Amanda Barton moved to Uralla from Carrathool near Hay, just over three years ago with her four children.

“We were looking for a rural area with better education and other activities for the children,” she said.

“They had been involved in athletics in Hay, and had started doing quite well. Once we moved here, they continued to improve in athletics, and other sports, making it to State in a few events.”

Mrs Barton was involved with Armidale Little Athletics for three seasons before she started a club of her own.The New England Athletics Training not-for-profit organisation started up in late  2017. 

“I first went to get my coaching qualifications to help my children improve their skills,” she said.

“Then last year I went back to gain a Level 2 coaching accreditation with Athletics Australia. I originally wanted to help train the children attending Armidale Little Athletics. Then I thought about how not many people from Uralla participated in athletics, and I realised that Walcha was also missing out on the opportunity to participate. In both towns, there are a number of winter sports for the children to get active in, but not as much for the summer.”

So, this year Mrs Barton has been spending time gauging interest in starting up an athletics club, including trialling some workshops during the school holidays.

“This has led me to put my efforts into starting up an athletics club for Uralla and Walcha,” she said.

“Both councils have been very helpful and supportive of this.The holiday activities went well with Tiny Tots and the children that attended enjoyed themselves. I now have two Tiny Tots activity days for both Uralla and Walcha during the school term. “

Tiny Tots is aimed at children aged between two and five years. There is both a fun and fitness session (Mondays)  and team games session ( Wednesdays) in Walcha’s McHattan Park between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Mrs Barton also has plans for older children aged up to 17-years.

“Our first registration day will be on September 22 and we will hit off with a colour run in Uralla,” she said.  

“I am also planning an Invitation Athletics Gala day to be held in Walcha next year. Competition days will alternate between Uralla and Walcha, with an additional training day each week for those who wish to attend further skill training.

“I think it is a fabulous activity for all kids to join, have fun, make new friends, and discover talents they may not know they had. It is also a great opportunity for parents to get involved and encourage the children, and I am hoping to build a fantastic family and community spirit based around the club. “