Welcome to the University of Western Australia Little Athletics Centre for our 46th year of competition.
Previously the Perry Lakes Little Athletics Centre, in 2009 we changed our name to more accurately reflect our connection with UWA at McGillivray Oval and to facilitate the development of a club which caters for 6 year olds with boundless enthusiasm to senior athletes with more realistic ambitions. We want kids to stay in the sport of athletics. We think we can achieve that by offering a fun environment where they can compete against themselves emphasising the improvement of their “personal bests”. We are uniquely positioned in the shadows of the State Athletics Stadium to offer kids the chance to move to senior athletics as a member of the same club.
We continue to invest heavily in equipment and coaches to ensure the athletes are given a chance to develop their skills and abilities to the extent they wish without any pressure to do so. Equipment is regularly replaced and updated and coaches are encouraged to develop their own skills. We have gender and age-group specific and specialist coaches so that kids can enjoy training and competing with others their own age and at the same time pursue specialty events. Some coaches even fancy themselves as competitors and are keen to pass on their knowledge , experience and enthusiasm for the sport. Of course we are most fortunate to have the use of what is regarded by those who know about these things, the best grass track in the Southern Hemisphere. Along with our facilities, we think our coaching sets us apart. For the last three seasons, we have hosted our “Zones” competition and have done so very successfully. While we have not made success at a state level a high priority, in recent seasons we have had significant success at the State Relay Championships and at the State Championships. Similarly,while we have members who have had success nationally and internationally, we aim to cater for athletes of all abilities.
We pride ourselves in conducting our Saturday morning competitions efficiently and in a spirit of friendliness and good humour. Our programme is designed to avoid athletes (and parents) hanging around for prolonged periods waiting for events. Last season we trialled the new online WALA registration and recording system which although gave us some “teething” problems, will lead to further significant efficiencies this season. We look forward to seeing you at the track this season. You should feel free to discuss any issues with me or other members of our wonderful committee whose contact details you will find listed on the website.
Yours sincerely
Timothy B.Lyons President UWALAC