Manly Warringah Athletics Unites the Northern Beaches

NSW Athletics proudly supports the landmark move by the athletics community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with Manly Warringah Little Athletics (MWLAC) and Sydney Pacific Athletic Club, trading as Manly Warringah Athletics Club (MWAC), announcing they will become one. Offering a lifelong athletics pathway for athletes aged 5 through Masters. 

This move represents one of the most significant club-level integrations since the inception of the NSW Athletics Partnership, positioning Manly Warringah Athletics (MWA) as a model for other clubs and centres across the state.  

“This consolidation represents a true community-first approach to athletics,” said AJ Jauncey, President MWLAC. “We’re excited to create a single inclusive club that offers something for every athlete, regardless of age or ability. Athletics is a unique sport; the non-combat nature means it accommodates participants of all ages and abilities, and we will seek to build on this inherent advantage to grow participation in our sport here on the Northern Beaches.”

With more than 900 members between the two clubs in the 2024/25 season, MWA is expected to flourish as one of the largest and most inclusive community-based athletics clubs in NSW. 

Little Athletics NSW Chairman Costa Zakis, welcomed the announcement, applauding both committees for their collaboration.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this historic step,”

“This unification reflects the very heart of NSW Athletics Partnership, creating stronger, more inclusive pathways for athletes across NSW. We believe this is a model other clubs and centres can look to with great confidence.”.

The goal of Manly Warringah Athletics is to foster a seamless transition from Little Athletics through to senior competition, all under the one unified banner and caters to all, including parents who want to participate in the sport at the same club as their children.

Key benefits for Manly Warringah Athletics include: 

• Increased memberships and participation by offering a broader range of athletics opportunities.
• Enhanced coaching and training programs: Combining resources to offer enhanced training programs for athletes at different stages of their development.
• More efficient use of shared facilities, equipment and volunteer resources.
• Strengthened financial sustainability through combined memberships and future sponsorship opportunities.

Another key factor uniting the clubs has been their shared advocacy for the return of the synthetic track at Narrabeen.

AJ Jauncey continued, "We have both endured the challenges of not having access to the synthetic track at Narrabeen over the last two years. This has been a challenging time for all our members and the broader athletics community in Sydney's north.  However, it has highlighted how strongly aligned our interests are and bringing us together at this point in time sets us up for growth and success, as well as having a much stronger combined voice to advocate for our return to Narrabeen. We look forward to our home at Narrabeen being upgraded and back in service in the near future." 

Jeffrey Wrightson, President, MWAC added “While this change represents a new chapter, it’s also a chance to honour and preserve the proud legacy of both clubs, an origin which dates from the late 1890’s. We’re not losing our history, together, we are building on the strong foundations. We want to champion ‘A sport for life - One club for life’…now that’s a proposition which is hard to beat!”

“It’s important to acknowledge that this transition carries emotional weight. We know some long-standing members may feel a sense of loss. That’s why we’re committed to carrying forward the best of both legacies with care and respect.”

In recognition of the heritage of both clubs:

• Life Members of both clubs will be recognised by Manly Warringah Athletics. And
• Existing club records and achievements will be preserved.

Athletics NSW Chairman, Matthew Whitbread, added, “We know change can be challenging, but we’re confident this evolution will bring more opportunities to members and athletes across every age group.

“It shows what’s possible when clubs come together with vision, compassion, and a focus on community. We’re proud to support this transition”