Athlete Training
Learn. Develop. Improve. Enjoy.
At Cranbourne Little Athletics, training is about more than simply becoming faster, jumping further or throwing longer.
Our aim is to provide athletes of all abilities with an environment where they can learn new skills, build confidence, enjoy athletics and feel proud of their improvement.
Through our training sessions, athletes have the opportunity to work with experienced coaches, develop correct technique and build the skills that will help them both in competition and throughout their athletics journey.
Most importantly, we want athletes to enjoy being part of CLAC and keep coming back year after year.
Our Coaching Philosophy
Our coaching team believes every athlete should have the opportunity to:
- Feel safe, supported and included
- Learn and develop at their own pace
- Improve their skills and technique
- Build confidence in their ability
- Experience the satisfaction of personal improvement
- Train alongside and support their teammates
- Develop positive training habits
- Have fun while participating in athletics
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for others
Success looks different for every athlete.
For some it may be learning a new event, improving their technique or achieving a Personal Best. For others, it may simply be building the confidence to have a go.
Our role is to help every athlete continue moving forward.
Our Coaches
Cranbourne Little Athletics is incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteer coaches who give their time to help our athletes learn and improve.
Our coaches are accredited through Athletics Australia, or are experienced athletes and coaches working towards their accreditation.
All coaches involved in our training program hold the required Working with Children Check.
Like every part of Little Athletics, our coaching program relies heavily on volunteers.
We ask athletes and families to remember that our coaches are generously giving their time and experience to help develop the next generation of Cranbourne athletes.
Please respect our coaches, their time and the environment they are working to create.
Questions for Coaches
Our coaches are always happy to help athletes and parents.
However, during a session their attention needs to remain on the athletes they are coaching.
Where possible, we ask parents and guardians to wait until the conclusion of the session before approaching a coach with questions, concerns or requests for feedback.
This allows the coach to provide their full attention without disrupting the training group.
Training at CLAC
Training opportunities are offered throughout the season across a range of Little Athletics events.
Depending on coach availability, we will try and offer a wide variety of events.
Training sessions may be offered for particular age groups, events or ability levels.
Not every event will necessarily be available every week.
How do I know when training is on?
All CLAC training sessions will be advertised through our social media channels.
Training posts will include information such as:
- Date and time
- Eligible age groups
- Events being coached
- Coaches available
- Whether registration is required
- Any limits on athlete numbers
Families should always check the most recent CLAC communication before attending training.
Training Expectations
We want every athlete to get the most possible benefit from their training session.
Athletes attending CLAC training are expected to:
- Listen to and follow instructions from coaches
- Treat coaches, athletes and other facility users with respect
- Participate positively in the session
- Allow other athletes the opportunity to learn and improve
- Use equipment only when instructed
- Follow all safety instructions
- Demonstrate appropriate behaviour and sportsmanship
If an athlete's behaviour is preventing the group from training safely or productively, the coach may ask the athlete to sit out or withdraw from the session.
This decision remains at the discretion of the coach responsible for the training group.
What Should Athletes Bring?
Casey Fields can deliver just about every type of weather — sometimes in the same training session!
Athletes should come prepared with:
- A water bottle
- Appropriate running shoes
- A hat during warmer weather
- Sunscreen where required
- Suitable training clothing
- Additional layers during cooler weather
- Spikes, if owned and appropriate for the session
Athletes should wear clothing that allows them to move comfortably and safely.
Parents & Guardians at Training
A parent or guardian must remain at Casey Fields for the duration of the training session.
Parents should remain a safe distance from active training areas unless assisting a coach.
We encourage parents to watch, go for a walk around the facility or even get some exercise themselves while their athlete trains.
Want to Help?
From time to time our coaches may ask for parent assistance with simple tasks such as:
- Retrieving throwing implements
- Raking jump pits
- Moving equipment
- Helping organise athletes
- Assisting with general session setup
You don't need to be an athletics expert to help.
If you'd like to assist, simply speak with one of our coaches.
Behaviour & Codes of Conduct
All athletes, parents, coaches and spectators are expected to follow the applicable Little Athletics Victoria and Cranbourne Little Athletics Codes of Conduct.
Training should be a positive environment where athletes feel safe, encouraged and supported.
Behaviour that compromises the safety, enjoyment or development of other athletes will be addressed by the coaching team or CLAC Committee where required.
If you have a concern during training, please speak with a coach or Committee member.
Safety at Casey Fields
Casey Fields is a shared athletics facility and may have multiple training groups operating at the same time.
Athletes, parents and younger siblings must remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
Particular care should be taken when:
- Crossing the running track
- Walking across or near the infield
- Moving near throwing areas
- Entering or leaving jump areas
- Moving between different training groups
Always look in both directions before crossing the track.
The infield can be particularly dangerous when Shot Put, Discus or Javelin training is taking place. Throwing implements can travel significant distances and nobody should enter an active throwing area without permission.
Please respect other athletics groups using Casey Fields and follow the instructions of coaches and officials at all times.
Weather & Training Cancellations
Training may occasionally need to be changed or cancelled due to:
- Extreme heat
- Storms or lightning
- Heavy rain
- Unsafe track conditions
- Coach availability
- Facility availability
- Other unforeseen circumstances
Where training is changed or cancelled, CLAC will communicate the update through our social media channels as soon as practicable.
Always check CLAC socials before leaving for training if weather conditions are uncertain.
Volunteer Powered. Athlete Focused.
Our training program exists because people within our community are prepared to give their time, knowledge and experience to help our athletes improve.
We are incredibly grateful to every coach and parent helper who contributes to the program.
Whether an athlete dreams of competing at the highest level, wants to achieve a new Personal Best or simply wants to become a little better each week, our goal remains the same:
Help them learn. Help them improve. Help them enjoy athletics.