Junior athletics FAQ
Ahead of junior athletics starting on 14 October 2026, we thought you might have some questions. We've answered some common ones here, so you know what's happening and what to expect. We're looking forward to seeing you all at the Lovelock Track soon!
What time should I arrive?
Our programme starts at 6pm. Plan to arrive a bit before that, so you're ready to get into it at 6pm. And anytime from 5:30pm if you want to buy uniform.
Which leads us to the next question...
What should I wear?
A club t-shirt or singlet, if you have one, and otherwise just comfortable sports clothes. And running shoes, ideally.
After the first couple of sessions, we expect all of our juniors to wear a club t-shirt or singlet, but it's ok if you don't have it sorted in time for the first session.
If you still need to buy uniform, Lenco will have a pop-up shop at the club from 5:30-6pm on opening night and again on 21 October. They will be selling Owairaka tees, caps and sublimated tees and singlets for kids too (more like our adult singlets). You are also welcome to pre-order hoodies. Eftpos will be available and you can pay by contactless credit or debit card or cash. More details on uniform available.
Where do we meet?
On the track in front of the clubrooms (ages 7+). Under 7s should go straight to the grass infield. At 6 we'll welcome you all and get things under way.
Which group am I in?
Our training squads are organised by year of birth.
Halberg Squad - born 2020 or later
Meet in the middle of the field at 6pm.
Coaches Bart, Mack, Annika, Isabella, Grace and Grace
Parent support is essential - please stay with your children in this group if possible and support our volunteer coaches.
Snell Squad - born in 2017, 2018, 2019
Meet in front of the clubrooms at 6pm
Kelly Sports coaches including Hunter & Luke
3 rotations per night - running, jumping & throwing
Lydiard Squad - born 2016 or earlier
Meet in front on the clubrooms at 6pm
Coaches Nick, Dion, Josef, Radu, Jan & helpers
Group warmup then two rotations - one run, one field event per week
We also run a few extension groups from 7-7:30 for older, keen athletes who want to do more of a specific event - details on the night.
Do I need to sign in?
No.
Do parents need to stay?
Yes please! Especially if your children are under 10 or you are new to the club. Our coaches are there to coach, so parent help on the night helps keep things running smoothly and safely. Plus you get to be part of the action. It's always lots of fun! On the first night, Kate & Leah will hold a parents' briefing at 6:05pm, for parents of children in our Snell and Lydiard squads. We'll share a bit more about how things work, how you can help and answer any questions you might have.
How can I help?
Halberg Squad (u7) parents - just be available to support coaches and your children in the activities.
Snell Squad parents - we need help running an event each week (eg measuring, raking, recording), and a couple of parents per group (7, 8, 9 year olds) each week to manage a group and support the coaches. Our coaches are there to coach, so we need parent/caregiver support to help manage the kids.
Lydiard Squad - We'll need two parents on throws and two on jumps to support the coaches - typically you would be raking, measuring, helping organise the kids or equipment, replacing the bar etc - no experience necessary.
We also need a timekeeper to do some bell-ringing, some extra hands at setup and packdown, and a couple of sausage sizzlers.
Let us know when you arrive if you're keen to help, or email us if you'd like to sign up as a regular. Thank you! We appreciate you!
Parking?
Apart from the main carpark trackside, there's another accessible from Gifford Ave. It does get busy, so allow time, or even better walk or bike if you're local :-)
Did you mention a sausage sizzle?
Yes! We run one most weeks to help keep everyone going til they get home! $3 each or 2 for $5, cash preferred, or you can make a bank transfer.
What if it's raining?
A few showers are usually fine. If the weather's not looking great for club night (eg very wet or stormy), we aim to make a call by 4pm about cancellation, and advertise this on our social media channels. Please check Instagram or Facebook.
We sometimes run a reduced programme focussed on running for the older kids. And the choice to attend or not is always yours.
What about weekend comps?
Over the summer, there is so much going on, including
McKinnon Shield (Track and Field for ages 12+ in the year of competition). Summer weekends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMxKQHXCYj0
Go! Series (Junior team-based inter-club events held across five Saturday mornings from November to March) See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Jj7AYBLFw&t=24s
Dame Valerie Adams Ribbon Day Series – participation-focused events that are especially suited to younger athletes and children gaining confidence in athletics - hosted by clubs.
Inter-club relay days - 29 November/5 December 2026
The Colgate Games in January - big meets for athletes aged 7-14, held this summer in Whangarei and Invercargill. Entries now open.
Then there are championship events (Auckland and NZ) later in the summer.
For all of these events except relays, you are responsible for your own registration and entry fees. Check out the Athletics Auckland events calendar for the latest details or chat to coaches for more information.
Bring it on! see you at the track soon!
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