Bendigo High School Athletes Build Skills Through Track and Field Programs

Bendigo Senior Secondary College track and field athletes recently secured six medals at the School Sport Victoria State Athletics Finals after competing through the Sandhurst Division and Loddan Mallee Region pathway.

Training Access at Lar Birpa Athletics Complex

The Lar Birpa Athletics Complex serves as the central venue for school carnivals and training. More than 50 schools send students there each year, supporting over 20,000 participants annually. Swipe-card entry keeps the facility open daily from 6am to 9.30pm, allowing consistent preparation for events including 100m-400m sprints, 800m-3000m distance races, hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw.

Athlete Development Program Pathways

Years 7-12 students at Crusoe College, Eaglehawk College, Weeroona College and Bendigo Senior Secondary College can apply for the select-entry Athlete Development Program. The program lists Athletics (Track & Field) alongside other sports and gives participants structured training that feeds into School Sport Victoria competitions.

Club Support for School-Aged Athletes

Four athletics clubs operate in the Bendigo area: Bendigo Harriers, Bendigo University, Eaglehawk and South Bendigo. Bendigo Harriers fields teams in the Athletics Victoria AVSL summer competition, which runs from October to March and accepts athletes aged 12 and over. These clubs provide additional coaching and competition opportunities that complement school programs.

The combination of the Lar Birpa venue, the Athlete Development Program and the four local clubs gives Bendigo secondary students regular access to coaching, competition and facilities. Students interested in the next intake for the Athlete Development Program should contact their college for application details and timelines.