How Canberra High School Students Can Get Started in Athletics and What to Know First

More than 1,200 Canberra high school students are expected to join summer track and field programs this year, with sign-ups for the ACT School Sport Athletics season beginning 20 July.

The timing aligns with the end of term two and the push from ACT Education to boost after-school activity before the September school holidays, when many families finalise extracurricular plans for the warmer months.

Families in Dickson can contact the local club based at the Dickson Athletics Track off Antill Street, while students near the Parliamentary Triangle often start through programs run at Narrabundah College on Kootara Street that feed into the ACT Athletics Association competitions.

ACT Sport data from last season showed 2,450 secondary students took part across the territory, with average club fees listed at $65 for the full summer program that runs from August through March.

Registration steps

Parents first complete an online form through the ACT School Sport portal, listing the student’s school and preferred events such as 100 metres or long jump. Schools in Belconnen and Tuggeranong then forward details to the nearest club for an initial assessment session held at the Australian Institute of Sport athletics track in Bruce.

Students must supply a current Working With Vulnerable People check reference for any parent volunteering at meets, and all participants need to confirm they have no outstanding medical clearances from their GP before the first training block on 5 August.

What to prepare

New athletes should bring light running shoes, a water bottle and a simple training top to the opening session at either the Dickson or AIS venue. Club coaches supply starting blocks and measuring tapes on site, so families avoid extra purchases in the first month.

After the initial four-week trial period, participants receive a schedule for Saturday morning meets held at venues including the Woden Athletics Track, allowing them to compete against students from schools such as Canberra Grammar and Melrose High without leaving the city limits.