Inaugural little athletics YP Academy Day

NYP Little Athletics hosted its first YP Academy Day at Kadina Memorial School on Sunday, November 12.

The event was open to all athletics, enthusiasts from 6 to 17 years of age, whether affiliated with a Little Athletics centre or not, and was attended by 24 athletes.

NYP Little Athletics president Adonica Lee said athletes travelled from surrounding clubs including the Mid North, Adelaide Plains and Port Pirie, as well as a few from the NYP centre.

“A mix of individuals interested in athletics and coaching opportunities came from Warooka, Curramulka and Balaklava,” she said.

“The day was a great success with engaged and eager athletes all over the field, as well as equally engaged parents and families.

“Our coaching team comprised sprints coach Kathy Blute, jumps coach Kalani Aston and throws coach Jenny Schoepf and her son Noah.

“Thank you to SALAA, coaches, NYP LAC and, most importantly, the athletes and their families for seeing this idea become a reality.”

Little Athletics SA competition and development manager Cheryl Webb said Little Athletics SA was very excited to hold its first regional academy at NYP LAC.

“This is the first time we have taken the academy outside of Adelaide,” she said.

“The Yorke Peninsula has had a rise in membership in Little Athletics this season, so it was an obvious choice to take it to NYP, the middle ground for all centres on and near the peninsula.

“The academy provided an opportunity for all members and non-members to gain valuable knowledge and experience in events like sprints, jumps, throws and relays.

“It’s not often our regional centres get the opportunity to have some of the state’s best coaches attend their area.

“We are looking forward to seeing continued growth in this region and hope to see many young athletes and their parents at future events.”