JUNIOR & YOUTH ATHLETICS
Summer athletics (terms 4 & 1)
Our junior summer athletics programme runs on Wednesday evenings from 6pm October-March. In 2023 our season starts on Wednesday 11 October.
Introducing our squads
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. This squad will be led by Winona in 2023, and parent participation is essential.
Snell Squad (7-9 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 Athletics New Zealand's Run, Jump, Throw program. We bring in external coaches to work with this age group. Parent support each week helps our coaches focus on coaching.
Lydiard Squad (10+)
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 Nick Moore and Dion O'Neale lead this group, with specialist input from throws coach TeRina Keenan and jumps coach Nanne de Haan. Learn more.
We rely on volunteers to support all of our squads, please contact us if you'd like to get involved.
Senior sprint squad (all year)
Coached by ex-NZ sprint champion Murray Cumberpatch, this group meets twice weekly year-round (Monday/Wednesday at 5:30), and is focused on sprints through to 800m, with some work on field events according to athlete interest.
Generally athletes in this squad are high school age and above - adults and masters sprinters welcome too.
Events and competitions
If athletes are keen, there are opportunities to participate in weekend events and competitions throughout the summer, from informal ribbon days to championship events.
This summer we plan to take a junior squad to events regularly throughout the season, and we'd be happy to have you join us!
Owairaka athletes have participated in recent years in:
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Athletics Auckland Track & Field Championships - junior & senior
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Colgate Games - festival of athletics for children aged 7-14. This summer's North Island edition will be held in Auckland and we're keen to get a big squad together.
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McKinnon Shield - regular Saturday competition for grades U14 and above
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National Track & Field Championships
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Children's Relays
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Various ribbon days
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Launch Athletics
Winter running with the Lightning Bolts⚡️(terms 2&3)
Over the winter Nick, Dion & a team of awesome helper 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 2-3km long, a mixture of road and cross country, and usually a lot of fun!
Read our guide to the Athletics Auckland Grand Prix.
Our Wednesday evening adventures include games, drills, strength and conditioning and plenty of running - by torchlight, under floodlights, on the track, the grass, and up and down and around our our local parks and maunga. Something for everyone.
