History
Little athletics evolved, like most voluntary community organisations, through the mind and conscience of one man. Trevor Billingham, following the pattern set by many pioneers in the field of community service, recognised a need and introduced an idea designed to meet that need.
On an October day in 1963 three boys turned up at an athletics meeting in Geelong. They were ready to compete. On approaching an official they were told they were too young to take part. The official was Trevor Billingham. The disappointment, evident in the boys left a marked impression on his mind. The thought was temporarily forgotten. It came alive again several months later. At a coaching clinic designed for secondary school students, it was noted that the majority of children were of primary school age.
Reminded of his earlier experience, Trevor had an idea. The answer to the need expressed in the children could be a simple Saturday morning competition. On the first Saturday of October 1964, Trevor met with a small group of children on a Geelong oval. They took part in a short program of running events. From that simple beginning, athletics for boys and girls developed at a phenomenal rate.
Little Athletics created tremendous interest. By 1967, the Victorian Little Athletics Association was formed. Within five years, there was an Australian Little Athletics Association.
Today more than 80,000 children regularly participate at Little Athletics Centres in every State and Territory in Australia. This represents over 4 million children who have experienced the sport since it's inception.
Ballarat Little Athletics
Ballarat Little Athletics is affiliated with Little Athletics Victoria (LAVic).
Through affiliation with this association, Ballarat Little Athletics are provided with the infrastructure and framework from which to conduct a local program in junior athletics. All registered members are fully insured, this website provides resources relevant to the sport. There is a wealth of opportunities for further development, competition and coaching.
There's something for everyone at Little Athletics
Winning is not everything at Little Athletics. The main emphasis is on participation and skills development. Children learn and practice the key skills of athletics through games and activities during our On-Track program for our Under 6 athletes. When they become proficient in the basic skills, they will progress to Track & Field events.
It's an ideal first sport for children. The running, jumping and throwing activities help develop balance flexibility and strength.
Anyone can become a Little Athlete!
Track & Field age eligibility at Ballarat is from U6-U17 years of age.
The skills developed through training and competition provide a basis for many sports. Our club organises regular coaching, competition and special days.
Parents and other family members can come along and help with the activities. There's always someone around to show them how and what to do.
It's fun!
Children like fun; more than that, children need fun. Little Athletics Saturday Morning competition provides it.
It's for fitness!
Not only is Little Athletics a whole lot fun, its also a great way to keep fit. Let's face it, a healthy body means an alert mind and a greater resistance to physical illness.
It's for the family!
Little Athletics is more than fun and fitness. It's a family movement that provides family participation. It's a real chance for the whole family; mum, dad, carers, grandparents; to do things regularly. Family members of little athletes are involved as voluntary helpers and officials at athletic events.
Little athletics evolved, like most voluntary community organisations, through the mind and conscience of one man. Trevor Billingham, following the pattern set by many pioneers in the field of community service, recognised a need and introduced an idea designed to meet that need.
On an October day in 1963 three boys turned up at an athletics meeting in Geelong. They were ready to compete. On approaching an official they were told they were too young to take part. The official was Trevor Billingham. The disappointment, evident in the boys left a marked impression on his mind. The thought was temporarily forgotten. It came alive again several months later. At a coaching clinic designed for secondary school students, it was noted that the majority of children were of primary school age.
Reminded of his earlier experience, Trevor had an idea. The answer to the need expressed in the children could be a simple Saturday morning competition. On the first Saturday of October 1964, Trevor met with a small group of children on a Geelong oval. They took part in a short program of running events. From that simple beginning, athletics for boys and girls developed at a phenomenal rate.
Little Athletics created tremendous interest. By 1967, the Victorian Little Athletics Association was formed. Within five years, there was an Australian Little Athletics Association.
Today more than 80,000 children regularly participate at Little Athletics Centres in every State and Territory in Australia. This represents over 4 million children who have experienced the sport since it's inception.
Ballarat Little Athletics
Ballarat Little Athletics is affiliated with Little Athletics Victoria (LAVic).
Through affiliation with this association, Ballarat Little Athletics are provided with the infrastructure and framework from which to conduct a local program in junior athletics. All registered members are fully insured, this website provides resources relevant to the sport. There is a wealth of opportunities for further development, competition and coaching.
There's something for everyone at Little Athletics
Winning is not everything at Little Athletics. The main emphasis is on participation and skills development. Children learn and practice the key skills of athletics through games and activities during our On-Track program for our Under 6 athletes. When they become proficient in the basic skills, they will progress to Track & Field events.
It's an ideal first sport for children. The running, jumping and throwing activities help develop balance flexibility and strength.
Anyone can become a Little Athlete!
Track & Field age eligibility at Ballarat is from U6-U17 years of age.
The skills developed through training and competition provide a basis for many sports. Our club organises regular coaching, competition and special days.
Parents and other family members can come along and help with the activities. There's always someone around to show them how and what to do.
It's fun!
Children like fun; more than that, children need fun. Little Athletics Saturday Morning competition provides it.
It's for fitness!
Not only is Little Athletics a whole lot fun, its also a great way to keep fit. Let's face it, a healthy body means an alert mind and a greater resistance to physical illness.
It's for the family!
Little Athletics is more than fun and fitness. It's a family movement that provides family participation. It's a real chance for the whole family; mum, dad, carers, grandparents; to do things regularly. Family members of little athletes are involved as voluntary helpers and officials at athletic events.