Welcome to On Track
On Track is Yarra Ranges Athletics’ program for U6 and U7 athletes. It combines structured, age appropriate skill development with a targeted range of competition events designed for young athletes at this stage of development.
Children learn and practise athletics skills in a fun, supportive environment and then have the opportunity to apply those skills through age-appropriate Little Athletics competition.
The program introduces young athletes to running, jumping and throwing while building confidence, movement skills, event familiarity and an understanding of how Little Athletics works.
On Track is based on the Little Athletics Victoria developmental framework and age-appropriate U6/U7 competition specifications, with Yarra Ranges Athletics organising the practical Saturday program to suit our athletes, families and venue.
What does an On Track morning look like?
A typical On Track morning begins with structured development activities, followed by selected age-
appropriate competition events.
- Structured skill-based activities.
- Age-appropriate athletics events.
This sequence allows children to learn and practise skills first, then apply them in genuine Little Athletics competition.
The competition component uses an age-appropriate, targeted event range. This allows children to revisit events regularly, build confidence, develop technique and recognise their improvement over the season. Personal Bests (PBs) are an important part of this approach. Athletes are encouraged to compare their performances with their own previous efforts rather than simply where they finish against other children.
U6 and U7 are different stages
Both age groups are part of On Track, with activities tailored to each stage of development. Activities, skills
and expectations progress in an age-appropriate way as athletes grow in confidence and experience.
U6 – Foundation
U6 focuses on fundamental running, jumping and throwing movement, simple event familiarity, following
instructions, safety, confidence and enjoyment.
U7 – Progression
U7 builds on those foundations through age-appropriate event-specific development, greater
independence, stronger event familiarity and preparation for the broader competition environment from
U8 onwards.
Parents and carers are part of On Track too
Little Athletics is a family-supported sport, and active parent and carer participation is part of how On Track operates.
Families should expect to remain with the group and assist throughout the morning, rather than simply watching from the sidelines. This may include:
- Helping supervise activity stations.
- Assisting with equipment.
- Supporting group organisation.
- Helping with competition events when required.
No athletics or coaching experience is needed. Activities are structured, instructions are provided and support is available.
Joining in alongside your child is a great way to support their experience, meet other families and help Saturday competition run smoothly.
Some parents later choose to become Age Group Leaders, officials or regular event helpers. Formal roles are optional, but every contribution helps create a positive experience for our young athletes and families.
Who runs the program?
The On Track Coordinator oversees the program, supports parents, Group Leaders and athletes, helps guide skill progression and moves between groups throughout the morning to provide assistance where needed.
Each group is led by a parent volunteer Group Leader who helps organise athletes and parent helpers, guides the supplied activities and remains with the group as it moves to competition events.
Where does On Track operate?
The main On Track base is the venue’s southern soccer ground at Morrison Reserve.
It provides U6 and U7 athletes with a large, safe and flexible space for skill activities, with room for parents, siblings, prams and multiple activity stations.
Athletes are not confined to the soccer ground. Groups move to the main athletics facilities when competing or completing activities requiring the track, jump pits or throwing areas.
Families are also introduced to safe movement around the venue. The circular track and infield are active competition areas, so families should wait for directions before entering or crossing them.
Learning these simple routines from the first season helps keep the venue safe for everyone. What about competition?
U6 and U7 participate in genuine Little Athletics competition as part of the On Track program. During normal rounds, competition follows an age-appropriate, targeted event range and is combined with structured skill development. This allows competition to reinforce the skills being developed throughout the program.
Selected special rounds, including some twilight programs, may operate as full competition rounds with no separate On Track component.
These rounds provide young athletes with opportunities to experience a full competition program as their confidence and familiarity grow.
The Little Athletics pathway
U6 & U7
On Track development + age-appropriate targeted competition
Athletes learn fundamental skills and become familiar with Little Athletics competition. U8
First full local competition program using the age-appropriate U8 event table
Athletes move beyond On Track and participate in the broader Saturday competition program while continuing to develop age-appropriate event skills.
U9+
Broader local and external competition opportunities
Athletes continue through the Yarra Ranges competition pathway and become eligible for a wider range of Little Athletics opportunities.
By the time athletes reach U8 and U9, the aim is for both children and families to already be familiar with the venue, competition routines, volunteering and the age-appropriate structure of Little Athletics.
Thinking about joining?
New U6 and U7 families can experience Little Athletics before completing full registration.
Our Trial & Registration page explains how trials work, what you need to do before attending and how to register if you decide to join.
