Canberra High School Athletes: Winter Registration Opens Next Week for Track

Canberra secondary schools begin athletics sign-ups on July 15 for the 2026 winter season at 28 participating campuses across the ACT.

Interest has risen since the end of the summer cricket and touch football terms, with parents looking for structured after-school options that fit school timetables in North Canberra and Tuggeranong.

Students can register through the ACT Secondary Schools Sports Association at its office on the corner of Ainslie Avenue and Cooyong Street or via the online portal run by the Australian Institute of Sport athletics program based in Bruce.

Last season 612 students from years 7 to 12 competed in at least one event, and the base registration fee sits at $165, due by July 22.

Key paperwork and eligibility rules

Participants need a current school enrolment letter, a medical clearance dated within six months, and proof of ACT residency such as a utility bill from the past quarter.

Schools require athletes to hold valid 2026 student ID cards before they can attend the first Wednesday afternoon session at the AIS track.

What to bring on day one

New athletes should arrive with running shoes that have at least 4 mm of tread, a plain white singlet, and a water bottle marked with their name.

Training starts at 4 pm sharp on the outer lanes of the Bruce facility, and late arrivals must check in at the gatehouse on Battye Street before joining their age group.

Parents who want further details can email the ACT Athletics office at actathletics@act.gov.au or visit the information desk inside the Dickson shopping centre on Antill Street during business hours next week.