East Derwent Little Athletics Centre, at Weily Park, has been a cornerstone for families from Old Beach to New Norfolk and beyond for over four decades.

Catering to children aged three to 16, the Centre offers a supportive environment where young athletes can learn and compete in various track and field events, including sprints, walks, long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin.

The early 2020s posed signif­icant challenges for the club, as COVID-19 protocols led to a sharp decline in participation and volunteer numbers. Excit­ingly though, the 2024/2025 season has seen a remarkable resurgence, with approximately 80 athletes now registered and competing.

The dedication of numerous parent volunteers has been vital in the successful weekly meets, bolstered by strong support from local businesses, highlighted by a successful Christmas raffle.

This season, the committee introduced innovative ap­proaches to enhance athlete development. Age group man­agers participated in training sessions at the season’s start, equipping them to provide tai­lored support. Monthly training sessions feature special guests, like sprinter Jack Hale and coach Josh Mason, who share their expertise with the young athletes. The club’s major spon­sor Coles facilitated a visit from Olympian Kelsey-Lee Barber during the Coles Community Round. Kelsey-Lee presented a Club Record certificate to young athlete Spencer for the Under 12 80-metre hurdles, a record he has since broken twice more!

With a renewed sense of excite­ment and community spirit, East Derwent Little Athletics Centre invites new athletes to join us next season. The club’s roster is available on the Face­book page, and newcomers can attend twice before deciding to register. It’s a fantastic time to be part of this thriving grass­roots sporting club.