Children’s track and field

Based at the athletics track at Saxton Field, we provide an exciting summer athletics program for 7 to 15 year old’s in an encouraging environment.

During our Thursday Night Club meetings, parents and youth coaches will teach children of all abilities the skills and techniques required for running, jumping and throwing – the three basics for all sports.

Our goal is to see every child enjoy the experience and gain the confidence to compete at whatever level they like. For some, it will be the unique chance to compete in the North Island Colgate Games and in the South Island Colgate Games. For others, they will be happy just to enjoy club and inter-club competition.

For every child, it will increase their skill and fitness laying a solid foundation for success in the sport they choose.

If you are interested in junior T&F and not sure where to start, get in touch with us at athleticsnelson.children@gmail.com.

Club Nights

Club Nights are for 7 – 15-year-olds and are held on Thursday evenings at the Saxton Field Athletic Track during Term 4 and Term 1 from 5.15 pm till 7 pm.

  • 7-, 8- and 9-year-old athletes compete in the field events of Long Jump, Shot Put and Discus and in the track events of 60 m, 100 m and 200 m.

  • 10- to 15-year-old athletes add High Jump, 400 m, 800 m and 1500 m to their program.

  • 12 – 15-year-olds athletes can compete in Hurdles and Race-walk.

Parent support

Nelson Children’s Athletics relies heavily on Parent Help at every Club Night and Inter-Clubs.  Without having parent help we are unable to successfully run safe and enjoyable Club Nights, which involves coaching and training for your children, and Inter-Clubs.

It is compulsory for a parent/caregiver to be present at every Club Night for Health and Safety reasons. (One parent or caregiver per family).  Please note we will require you to sign your children in and out this season.

Please don’t be shy, come forward, a lot of the jobs available are very basic, like raking the long jump pit, holding a measuring tape, rolling back the shot put or discus, walking around with an age group to their different stations and recording measurements and/or times, track timing on a stop watch and replacing the high jump bar.

By helping out and being involved it will give you great satisfaction in watching your child improve, set new “Personal Bests” and achieve their goals. There is an added benefit for yourself that you will understand and learn a lot more the techniques being taught. Therefore, you will feel more confident in putting your hand forward for Parent Help at the local club meets. 

Registration Details:

Complete your registration online with credit card payment.

Please Note: Your child’s age group is based on his or her age at the 31st of December 2025.

Fees go towards replacement equipment, track user charges from the council and Athletics New Zealand affiliation fees.

If you have any questions about online registration please email athleticsnelson.children@gmail.com and we will do our very best to help.

Inter-clubs

All Inter-club meets are held on a Sunday and generally begin at 10.00 am and are finished by 4.00 pm.

The Hester Shield, Russel Cup, Cockram Cup and Winstone Cup are Inter-club Meetings attended by Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, Takaka and Marlborough Clubs.

These competitions are a fantastic way for Children to develop new friendships, foster team spirit and represent the club while improving their personal bests.

Calendar & Updates

Stay up to date with track events via the Athletics Tasman Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572171010759

 Our events page will also contain the summer T&F events that will be held.