Priding itself on delivering athletics to all age brackets, the program is designed to allow athletes to choose the pathway they want to go, whether it be at club level only, interclub, major country and state meets, then on to the major Australian titles. It will be the athletes' choice.

"On the Right Track With Illawarra Blue Stars - Reaching for the Stars" will provide not only competition, but also support areas to allow the athlete to develop and continue in the sport, no matter what their age or ability.

The "First Star" is for athletes from under 8, under 10 and under 12, where the club will offer club competition, with most events on an athletic program on a regular Sunday afternoon, competing at the same time as either older members of the family, providing support network with "buddies" of an older age bracket, and providing development and skills coaching in aspects of the sport.

The "Second Star" will involve our under 12, under 14 and under 16 athletes, who will have regular weekend competition at club level, and can choose to compete in Athletics NSW interclub, supported by IBS. They will have access to coaches in all disciplines of the sport, have access to Illawarra Academy of Sport through the Lone Star Program, will be encouraged to take part in country titles and if they desire, to contest All Schools, state junior titles, and then if they reach the standard, to contest the Australian Youth Titles. If they only want to compete at club level, they will still have the support of club competition, coaches etc.

The "Third Star" will be for under 18, under 20 and under 23 athletes. Like the above they will have access to all club, interclub and major meets and will be supported all the way in the pathway they choose to follow. Support networks will also include club physio and massage by qualified personnel, and they will have access to commence their junior coaching and or official's accreditation.

The "Fourth Star" will be for Open athletes. As above, they will choose the pathway they wish to take, be it at club level only, or move onto major meets including country and state titles and on to national titles with full support. Regardless of ability all athletes will be given the full support of the club to enjoy the friendship, competition and compete at the same time as maybe younger members of the family.

The"Fifth Star" are all masters athletes, over the age of 30 and of all abilities, who can enjoy the friendship of the other members of the club, supported in making a transition from open athletics to masters athletes and continuing in the sport. Be it for fitness, enjoyment or moving on and contesting major meets such as country, state, national and international competition, they are an important "star" of the club. They will be supported to bring their children along also to club meets and in some cases, grandchildren. They can also offer their support and assistance to younger members of the club.

The final "star" in the Pathway is to become either or both an official /coach of the club and enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, achieving accreditation in their chosen field and once again being fully supported by the club in general. This will build up our coaching and official structure with members being guided by officials holding those club portfolios to help them along the way.

All round, the summer season will see the action take place for 2021-2022, ensuring all members know they will be supported all the way along the Pathway they choose to take. Parents can be confident that their young child will be given as much support as possible and, if they want, can remain with IBS right through their athletics career.

Blue Stars support base has been extended with the help of a recommended club physio and massage qualified personnel, along with the Illawarra Academy of Sport Lone Star Program, and with access to coaching and official exams and accreditation processes.

We cannot give a date as yet to the start of our summer of track and field due to directions from Community sport, but we do believe it may be the last Sunday of October. The club has also reinstated the open interclub meet that IBS will host to Sunday, December 5, the ideal date leading into the proposed date of NSW All Schools, the following weekend.

The program of sprints/middle distance will include 100, 200, 400, 800, short hurdles, with javelin and possibly pole vault. It is also hoped that an open wheelchair event will be held. This interclub event will cater for all ages, all abilities but you will need to be registered with ANSW, the registration process to be opened up very soon.

If anyone needs more information as to joining IBS and being part of our programs, please call 0409 307 325 or contact us through our website illawarrabluestars.com.