With the commencement of the summer track and field season very close, Illawarra Blue Stars will introduce a program that will be of great benefit to all athletes, all ages, all abilities.
YOUR PATHWAY
Priding itself on delivering athletics to all age brackets, the program is designed to allow athletes to choose the pathway they wish to go, whether it be at club level only, interclub, major Country and State meets, then onto the major Australian titles, and maybe international events, will be the athletes’ choice.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK - REACHING FOR THE STARS
“On the Right Track with Illawarra Blue Stars - Reaching for the Stars” will provide not only competition, but also support areas to allow the athlete to develop and continue in the sport, no matter what the age or ability of the athlete.
* The “First Star” is for athletes from under 8, under 10 and under 12, where the club will offer regular club competition, with most events on an athlete program, on a regular Sunday afternoon and competing at the same time as either older members of the family, providing support network with “buddies” of an older age bracket, and providing development and skills coaching in aspects of the sport. They can also compete in cross country and the winter track and field program that IBS offers to help them prepare for school carnivals.
** The “Second Star” will involve our under 12, under 14 and under 16 athletes, who will have regular weekend competition at club level, can choose to compete in Athletics NSW interclub and supported by IBS, will have access to coaches in all disciplines of the sport, have access to Illawarra Academy of sport through the Lone Star Program, will be encouraged to take part in Country titles and if they desire to contest All Schools, State Youth titles, and then if they reach the standard, to contest the Australian Youth Titles. If they only wish to compete at club level, they will still have the support of club competition, coaches etc. and the support to contest not only summer events but also the club’s winter track and field program and cross country.
*** The “Third Star” will be for under 18, under 20 and under 23.
Like the above they will have access to all club, interclub and major meets and will be supported all the way in the pathway they choose to follow. Support networks will also include club physio, and massage qualified personnel, and will have access to commence their junior coaching and or officials accreditation. All abilities will be supported, no matter which pathway you choose to take and encouraged all the time.
**** The “Fourth Star” will be for Open athletes.
Like the above, they will choose the pathway they wish to take, be it at club level only, or if they wish to move onto major meets including Country and State titles and move onto National titles with full support and some may move to International level. Regardless of ability all athletes will be given the full support of the club to enjoy the friendship, competition and compete at the same time as maybe younger members of the family.
***** The “Fifth Star” will be for all masters’ athletes over the age of 30, of all abilities, to enjoy the friendship of the other members of the club, supported in making a transition from open athletes to masters athletes and continuing in the sport. Be it for fitness, enjoyment or moving on and contesting major meets such as Country, State, National and International competition. The Masters are an important “star” of the club. They will be supported to bring their children along to club meets and, in some cases,, grandchildren. They will also be encouraged by the club for them to offer their support and assistance to younger members of the club.
****** The “Sixth Star” in the Pathway is to become either or both an official /coach of the club and enjoy the benefits of meeting new people, achieving accreditation in their chosen field and once again being fully supported by the club in general. This will build up our coaching and official structure with members being guided by officials holding those club portfolios to help them along the way.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
All round, the summer season will see the action take place for 2021/2022 and ensuring all members have the knowledge that they will be supported all the way along the Pathway they choose to take. Parents will be encouraged; their young child will be given as much support as possible and can remain with IBS right through their athletic career.
Blue Stars support base has been extended with support of a recommended club physio and massage qualified personnel, along with the Illawarra Academy of Sport Lone Star Program, along with access to coaching and official exams and coaching accreditation process.
WHEN DO WE COMMENCE?
We cannot give a date as yet to the start of our summer of track and field due to direction of Community sport, but we do believe it may be the last Sunday of October. The club has also put back the open interclub meet that IBS will host to Sunday 5 December, the ideal date leading into the proposed date of NSW All Schools the following weekend. The program of Sprints/Middle distance will include 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, short hurdles, with javelin and possibly pole vault. It is also hoped that an open wheelchair event will be held. This interclub event will cater for all ages and all abilities, but you will need to be registered with ANSW, the registration process to be opened up very soon.