The Little Athletics year begins in October and runs through to the following September. You can register at any time during the athletic year. Age groups are determined by your age as at December 31st. 4 year olds can commence in Little Aths (U6 age group) from the start of the track & field season as long as they turn 5 years old on, or prior to, 31st December 2026.

Registrations must be completed and paid online at www.lavic.com.au/centres/essendon.  You are able to pick up your registration pack on any competition day

For more information about Little Athletics at Essendon check out our Why Join ELAC.

The summer season (Track & Field) runs from October to March, with a short break over the Christmas/New Year holidays and is held at the Moonee Valley Athletics Track, Corio Street, Moonee Ponds. The program usually runs on Saturday mornings from 8.00am to 11:00am though there may be a few Friday night twilight programs held which start at 6:00pm. Each competition day, the children participate in a selection of different events that rotate on a 3 week program.

Cross Country starts in May and runs through to August and involves 1 long distance run for each age group.

Price for 2026/27 Season.

1 athlete family = $225
2 athlete family = $450
3 athlete family = $600

4+  athlete family = $740

Note: Registration fees are non-refundable.

Yes. Children are able to be trial Little Aths for 2 weeks to see if they like Little Aths.

They will be placed in their correct age group and able to participate in all events scheduled. Please register online at LAVic Trial Offer

NO

A parent/guardian or responsible adult must be in attendance at all times.

The Centre & Teams cannot be responsible for athletes left unattended after a program has been completed or if competition has been cancelled during the morning due to inclement weather.

Events held are dependent on the age of the athletes but include:

• Sprints (60m, 70m, 100m, 200m), Middle distance (400m, 800m), Long distance (1500m)
• Hurdles (60m, 80m, 90, 100m, 200m, 300m)
• Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump
• Discus, Shot Put, Javelin
• Relays
• Multi event
• On-Track – special athletic skills & modified event program held for U6 athletes before Christmas

Coaching/Training occurs on Monday  nights and all costs are included in your membership fees for the year. Training is optional for all athletes, but obviously it gives athletes a chance to develop their skills and to improve their fitness and techniques.

For more information on our coaching program check out our Coaching.

All Little athlete's performances in all events are recorded during the program, these are published online for view by the families and see progress with Personal Bests (PB's)

The Essendon Centre promotes family, fun and fitness. Little Athletics is for the whole family to enjoy.

Children can join with any level of skill or fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests.

All children are encouraged to join. Children with a disability are integrated with other athletes however may compete under modified regulations pertaining to equipment and event technique.