85 kids turn out as Tea Gardens Little Athletics Club launches

Tea Gardens on the mid coast of NSW has a Little Athletics club, and the local kids have turned out in force to make it a success.

A crowd of 85 children packed Tea Gardens Public School on Thursday 24 September for the club's second Come and Try day. That is up from 60 on the opening day a week earlier, and well above the 72 expressions of interest the club had before it started.

NSW Athletics supported the launch by sending three development officers to the opening session: the area's local development officer, plus two colleagues from NSW Athletics. Their aim was to give young athletes the skills to walk into their first club night with confidence.

For a club that hasn't yet held its first official night, it was a remarkable start. That first club night is set for Thursday 15 October.

The club has also had plenty of help getting ready. Surrounding clubs have donated equipment, and the committee has applied for a range of grants to buy more.

NSW Athletics Development Officer Joanne McGinniskin, who works with clubs in the local area, commended the club on its successful launch and the enthusiasm shown by the local community.

"It's fantastic to see a new Little Athletics club open its doors in Tea Gardens, and the incredible turnout speaks volumes about the excitement for athletics in the community," McGinniskin said.

"Going from 60 athletes on the first day to 85 on the second shows how much this community wanted a club of its own.

"A huge credit goes to the committee and volunteers who have put in so much work, and to the surrounding clubs who have pitched in to help. We're really looking forward to supporting them through their first season."

The athletes were divided into three age groups - Tiny Tots, 6 to 9-year-olds, and those aged 10 and over, with each group taking part in skill-based sessions focused on running, jumping and throwing.

Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest sit about 10km off the highway, north of Newcastle. The club is set to be a genuine community club serving its own pocket of the coast, and the community has already rallied behind it.

Registrations for Tea Gardens Little Athletics Club will open soon, with the season running from October to March, excluding school holidays.

The committee, led by President Kelsie Preston, is calling for more volunteers, particularly timekeepers and age group helpers, as well as general members. Families can get in touch at tghnlittleathletics@gmail.com.