The club will be looking to build on its successful 2017-18 season, where nine of its athletes qualified for State Championships and a young quartet of long jumpers won a gold medal at State Relays, breaking a NSW record along the way.

Club president Angelo Stravoskoufis said athletics was the perfect sport for Highlands children to stay active over the summer.

“We’re so lucky that we live in the country, with all our fresh air and wide open spaces, so what better way to get our kids away from their screens and devices than to get them outside doing Little Athletics,” he said.

“There’s something in our sport for everyone. All shapes and sizes can do it and everyone is welcome, whether you’re a state champion or a kid who finishes last in every event.”

As in previous years, competition evenings will run on Fridays at Eridge Park, beginning at 5pm for Tiny Tots, under-6 and under-7 age groups and at 5.30pm for all other children.

Registering with the club also gives junior athletes access to free coaching throughout their Little Athletics season and beyond.

“We ran our first off-season training program this year for athletes who also wanted to sharpen up for their school carnivals and it was an absolute hit,” Stravoskoufis said.

“It wasn’t long ago that talented Highlands athletes had to travel out of area to get any decent training in but the club now has four nationally-accredited coaches, so all those skills and knowledge are on tap right here, all year round.”

Stravoskoufis said the club was also hoping to see athletes who had done well at school level but who wanted to further develop their skills sign up for Little Athletics.

Competition nights commence on October 12.

Registration is online only this year- visit the club’s Facebook page or website for details.