Tiny Tots Section (2-4 Year Olds)

^{(Updated July 2024)}

What Is 'Tiny Tots' Athletics?

The focus of Tiny Tots sessions is on developing fundamental movement skills such as walking, running, skipping, jumping, landing, throwing and catching.  These skills are the same as those used in athletics but taught through engaging games and fun equipment.   

We don't teach our Tiny Tots to throw the discus or shotput or to high jump.  There is plenty of time to learn these events as they get older.  Instead we emphasise age-appropriate skills including teamwork, listening and following instructions, taking turns, sharing, and demonstrating good sportsmanship whether they win or lose.

Who Can Join?

All children born on or before the 31st of December 2022 are welcome to join the Tiny Tots section.  Tiny Tots caters for 2-4 year olds:

• Grade 2:  Born between 1st of January and 31st of December 2022
• Grade 3:  Born between 1st of January and 31st of December 2021
• Grade 4:  Born between 1st of January and 31st of December 2020
   

(If your child was born before the 1st of January 2020, they will qualify for the ‘5s and 6s’ or ‘Junior’ sections.  Check our separate tab on the website for these group.)

When Is It? 

Tiny Tot sessions are held on Wednesdays, from 4.45 to 5.35 pm, at the Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park. 

Sessions for the 2024/25 season start on WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2024 but new members are welcome any Wednesday.  Last session for the season is Wednesday 9^th of April 2025.

What Happens on Wednesday Afternoons?

Tiny Tots gather on the back straight of the track below the clubrooms.  On arrival, children will be welcomed by their age group manager.  During the 50 minute session they will participate in a group warm-up activity, run races on the track, take part in two different activities or games, and conclude with a fun run (and a lollipop ��)

Each week brings new activities to keep things exciting, and there are special themed fun nights throughout the season.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost for the season (from 16th October 2024 to 9^th of April 2025) is $84 per child.

What Do The Children Wear?

Tiny Tots wear our club t-shirt.  This costs $18 and is available from the club tuck shop on Wednesday afternoons and evenings during the season.  Children are encouraged to wear black or navy shorts or leggings. 

We recommend that children have bare feet when taking part in activities on the track.  Not only does going barefoot feel great, it also strengthens children’s growing feet, ankles, legs, knees and hips.

What Do The Parents Do?

The sessions are a great opportunity for you to interact with your child – cheer them on in the races, partner with them in the activities and role-model sportsmanship, respect for coaches and officials, sharing and being a team player.

However, we also aim to build confidence in the children so also encourage them to participate in activities independently when they are ready.

Parents/guardians must attend at all times and are responsible for the behaviour of their children. This includes that they are not hindering the participation and enjoyment of other athletes and that equipment is being used correctly and safely.

My Child Has Special Needs.  Can They Take Part?

Of course!  Please contact Tania Boyer, our Tiny Tot Co-Ordinator (0274 977433; pakrun@gmail.com) to discuss.

Sounds Great!  How Do We Get Started?

Registrations for the 2024-25 season are now open.  Register via the blue box on the home page of this website.  

If you would like to see our programme in action before registering, we will be holding a free 'Have A Go' morning on Saturday 12^th of October.  New families are also able to come along to club nights on the 16th and 23^rd of October and try out the activities before registering.