John Williams Grows the Next Generation of Track and Field Athletes

John Williams is a 2023 Outstanding Community Service Award winner for his work with North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre (NRCLAC), a community-based athletic club providing competitive track and field activities for children of all abilities.

This past summer, Olympic and Paralympic champions captivated audiences around the globe. No matter their level of success, every young athlete needs a solid foundation of practical skills, knowledge and coaching to develop confidence, speed and love for their chosen sport.

Expanding Access to Sports

In Australia, non-team community-based sporting competitions for children in primary grades were rare until the formation of Little Athletics, a nonprofit organization with clubs across the country aimed at delivering inclusive, community-based sports and activities to promote the foundation for an active and healthy lifestyle.

John Williams, Director, Australian Equity Operations, became involved with his local Centre of Little Athletics, North Rocks Carlingford Little Athletics Centre (NRCLAC), about seven years ago when his son joined. NRCLAC is unique because it offers track and field athletic competitions for kids ages 4-19 of all abilities, including one of the largest all abilities groups for para-athletes in the state.

Competitions begin at 8 a.m. every Saturday morning from September through March. Events include sprints, hurdles and distance, plus field events like long jump, high jump, triple jump, javelin, discus and shot put. Each age group competes in events for their level over a six-week program cycle.

It’s not just about winning. The organization takes immense pride in supporting all athletes, regardless of ability, and encouraging kids to improve their personal performance, while keeping fit and having fun. 

“We focus on individual progress,” John says. “Every child is encouraged to strive for their own personal best.”

Committing to Achieve Success

What makes NRCLAC different from other leagues is their focus on community involvement and full family participation. Parents and family members commit to volunteering their time and skills to support the organization’s goals, success and expansion. In fact, the centre is completely volunteer run, from the coaches and officials to the vital early risers who set up the equipment and course before competitions begin.

Not only do parent volunteers establish lasting friendships and close ties to their communities, but they also achieve a significant sense of accomplishment, as NRCLAC continues to flourish and improve. After initially volunteering as a coach, John began to lend more of his expertise, helping with the organization’s finances and fundraising efforts, eventually becoming the NRCLAC’s treasurer.

Growing World-Class Athletes

Since the pandemic, John has watched demand for programming grow to more than 580 enrolled athletes with new participants registering each session.

“Whether it’s coaching or fundraising, it’s incredibly satisfying to be a part of this community and see how we’re enhancing the quality of our programming,” John says.

With registration fees purposely kept low to allow for greater access and inclusion, NRCLAC relies on grants, donations and sponsorships. Cboe’s $5,000 donation has gone toward the purchase of new equipment like high jump mats and additional equipment that helps deliver a great experience for all athletes.

“It’s so impressive to me that Cboe supports our communities,” John says. “It really demonstrates Cboe’s Guiding principles in action.”