A greater focus on technique and coaching is among the main aims for Whittlesea City Little Athletics Centre this season.
The centre started its season on Saturday morning and even a little rain could not dampen the children’s enthusiasm.
The centre’s Narelle Cullen said the Whittlesea City centre was looking to improve on last season’s standout results.
“We have focused on coaching and I don’t think we’ve ever had as many medalists at regions and state events,” she said.
“The president and competition director have spent a lot of timing refining the program for a better balance of events.
“There’s a bit more focus on longer running events and the field events, not just sprints.
“We are hoping to give the kids a variety of events.”
This season the centre has introduced turbo javelin for the under-10s and the ‘on track’ program for the under-six and under-sevens.
“The turbo javelin is about preparing kids for proper javelin in the older age groups.
“The ‘on track’ program teaches techniques by using games.
“It uses hula hoops, beanbags and witches’ hats and we’re hoping it will assist in the training and coaching of the kids,” Cullen said.
She said the improved focus on coaching and technique was aimed at trying to get more children participating in region and state events.
She said there had been good numbers at the first session of the season and they were hoping to have about the 450 member-mark again.
Australian athletes Brooke Stratton and Eleanor Patterson will visit the centre in the coming weeks.
