Juniors Track and Field
5s and 6s (5-6 year olds)
What Is ‘5s and 6s’ Athletics?
The focus of ‘5s and 6s’ programme on developing correct fundamental athletic skills – running, jumping and throwing. Many of the activities are presented as games but all have basic athletic skill acquisition at their core. Emphasis is on skills and techniques relevant to sprints, shot put, discus and long/high jump.
‘5s and 6s’ keen on some (age-appropriate) competition are encouraged to attend the Athletics Auckland’s Go! Series held on selected Saturday mornings and weekend Ribbon Days held at other clubs throughout the season. These are advertised in our weekly newsletter.
Who Can Join?
‘5s and 6s’ caters for all children born between the 1st of January 2019 and the 31st of December 2019.
- Grade 5: Born between 1st of January and 31st of December 2020
- Grade 6: Born between 1st of January and 31st of December 2019
If your child was born before the 1st of January 2019, they will qualify for the ‘Junior’ section.
If you child was born after the 31st of December 2020, they will qualify for the ‘Tiny Tots’ section.
Check our separate tabs on the website for these group
When Is It?
‘5s and 6s’ sessions are held on Wednesdays, from 4.45 to 5.40 pm, at the Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
Sessions for the 2025/26 season start on WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2025 but new members are welcome any Wednesday.
What Happens on Wednesday Afternoons?
‘5s and 6s’ gather on the main straight of the track near the long jump pits. On arrival, children will be welcomed by their age group manager. During the 55 minute session they will participate in a group warm-up activity, run races on the track, take part in three different activities or games aimed at introducing them to running, jumping and throwing techniques, and conclude with a fun run (and a lollipop )
Each week brings new activities to keep things exciting, and there are special themed fun nights throughout the season.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for the season (from 8th October 2025 to early April 2026) is $95 per child.
What Do The Children Wear?
‘5s and 6s’ wear our club t-shirt. This costs $20 and is available from the club tuck shop on Wednesday afternoons during the season. Children are encouraged to wear black or navy shorts or leggings.
We recommend that children have bare feet when taking part in activities on the track. Not only does going barefoot feel great, it also strengthens children’s growing feet, ankles, legs, knees and hips. No crocs please.
What Do The Parents Do?
The sessions are a great opportunity for you to interact with your child – cheer them on in the races, partner with them in the activities and role-model sportsmanship, respect for coaches and officials, sharing and being a team player.
However, we also aim to build confidence in the children so also encourage them to participate in activities independently when they are ready.
Parents/guardians must attend at all times and are responsible for the behaviour of their children. This includes that they are not hindering the participation and enjoyment of other athletes and that equipment is being used correctly and safely.
My Child Has Special Needs. Can They Take Part?
Of course! Please contact Tania Boyer, our ‘5s and 6s’ Co-Ordinator (0274 977433 / pakrun@gmail.com) to discuss.
Sounds Great! How Do We Get Started?
Registrations for the 2025-26 season will open in September. Our first club night will be Wednesday 8th of October.
If you would like to see our programme in action before registering, we will be holding a free ‘Have A Go’ morning on prior to the start of the season. New families are also able to come along to club nights on the 8th and 15th of October and try out the activities before registering.