Coaches play an integral role in the development of athletes, teaching and guiding them through various situations, and enabling them to thrive in the many facets of their lives – not only in sport.
Coach education and development exists in several different pathways at Little Athletics Victoria – for more information, or to register, visit the appropriate link.
On Track Training for Facilitators supports the delivery of the On Track Program, which is designed to give young athletes (U6-U8) their first positive and enjoyable experiences in athletics.
On Track focuses on providing a mix of skill development, practice opportunities, and age-appropriate activities. By emphasising fun, engagement, and fundamental movement skills, the program helps young participants build confidence and develop skills that can be applied to track and field activities in future.
This facilitator training is designed for Centre volunteers and coaches responsible for delivering On Track sessions. It equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to confidently run engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate activities for young athletes.
Training is delivered in a practical, face-to-face format, with an emphasis on:
- Understanding the philosophy and objectives of the On Track program
- Using modified equipment and activities suitable for U6-U8 athletes
- Creating inclusive, fun, and supportive learning environments
Cost: There is no cost for participants to undertake the On Track Training for Facilitators session.\
Duration: 10.00am – 1.00pm
The minimum age is 15 at the time of delivery.
| Program | Date | Location | Registration | Close (11:59am) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 On Track Training for Facilitators (Coming Soon) | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Introduction to Little Athletics Skills (ITLAS) is a nationally developed, entry‑level education program delivered through the Australian Athletics eLearning platform. The program is designed to support parents, volunteers, and helpers who are new to Little Athletics and wish to gain the knowledge and confidence to assist athletes at Centre level.
The ITLAS program is completed online, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and select disciplines most relevant to their Centre involvement. Where available.
The ITLAS online modules introduce participants to effective ways of teaching and supporting fundamental athletics skills, with content covering:
- Track skills, including running, relays, hurdles, and race walking
- Jumping skills, including long jump, triple jump, and scissors high jump
- Throwing skills, including shot put, discus, and javelin
- Warm‑up activities and safe session preparation
Each module focuses on:
- Age‑appropriate working models
- Common technical faults and practical correction strategies
- Simple drills, games, and activities suitable for Centre environments
- Safe group organisation and inclusive delivery
No prior athletics knowledge or coaching background is required.
The Coach Apprentice Program is the entry point to the Little Athletics coaching pathway and is ideal for parents, volunteers, and emerging coaches who wish to support athletes at Centre level.
Delivered as a full‑day, face‑to‑face practical session, the program focuses on introducing basic athletic skills, safe and effective session delivery, and age‑appropriate activities for children. The Coach Apprentice Program replaces the former Introduction to Teaching Little Athletics Skills (ITLAS) practical program.
The Coach Apprentice Program can be undertaken as a stand‑alone education experience or used as the first step towards formal coaching accreditation through the Coach Apprentice to Level 1 Youth Coach bridging pathway.
| Program | Date | Location | Registration | Close (11:59am) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 Coach Apprentice (Coming Soon) | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
The Coach Apprentice to Level 1 Youth Coach Bridging Program provides a supported pathway for participants who wish to progress from Centre‑based coaching into a nationally accredited coaching program.
This blended program combines:
- The Coach Apprentice Program (practical, face‑to‑face delivery), and
- The Athletics Australia Level 1 Youth Coach Accreditation (online learning and assessment).
After completing their Coach Apprentice Program, participants progress through self‑paced online modules and assessment tasks, ensuring they are well prepared to coach youth athletes in Centre, club, school, or community settings.
Upon successful completion, participants receive:
- Australian Athletics Level 1: Youth Coach Accreditation
- One year of Australian Athletics national membership
- 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points
This pathway supports a smooth transition from introductory coaching to formal accreditation while maintaining a strong practical focus.
More information about the Coach Apprentice to Level 1: Youth Coach pathway will be made available soon.
The Level 1 Youth Coach Accreditation is designed for coaches working with athletes aged approximately 3–12 years and those involved in the early stages of athlete development.
This accreditation aligns with the Fundamentals I and Fundamentals II stages of Australian Athletics’ Training and Competition Guidelines and emphasises a games‑based, inclusive approach to coaching.
The program focuses on:
- Developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, and throwing
- Using effective communication, observation, and feedback techniques
- Creating safe, engaging, and enjoyable learning environments for junior athletes
This accreditation is well suited to:
- Little Athletics coaches
- Assistant coaches
- Athletes transitioning into coaching roles
- Teachers and school‑based coaches
The course includes a blend of facilitated learning and self‑paced online modules, covering coaching philosophy, session planning, athlete development, and technical skill instruction. Coaches may continue their development through the Australian Athletics Coach Accreditation Framework, which offers progressive accreditation opportunities through to Level 4: High Performance.
Australian Athletics offers a series of continued professional development (CPD) modules via their eLearning platform. For more information, please visit THIS link.
| Additional Resources |
|---|
| English Instructional Videos (Coaching and Officiating Tips) |
| Punjabi Instructional Videos (Coaching and Officiating Tips) |
| Sinhala Instructional Videos (Officiating Tips) |
| Mandarin Instructional Videos (Officiating Tips) |
| Engagement Activities (Sport Aus Resources) |
