Thinking about getting your kids into a fun, active sport this season? Balmoral Little Athletics is a great place to start. It’s all about having a go, improving your personal best, and enjoying some healthy activity with the family. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there’s a place for them here. We’ve put together some info to help you get involved with Balmoral Little Athletics.
Key Takeaways
- Signing up for Balmoral Little Athletics is now done through a new system called Sport80, so new and returning families will need to create or log into an account.
- You can choose to register for the full season or opt for a two-week trial, which can be deducted from the full fee if you decide to continue.
- The season runs from early September to mid-March, with weekly training sessions on Tuesdays and competitions on Wednesdays, excluding school holidays.
- Balmoral Little Athletics offers a range of track and field events, from sprints and hurdles to various jumping and throwing disciplines, with programs adapting as the season progresses.
- The club is located at 391 Stanley Road, Carina, within the Clem Jones sporting precinct, with parking available nearby.
Join Balmoral Little Athletics This Season
A Welcoming Environment For All
Getting the kids involved in a sport can feel like a big step, but at Balmoral Little Athletics, we try to make it as easy and fun as possible. We’re all about creating a place where every child, no matter their skill level, feels welcome and encouraged. It doesn’t matter if they’re a natural speedster or just finding their feet, there’s a spot for them here. We believe that getting active and having a go is what it’s all about.
Focus On Fun And Personal Best
Our main goal here isn’t about winning trophies, it’s about personal growth and having a good time. We want kids to enjoy being active, pushing themselves a little, and celebrating their own achievements. Whether that’s running a bit faster than last week, jumping a little further, or just trying a new event, we cheer them on. It’s a fantastic way for them to build confidence and develop a love for being active.
Get Involved With The Family
Little Athletics is a real family affair. We see parents and guardians getting involved, whether it’s helping out at events, cheering from the sidelines, or just enjoying the atmosphere. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, get some fresh air, and be part of a supportive community. We reckon it’s a ripper way to spend your afternoons and evenings during the season.
Registering For Balmoral Little Athletics
Getting your little athlete signed up for Balmoral Little Athletics is pretty straightforward this season. We’ve moved to a new online system called Sport80, so whether you’re a returning family or completely new to the club, you’ll use this platform to register. It’s designed to make things smoother for everyone.
Navigating The New Sport80 System
If you’re new to Balmoral Little Athletics, the first step is to create an account on the Sport80 system. You’ll need to set up a username and password. For those who have registered with us before, your existing login details should still work. If you’ve forgotten your password, there’s a simple ‘reset password’ option available on the login page. Once you’re logged in, you can proceed to register your child.
Options For Full Season Or Trial
When you get to the registration part, you’ll see a couple of choices. You can sign up for the entire season, which gives you access to all our training sessions and competitions from start to finish. Alternatively, if you’re not quite sure yet, we offer a two-week trial. This is a great way to give Little Athletics a go without a full season commitment. The trial costs a small fee, and if you decide to continue with the full season, this amount is usually deducted from the total season cost. It’s a good way to test the waters!
Essential Information Before You Register
Before you jump into the Sport80 system, make sure you have a few things handy. You’ll need your child’s date of birth, as this determines their age group. For new athletes, you’ll also need to provide proof of age, like a copy of their birth certificate or passport. You can usually upload this directly through the Sport80 system during registration, or sometimes you can bring it along to an in-person sign-on event. Also, have a think about the uniform – while not part of the registration fee itself, you’ll want to know about the club polo and shorts or tights you’ll need to purchase separately.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Child’s full name and date of birth
- Parent/guardian contact details (email, phone number)
- Proof of age document (birth certificate or passport) for new athletes
- Payment details for registration fees
Remember, the age group your child competes in is strictly determined by their date of birth, as set by Little Athletics Queensland. This ensures fair competition for everyone across all age brackets.
Understanding Age Groups At Balmoral
Catering To Ages Three To Seventeen
Balmoral Little Athletics is all about inclusivity, which is why we welcome athletes from the tender age of three right up to seventeen. For the upcoming 2025-26 season, this means we’re looking after kids born between 2009 and 2022. It’s a pretty wide age range, but we make sure everyone finds their spot.
Automatic Age Group Determination
When you register online, don’t stress about figuring out which group your child fits into. The Sport80 system does all the heavy lifting for you! It automatically sorts everyone into their correct age bracket based on their date of birth. So, once you’ve entered that info, the system takes over. This makes the whole registration process a lot smoother for parents.
Age Brackets For Fair Competition
We stick to the age groups set by Little Athletics Queensland to keep things fair and fun for everyone. It doesn’t matter if your kid is a whiz or just starting out, or even if their best mate is in a different group – they’ll compete in their designated age bracket. This ensures that the competition is balanced and everyone gets a fair go.
Here’s a general idea of how the age groups are structured:
- Tiny Tots: 3-4 years old
- Under 6 to Under 8: These are our younger competitors, getting a feel for the track and field.
- Under 9 to Under 13: This is where athletes really start to develop their skills across a range of events.
- Under 14 to Under 17: Our senior athletes, often showing some serious talent and dedication.
It’s really important that athletes compete in their correct age group. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s also about safety and making sure the challenges are appropriate for their stage of development. We want everyone to have a positive experience, and that starts with being in the right group.
Balmoral Little Athletics Season Details
Key Dates For Training And Competition
The Balmoral Little Athletics season is all set to kick off soon, running from early September right through to mid-March. We try to keep things consistent so families can plan ahead. Just a heads-up, there are no official competitions or training sessions during the school holidays, giving everyone a well-deserved break. Mark your calendars: the season officially starts on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, and wraps up on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Weekly Training Sessions Explained
Training is where the magic happens, helping our young athletes hone their skills and build confidence. We hold our training sessions every Tuesday evening. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to get some extra practice in a supportive environment. The sessions are structured to cover a bit of everything, from running techniques to jumping and throwing basics. Coaches are on hand to offer guidance and make sure everyone is having a go and improving.
Competition Schedule And Start Times
Competitions are the highlight of the week, usually held on Wednesday evenings. We stagger the start times to make sure things run smoothly and safely for all age groups.
Here’s a general idea of when things get underway:
- Tiny Tots (Under 5): Usually start around 5:00 PM.
- Under 6 to Under 8: Competitions typically begin at 5:30 PM.
- Under 9 to Under 17: These age groups usually get going from 6:00 PM.
It’s always a good idea to get there a little bit before your scheduled start time, just to sign in and get settled. The program for the evening often mixes track events with field events, so athletes get a chance to experience a variety of disciplines throughout the season. We aim for a fun, encouraging atmosphere where personal bests are celebrated.
The competition program evolves throughout the season. For the first few weeks, we keep it simple with just three events per athlete to help everyone settle in. As the season progresses, especially for our older athletes (Under 9 and up), the program might expand to include four events, often covering running, jumping, and throwing. Sometimes, an extra event like a longer race or race walking might be added later on, giving athletes more chances to try different things.
Track And Field Events Offered
Balmoral Little Athletics offers a fantastic range of track and field events designed to let kids of all ages discover their strengths and have a go at something new. We’ve got everything from lightning-fast sprints to challenging jumps and throws. The program is structured to grow with the athletes throughout the season, so there’s always something to work towards.
Exciting Track Events Available
On the track, athletes can get their adrenaline pumping with a variety of running events. This includes short, sharp sprints that test pure speed, longer distance runs to build endurance, and the exciting challenge of hurdles. For the younger ones, the distances and hurdle heights are adjusted to be age-appropriate, making sure everyone can participate safely and have fun.
Variety Of Field Disciplines
The field events are where athletes can really hone their power and technique. We offer throwing events like shot put and discus, where the aim is to launch an implement as far as possible. In the jumping events, athletes can try their hand at the long jump, aiming for distance, and the high jump, aiming for height. For our older athletes, typically Under 11 and up, there’s the added challenge of the triple jump, which requires a combination of speed, power, and coordination.
Event Program Evolution Through The Season
We like to ease everyone into the season, especially with new families joining. For the first three weeks, we run a simplified three-event program. This helps athletes get back into the swing of things and allows us to manage the number of participants smoothly. From week four, the Under 6 to Under 8 age groups continue with a three-event program. However, for the Under 9 to Under 17 athletes, the program expands to four events. This usually includes two running events, one throwing event, and one jumping event. As the season progresses, we might even introduce a fifth optional event, such as a 1500m run or race walking, giving athletes even more chances to compete and improve. It’s all about participation and personal bests, so don’t worry too much about the specifics – just come and have a go! If you’re looking to get a head start on your fitness journey, consider checking out the Run Balmoral 2026 event.
Your Balmoral Little Athletics Hub
Finding Our Club Location
Getting to Balmoral Little Athletics is pretty straightforward. We’re based at 391 Stanley Road in Carina, right within the Clem Jones sporting precinct. You’ll find us near the Carina Bowls Club. It’s a well-known spot, so most people can find it without too much trouble.
Parking And Access Information
When you arrive, you’ll find a few parking options. There’s usually space along Stanley Road itself, and you can also use the Carina Bowls Car Park. The Clem Jones Centre also has parking available. Just a friendly reminder, if you do park on the street, please be considerate and don’t block any driveways. We want everyone to have an easy time getting in and out.
Getting To Training And Competitions
Training sessions are held every Tuesday evening, and competitions are on Wednesday nights. Both usually kick off around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM, depending on the age group. It’s a good idea to get there a little bit before your start time to sign in and get settled. We try to make the whole process as smooth as possible so you can focus on the fun.
We’re all about making it easy for families to get involved. The location is chosen for its accessibility, and we’ve got parking sorted. Our aim is for everyone to have a positive experience from the moment they arrive.
Here’s a quick rundown of when things happen:
- Training: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (arrive by 5:50 PM for sign-in)
- Competitions: Wednesdays, starting 5:00 PM (Tiny Tots) / 5:30 PM (U6-U8) / 6:00 PM (U9-17)
- Season Dates: Early September to mid-March (no sessions during school holidays)
Uniforms And Gear For Athletes
Getting your athlete kitted out for Balmoral Little Athletics is pretty straightforward. We want everyone to feel comfortable and ready to give it their best shot, whether it’s training or competition night. The club uniform is the go-to for official competition days and when representing us at other events. Don’t worry too much about special gear for training nights, though – comfy activewear is all you need there.
Essential Club Uniform Items
When it comes to the official uniform, you’ve got a few choices for tops and bottoms. These are the bits and pieces you’ll need to grab:
- Competition Polo: This is our standard top. Make sure you get the athlete’s competition number, age badge, and the Coles patch attached in the right spots. These little things are important for tracking results and showing off our club colours.
- Crop Top or Singlet Top: These are alternatives if the polo isn’t your thing. Just like the polo, you’ll need to attach the registration number and Coles patch. The age badge goes on the left leg of the bottoms for these options.
- Bottoms: You can choose plain navy or black tights, bike pants, or shorts. If you’re buying these from somewhere other than the club shop, just double-check that any brand logos aren’t bigger than 4cm x 4cm. We want a consistent look for our athletes.
After you register online, the next step is to swing by the clubhouse to pick up your athlete’s registration pack and uniform. This pack includes the combined athlete competition number/age badge, which is super important for recording their performances. You’ll also get the Coles patch and some other handy info for the season.
Purchasing Your Athlete’s Gear
Most of the gear you need, including the official uniform items, can be bought directly from the club’s uniform shop. It’s usually open on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the clubhouse. Besides the competition wear, you might also find other club-branded items like training t-shirts, caps, bucket hats, and running singlets available for purchase. It’s a good idea to check out what’s on offer when you collect your athlete’s registration pack.
Footwear Recommendations
Choosing the right shoes for competition night is important for both comfort and performance. For most athletes, standard runners are perfectly fine. However, for those in the U11 age group and older, spikes are an option. It’s worth noting that even with spikes, there are rules. For instance, U11 and U12 athletes can’t use spikes for the 800m or 1500m races. Also, spikes aren’t allowed to be worn between events, so you’ll need to put them on just before your event and take them off right after. The approved spike types are Christmas Tree and Pyramid shapes.
Remember, the focus is on participation and personal improvement. While the right gear helps, it’s the effort and enthusiasm that truly count on the track and field.
Ready to Run?
So, that’s the lowdown on Balmoral Little Athletics. It’s all about getting the kids active, having a go, and just enjoying themselves, whether they’re sprinting, jumping, or throwing. The season kicks off soon, so don’t miss out on the fun. Head over to the registration page, get signed up, and we’ll see you and your little athletes down at the track. It’s a great way to spend time together and build some healthy habits. Let’s make this season a ripper!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign my child up for Balmoral Little Athletics?
Signing up is a breeze! You’ll need to head over to the new Sport80 system online. If you’re new, you’ll create an account. If you’ve been with us before, you can use your existing login. Once you’re in, you can choose to register for the full season or try out a two-week trial. Don’t forget you’ll need to provide proof of your child’s age, like a birth certificate or passport, either by uploading it or showing it at one of our sign-on nights.
What age groups does Balmoral Little Athletics cater for?
We welcome athletes from 3 to 17 years old. For the 2025-26 season, this means kids born between 2009 and 2022. The system will automatically put your child into the correct age group based on their date of birth. It’s important they compete in their assigned age group, no matter who their friends are or how good they are!
What are the costs involved?
The fees vary a bit depending on your child’s age group. For example, our Tiny Tots (U5) are $150 for the full season, while older athletes might pay between $200 and $300. We also offer a two-week trial for $40, which gets taken off your full season fee if you decide to join. You’ll also need to buy a club uniform, which includes a competition polo, shorts or tights, and your athlete’s number.
What events can my child participate in?
We offer a great variety of track and field events! On the track, there are sprints, distance running, and hurdles. For field events, kids can try shot put, discus, javelin, long jump, and high jump. Older athletes (U11 and up) can also try triple jump. The program changes slightly throughout the season, with a focus on fun and trying different things, especially for the younger age groups.
When does training and competition happen?
Training sessions are held every Tuesday evening from September to March, usually from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Competition nights are on Wednesdays, kicking off around 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM depending on the age group. Just remember, there’s no training or competition during school holidays, and training isn’t compulsory but is super helpful for improving skills.
Where is Balmoral Little Athletics located?
You’ll find us at 391 Stanley Road in Carina, which is part of the Clem Jones sporting precinct. It’s near the Carina Bowls Club. There’s plenty of parking available along Stanley Road, in the Carina Bowls Car Park, and at the Clem Jones Centre. Just be a good neighbour and don’t block any driveways if you park on the street!
