In a short period of time, Athletics Wollongong members will exchange lockdown lounging for track training. With COVID restrictions easing they are simply lapping up the transition. Competition is due to start shortly in November, and enthusiasm is now so keen that our Facebook page has ballooned out to more than 500 members. We are actively seeking more athletes to compete in our Wednesday afternoon point score comps, or even further if they feel so inclined.
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Some useful questions
Why should I join Athletics Wollongong?
As the Athletics NSW Club Development award winner for last season, Athletics Wollongong provides a well run club steered by an amazing committee and captained by a very capable President. The focuses of the club have been multi-targeted. The first is to provide a safe and encouraging environment for athletes to compete, enjoy themselves and aim to improve their performances. The second is to provide pathways for athletes of all ages and abilities. The third is encouraging those who wish to achieve at state and national level the opportunity to do so. The fourth is to communicate vital information to the membership in forums, such as the Mercury, Facebook and email which will keep members updated on the latest happenings in our sport
Of our seven athletes who were accepted into the Illawarra Academy of Sport's Lonestar program, four were also accepted under a second sport as well. Time and time again we see our athletes achieving well at other sports because of the speed, agility and endurance benefit which come from targeted athletics training.
Who can join?
Anyone who likes to run jump or throw
What is the competition like?
Our Wednesday afternoon comps starts at 5.30pm. Competitors compete in age groups of two yearly divisions such as Under 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. Open division. Then after age 30, athletes compete as Masters in 10-yearly age groups, eg 30-39 and so on. During the evening there are four scheduled events for each group and perhaps a special event, such as a mile etc. Athletes can decide whether they wish to do an event or not.
When an athlete feels more confident and capable, they can then enter events listed by ANSW to be held at SOPAC or other centres. It may be that the athlete needs to accomplish prior requisites necessary to perform in that event such as a qualifying times or measurements. Some of the more social events may not have those requirements. Whenever notifications of these events are announced, their existence is advertised on our Facebook page. ANSW has assured members that there will be plenty of opportunities to compete in carnivals over the course of the season
Our club had 14 individuals compete at Nationals last year, which was one of our largest ever representative squads. We also had large squads for the Country Championships and the NSW Championships.
How much does it cost?
If you are unsure about competing, you can have a trial afternoon for $15 before upgrading to full membership.
Open membership, $180.
Concession membership, $150. (Concession is available for under 19 athletes and concession card holders.
Community athletes, $45. This rate is for those only wishing to compete in our Wednesday afternoon comp. It won't give you access to ANSW events.
Dual Athletes. If an athlete is registered with a NSW Little Athletics club and is from 12-17 years of age, they can choose Athletics Wollongong as their preferred ANSW club. There is no charge for new registered Little A members, but those continuing their membership with us pay a $10 membership fee. Duals can compete in Little Athletics NSW and ANSW events. For more details follow this link. https://www.athleticswollongong.org.au/registration/
Do I need to have athletics skills to join?
The Wednesday afternoon meets are low key. The groups are supportive of effort and will offer you useful advice for you to be able to perform in some of the throws, longer runs and long jump events. Disciplines that require some knowledge and fitness are high jump and sprints. Prior conditioning for sprints is necessary to prevent muscle injury. Athletes who compete in other running sports will adapt to sprint quite easily. There are a number of very skilled coaches listed on our web page and contacting them to work out a training program would be an excellent choice in skills further development.
Our club also has an excellent pole vaults group for those interested.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/533090166779380
If you have any concerns or queries, please feel to contact us on athleticswollongong@gmail.com or join us on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/groups/7603289126/?multi_permalinks=10159582305289127if_id=1635054924169076if_t=group_activity&ref=notif
