Camden Athletics Club are set to have their biggest year yet, as the 2023/2024 season begins.
With athletics a Summer sport, the season begins in September and runs through to March. Athletes compete on Friday evenings at Narellan Sports Hub. The local club is made up of Tiny Tots (Under 5’s), Under 6’s to Under 9’s, Under 10’s to Under 17’s and Seniors/Masters.
They have just over 800 registered Little Athletes so far this season. This is their largest number of Little Athletes registered in the 49 year history of the club. Little Athletics covers the age groups from Tiny Tots (Under 5’s) to Under 17’s, with groups in every age for male and female athletes. The senior athletes (aged over 17) register and commence their season in October.
There were many highlights last season. Most notably was the club moving to their brand new purpose built track at Narellan Sports Hub. This is a tartan track that is usable in all weather conditions. It also provides a consistent surface for their athletes to train and compete on.
“We sent our largest contingent to compete at the Little Athletics NSW State Championships. We also had several athletes represent NSW at National Championships for schools, Little Athletics, and senior athletics. As always, a great highlight is watching the kids competing to the best of their ability and enjoying their athletics experience.
Whether it be winning a medal, breaking a record, getting a new Personal Best (PB) or just having fun by being there, the smiles are a real highlight” said Karen Westwood, Communications Officer of Camden Athletics Club.
With registrations opening on 1st August, they have reached capacity and closed for the age groups of Tiny Tots (Under 5’s) to Under 9’s. They are still taking registrations for the older age groups from Under 10’s to Under 17’s (this session starts at 7:00pm on a Friday) and senior registrations (turning 18 in 2024 and older) will open in October.
“With a club this large, we rely on many volunteers to keep the wheels turning, and there are many moving parts to an athletics club (running the canteen, setting up the equipment, packing away equipment, maintenance of equipment, running events, results recording, programming, registrations, and finances). The committee are all volunteers and also having paying jobs to maintain, so volunteers are always welcome” she stated.
They are looking forward to the new season ahead.
“We are looking forward to bettering the successful season we had last season. Not just in the number of athletes and success on the track and medals won, but by everyone having a great experience at athletics” Karen ended.