JUNIOR ATHLETICS
Winter running - terms 3 & 4
Over the winter Julie & Kate lead a squad of runners - training on Wednesday evenings (term-time) 6-7pm, and optionally competing at weekend events. Mostly the weekend races are around 2km long, a mixture of road and cross country, and usually a lot of fun!
2020 Athletics Auckland cross country and road info & events
Winter training usually involves some technique-focused drills (like the ladder drills in the video below), speed work, intervals or a longer run, and some strengthening exercises. Our training is great for those who love running but also for those whose passion is in a different code but need to maintain or improve their fitness.
Summer athletics - starts October 2020
Our junior summer athletics programme runs on Wednesday evenings 6-7pm
Halberg Squad (Under 7s)
The younger children’s activities follows Athletics New Zealand's Get Set Go program and includes running (up to 25 metres), long jump, and a range of other activities designed to develop body movement and coordination skills.
Snell Squad (7-10 year olds)
Activities for this age group include running (progressing from 50 metres, dependant on age) jumping (long and high jump, depending on age) and throwing (discus, shot put). The programme is based on the excellent Run, Jump Throw with training and resources provided by Athletics New Zealand.
Lydiard Squad (11s and over)
Older children's activities are based on the all weather track and include technical instruction suitable for the age group across all track and field activities. Coaches Julie Collard and Murray Cumberpatch, ex NZ sprint champion, guide this group.
We rely on parent volunteers to support our Halberg and Snell squads, please contact us if you'd like to get involved.
Junior competition squad
We have spent a few years in a rebuilding phase. Part of our strategic plan has been to fully embrace the Athletics New Zealand philosophy, guidelines and programmes. We want our young athletes to be moving lots and having fun with their mates. We also know there are some athletes who would like to experience external competition. To meet the needs of these athletes we have launched our Competition Squad this season.
This is a group of young athletes who have self-selected (we do not run trials, the squad welcomes all) to try out representing Owai at a couple of competitions. We want children to have fun competing and to focus on learning, improving, personal bests and hanging out with their mates. Those joining the squad are going to need good family support. This is a new venture for the club and we will review it at the end of the season and make improvements as needed.
Don't forget to register your child's interest if they are keen.
We plan to focus on the following events in December 2019:
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Auckland Children’s relay championships, 14 December, Mt Smart
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Night of 5s (our senior runners will be taking part too - fun for all the whanau!), 20 December, North Shore Bays
We'll arrange some extra coaching for kids who are keen to participate and would love a keen parent or two to help co-ordinate entries and make this happen - please get in touch if you can help.
