Training, Coaching and Junior Development Squad
Centre training
- When
- Wednesdays
5–6pm - Who
- U9 to U17
members - Cost
- Free for
members
Our free, non-compulsory sessions run on Wednesday afternoons throughout the season and cover the basic skills of every track and field event.
Younger athletes (U6–U8): sessions start after the Christmas break.
Questions? Email the Centre Secretary at mentone@lavic.com.au
Middle Distance Running and Walks
Mondays 5-5:45pm
U9 - U17
Cost: Free for Members
Coaching Panel
Mentone Little Athletics is fortunate to have dedicated coaches, accredited through Athletics Australia and affiliated with the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association.
Our coaches generously share their time and expertise to help young athletes develop their skills, improve their performance and build confidence across a range of track and field events.
Coaching options and fees
Some coaches offer free sessions, while others charge a fee. Please contact individual coaches directly to discuss availability, training options and any associated costs.
Finding the right balance
For most Little Athletes, additional training should be balanced with their participation in other sports and activities. Our coaches can provide guidance on age-appropriate training to support each athlete's development, enjoyment and wellbeing.
Interested in coaching?
Please contact one of our coaches directly or email the Centre Secretary at mentone@lavic.com.au for more information.
Rupert van Dongen
Head Coach, Level 4 Specialist Event Coach
- Middle distance
- Long distance
- Walks
Sessions
- Monday 5–6pm
- U11+ distance and walks
- Wednesday 5–6pm
- Mentone Little Athletics Centre taining
- Mon & Thu 6–7pm
- TXR Runners Group (ages 14+)
Lachy Freestone
Level 2 Combined Events Club Coach
- Throws
Sessions
- Tuesday
- 4–6pm
- Friday
- 5–7pm
Wayne Dyball
Level 4 Specialist Event Coach
- Sprints
- Hurdles
- Jumps
- Combined events
Sessions
Contact Wayne for session times.
Paivi Bertucci
Level 2 Youth Athletics Coach
- Youth athletics
Sessions
Schedule and attendance are managed in the Spond app.
Coaching Code of Conduct
In addition to the Athletics Australia Code of Conduct and the ATFCA Code of Ethics, coaches on the Mentone Little Athletics Coaching Panel are expected to:
Act in the best interests of the Athlete and Mentone Little Athletics Centre.
Promote the transition of Mentone Little Athletics Centre Members to Mentone Athletics Club (Mentone Seniors).
When coaching at Dolamore Reserve, maintain a squad of at least 50% Mentone Athletes in order for sessions to be endorsed by Mentone Little Athletics Centre.
On-Track Training and Introduction to Teaching Little Athletics Skills (ITLAS)
Little Athletics Victoria offers On-Track Training and an Introduction to Teaching Little Athletics Skills course, designed to give a sound basic knowledge to people with little or no previous experience in athletics. They are particularly appropriate for people coaching very young athletes at the grass roots level.
Refer to the Coaching Education section of the LAVic website for more detail.
Junior Development Squad
Little Athletics Victoria's JDS is a clinic-style program for athletes who show real promise in one or more track and field events. Squad members train with specialist coaches, get access to online learning, and receive an exclusive squad training shirt.
- 4
- training days
- Sunday
- trainings in different locations across Victoria
- Entry
- by qualification only

