Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics is preparing to welcome young athletes back to the track, with its 2026/27 season set to begin next month.
The club will open the season with two Come and Try meets on October 9 and 16, giving new athletes an opportunity to experience Little Athletics before committing to the full season.
Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics President Hope Kerslake said registrations remained in their early stages, with about 30 athletes registered so far, but expected numbers to increase as the opening meet approached.
Kerslake said the Come and Try meets provided an introduction not only to athletics events, but also to how the Tamborine Mountain centre operated.
“It’s just really a great way for the community to come down and try Little Athletics and see if it’s something that they enjoy,” she said.
“It’s also a great way for them to see how our centre runs and also the other athletes that will be there, that they can make friends with.”
The club will again offer its Tiny Tots program, providing a play-based introduction to athletics for children aged three to five.
The program runs alongside regular Friday meets for about 45 to 60 minutes and can also cater for younger siblings of registered athletes.
Meanwhile, Kerslake said athletics organisations were beginning to create additional opportunities for older junior athletes in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
She said pathways included additional competitions for athletes aged 13 to 15 and opportunities for high-performing athletes to progress through state-level programs.
Closer to home, the Tamborine Mountain committee hopes to continue improving facilities at its Long Road Sports Centre base.
Kerslake said permanent throwing circles and discus cages were among the club’s priorities, building on existing long jump facilities and the ability to accommodate a full 400-metre track.
She said the club catered for children interested in competition as well as those simply looking to be active and enjoy themselves.
“We’re welcoming everyone to come down,” Kerslake said.
“It’s really a fun way for your kids to get out and be active.”
Tamborine Mountain Little Athletics meets are held on Friday afternoons, with athletes arriving from 3.45pm at the Long Road Sports Centre.
