NSW Athletics Celebrates Positive Response to Partnership, Growth in Event Participation

It is clear from the overwhelmingly positive response, that the recently launched NSW Athletics Partnership by Little Athletics NSW (LANSW) and Athletics NSW (ANSW) has reinvigorated athletics across the state. The partnership has not only received enthusiastic feedback from Clubs and members alike but has also gained the support of commercial partners and government stakeholders who see the potential to make NSW a leader in athletics development.

Since the partnership's inception, anticipation and interest has soared across the NSW Athletics community, as evidenced by significant growth in participation metrics. 

In its first three rounds, the Treloar Shield has recorded an increase of over 18% in athlete attendance and 37% on events entries from last season. While the Partnership has significantly increased the overall numbers in the Little Athletics and Junior age groups, it is important to note and celebrate that the Masters age groups have also increased by 25% on athletes numbers, and 40% on entries from the past year. In the first major Championship of the season, Weekend 1 of the NSW Valour State Relay Championships has also seen a significant increase in the number of entries, breaking the 1,000 team mark for the first time in the events history. 

These impressive figures early on in the season highlight a renewed passion for athletics at all levels of our sport, from grassroots participation to senior and masters level competition.

ANSW Chair, Matt Whitbread, commended the collaborative effort from the LANSW and ANSW staff behind the partnership and acknowledged the community's support. “The enthusiasm we’re seeing is incredible and confirms that we are on the right path,” Whitbread said. “Our Centres, Clubs and members are truly embracing this vision for the future, and we’re grateful for the support of our commercial partners and government stakeholders who are championing this new era of athletics in NSW.”

Adding to this sentiment, Little Athletics NSW Chair, Costa Zakis also praised the impact of the NSW Athletics Partnership on younger athletes. "The response from Clubs/Centres and families has been fantastic," Zakis said. "The partnership has opened up more pathways and resources for young athletes, helping them build a lifelong love for the sport. We’re excited to see so many kids wanting to get involved, and we’re committed to supporting this demand as best we can."

Given the unprecedented growth and success of the Treloar Shield concept, we are taking the following proactive steps to ensure we maximise the athlete experience across the remaining three rounds of the Treloar Shield. These include: 

• Rounds 4, 5 and 6 timetables, have been rewritten to better accommodate these participation numbers and to provide a better gauge from the outset on the time athletes will be competing.

• To ensure we continue to maximise the experience for everyone, we are making a subtle change to the entry rules. Athletes will now be able to enter a maximum of 4 individual events (plus a relay).

• Within an age group, we will change the field attempt rules. All athletes will be provided with three attempts, and the top eight (8) will receive one additional attempt.

While our preference is not to change rules mid-competition, we are working closely to ensure athletes, coaches, and supporters can continue to enjoy and benefit from the expanded competition opportunities this season and we continue to provide the athlete experience that we have become known for. The NSW Athletics Partnership remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive athletics community across the state for many seasons to come. 

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