AFTER a season that saw membership almost triple, Cumnock Little Athletics Club is inviting families from across Cabonne to lace up their runners and join in the fun.
The club, which draws in children and young people from Cumnock, Molong, Manildra, Yeoval, Cudal and surrounding communities, has undergone a transformation over the past 12 months, growing from just 33 members to 96 under the guidance of a new committee.
Club president Bryce Morley said the turnaround came from listening to local families and being prepared to rethink how the club operated.
“We put a poll out on Facebook asking what evening suited people best,” he said.
“For a long time, the competition had been held on Friday nights, but it clashed with other sports and wasn’t convenient for many families. Monday was the overwhelming favourite.”
The change paid off almost immediately, with registrations soaring. But changing the schedule was only the beginning.
Morley said the committee also reshaped the weekly program, placing greater emphasis on skill development and introducing regular high jump sessions, more middle-distance races and activities such as the beep test after seeing how much children enjoyed them.
“We were there every week to witness what the kids loved,” he said. “It was really about structuring a program that suited the kids.”
The changes not only made Monday nights more enjoyable, but they also helped children build confidence and improve their skills throughout the season.
“It was fantastic to watch the progression,” Morley said.
“Kids who could barely get over the high jump bar at the start of the season were using proper technique and clearing more than a metre by the end.”
Little Athletics caters for young people aged four to 17, with Tiny Tots introducing four and five-year-olds to athletics before progressing into age-based competition through to under-17s.
Events include sprints, middle-distance running, long jump, high jump, discus and shot put, with opportunities to progress through zone, regional, and state championships.
The club also celebrated outstanding success last season when one local athlete qualified for the NSW Little Athletics State Championships in both the high jump and 800 metres.
After winning the high jump and placing second in the 800 metres at regional level, he went on to claim a silver medal in the high jump at the state championships.
While proud of those achievements, Morley said children don’t have to feel like they need to compete.
“We encourage every child to have a go,” he said.
“We celebrate personal bests every week, and it’s incredible to see how much confidence and ability the kids develop over the season.”
About 50 to 60 personal best performances are recorded each week, allowing participants to measure their own improvement while building confidence in a supportive environment.
Each Monday evening concludes with a free community barbecue backed by local sponsors, giving children and parents the opportunity to relax together once competition has finished.
“It’s become a really nice community atmosphere,” Morley said.
“The kids make friends, the parents make friends, and everyone stays around for a chat.”
Every registered athlete also receives a club polo shirt, helping children feel part of the team from the moment they join.
Morley said the committee was incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses, whose sponsorship helps keep registration fees affordable while funding initiatives such as the weekly barbecue and club shirts.
“We’re always looking for more sponsors,” he said. “They’re the reason we’re able to provide things like the barbecue and club shirts while keeping costs affordable for families.”
The club is now preparing for another busy season, with competition returning to Cumnock Oval on Monday 12 October.
Tiny Tots (ages four and five) compete from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, while athletes aged six to 17 finish around 7pm.
“We’re big enough to provide a really good sporting experience,” he said.
“But we’re not so big that people get lost. As a committee, we know every one of the kids, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
Early bird registrations are available until 31 August, with families saving $10 on fees.
Tiny Tots registrations are $90 for the season and all other age groups are $120 before increasing to $100 and $130 respectively.
For more information, or to discuss sponsorship contact Morley on 0419 412 304.