible, but do it sooner rather than later so your child’s set for competition nights.
Just a heads up: some families wait until after a growth spurt to replace uniforms, which is common! As long as the uniform is club-approved and fits, it’ll do the job all season.
Training and Athlete Development Opportunities
Getting up to speed in athletics isn’t only about turning up on competition day – it’s also about practice, picking up the basic movements, and building confidence in a low-pressure environment. Dapto Little Athletics provides several flexible training options to help kids of all skill levels, and families can tailor things to fit their week.
Optional Training Sessions
Weekly training sessions are generally offered, but these rely on volunteer coaches and committee members being available. There’s no extra fee for attending these sessions, and they’re laid-back, focusing mostly on:
- Learning proper technique for running, jumping, and throwing events
- Building strength and flexibility
- Having fun and building friendships outside of Saturday or Thursday competitions
You’ll just need to check the fortnightly newsletter or chat with committee members about the schedule, as times and dates can change when volunteers are short. Some parents choose to just attend competition days plus a training session here and there—both are fine, and there’s no penalty for skipping the training.
The best thing about these sessions is the relaxed vibe – there’s really no pressure to be the best, just a chance to try things out and maybe discover what your child enjoys most.
Access to Personal Coaches
If your child really loves a particular event or wants to push themselves a bit more, you might look into working with a personal athletics coach. This isn’t required, but it’s available for those interested in competitions beyond club events or for kids who just love training.
You have a couple of options here:
- Ask a committee member for local coach recommendations (lots are happy to point you in the right direction)
- Visit Athletics Australia’s coach finder online
- Chat with coaches at the track on training days—they might offer private sessions or know someone who does
Fees and availability will vary, so it’s best to get in early if you think your child will benefit.
Support From Committee Members
There’s always a few friendly committee members or age group coordinators floating around who are happy to answer questions. They can help you with:
- Advice on correct starting technique or how to hold a shot put
- Introducing your child to the right event group
- Suggesting drills or practice routines that suit your child’s age and skill level
Don’t ever feel like you have to figure it all out on your own. Just tap someone on the shoulder or send an email—no question is too basic.
Quick reference table:
| Training Option | Cost | How to Join | Who Runs It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Training Sessions | Free | Check newsletter, just turn up | Club Volunteers |
| Personal Athletics Coaching | Varies ($) | Contact coach directly | Accredited Coaches |
| Parent/Committee Guidance | Free | Ask at track or via email | Committee Members |
Athlete development at Dapto Little Athletics is about starting where you are and learning at your own pace. Kids can be as involved as they want—there’ll always be someone on hand to help them out or cheer them on.
Awards, Points, and Recognition
How the Points System Works
Athletes in Under 6 and up start collecting points as soon as the season kicks off. Each event you compete in adds to your individual tally, and doing a personal best will earn you bonus points. That way, everyone gets something for personal effort, even if they’re not always getting first place. Points come from:
- Participation: Every finished event gives you a set number of points.
- Achievement: Break your own personal best in a given event? That’s bonus points.
- Consistency: More events, more chances to rack up your total.
Here’s a quick outline of how the scoring usually adds up:
| Event Type | Points for Participation | Personal Best Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|
| Track Event | 1 | 2 |
| Field Event | 1 | 2 |
| Relays (if held) | 1 | n/a |
At the end of the season, all those numbers get tallied up. Every athlete who meets the eligibility—including regular attendance and parent help—will receive a trophy on Presentation Day.
Presentation Day and Trophies
Presentation Day isn’t just about the "big winners". Trophies go to every eligible junior athlete, from Under 6s right through to the oldest age group. Tiny Tots also get a trophy, even though their results aren’t recorded—they’re just there to have a go and find out what they can do.
A few things that can decide if your child gets their end-of-season trophy:
- Turning up to most weekly events.
- Parent/carer has helped out (as per the club’s parent duty roster).
- General good sportsmanship throughout the season.
The best part of Presentation Day in Dapto is seeing every kid, not just the "top athletes", get called up for their hard work and participation. No one misses out.
Attendance and Personal Best Awards
On top of trophies for points, Dapto Little Athletics likes to keep things fun and fair with a range of extra awards. These can include:
- 100% Attendance Awards for those who haven’t missed a meet.
- Most Improved, based on tracking personal best improvements through the season.
- Sportsmanship or "Best Teammate" recognitions.
There are always a few surprises. The committee sometimes gives out special awards for things like helping others, smiling through tough weather, or really giving it a go. It’s less about being the fastest and more about having a go and showing up week after week.
Wrapping Up: Why Dapto Little Athletics is Worth a Go
So, that’s pretty much the lowdown on Dapto Little Athletics for 2025. If you’re thinking about signing your kids up, or even just giving it a try for a week or two, it’s honestly a good way to get the family out and about. The club is big on everyone pitching in, so expect to help out on the field or behind the scenes. It can seem a bit much at first, but most jobs are simple and you get the hang of it pretty quick. The main thing is, the kids have a blast running around, making friends, and learning new skills. Plus, you meet other local families and get to be part of a pretty friendly community. If you need more info, check out their website or flick them an email. Might see you at the track next season!
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be to join Dapto Little Athletics?
Children need to be at least 3 years old to register. The oldest athletes can be born in 2007. If your child turns 3 after the season starts, you’ll need to wait until their birthday to sign up.
When and where are the weekly competitions held?
Competitions are held at the Dapto High School oval. From September to October, events are on Saturday afternoons. From November to March, they switch to Thursday evenings.
Can my child try Little Athletics before signing up for the season?
Yes, there is a ‘Come and Try’ program at the start of the season. Your child can join in for the first two Saturdays to see if they like it before you register.
Do parents or carers have to help at events?
Yes, every family needs to provide an adult helper at weekly competitions. You can ask a friend or family member to help if you can’t make it. There are different jobs, some as simple as writing down results.
What does my child need to wear and bring each week?
Your child must wear the Centre uniform on competition days. Uniforms are bought online, but you can try on sizes at registration days. Each week, bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen.
Is there training outside of competitions, and is it required?
Training is not required, but the Centre tries to offer free training sessions during the season. These help kids learn the right way to run, jump, and throw. If your child wants more training, you can ask the committee about finding a personal coach.
