Our Club. Our Story.

About Us

 

The Sandringham Athletic Club (SAC) is a non-profit grassroots sporting club that is entirely run by volunteers committed to developing athletics in the Bayside area. The club values the wellbeing of all its members, we have a philosophy of developing athletes first and foremost, achieving success at competitions is a natural progression from that point. With a methodical training program, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, our vision is to be recognised as a leading club in the physical and emotional development of athletes in Track & Field and Cross Country.


SAC operates year-round to support athletes during the Summer Track & Field season, Winter Cross-country and road racing season. We encourage teamwork and sportsmanship through squad training environments, relays competitions and compete as one team in the Athletics Victoria Shield League (AVSL) scoring points throughout the summer events.

The club supports athletes competing at all levels from weekly Shield meets to State and National events, Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Paralympic Games. Athletes of all ages (12 and older) and abilities are welcome to join us.

Club Values

Some of the values that represent our club culture, both present and future

RESPECT 

Remain respectful and value those who help our sport grow, including our club mates, coaches, officials, supporters and all stakeholders

INTEGRITY

Always act with honesty and maintain strong morals

INCLUSION

Be encouraging and accepting of all those who appreciate the sport of track and field, no matter their background or ability

WELLBEING

Recognise that athletics is above all a contributor to a healthy lifestyle for everyone and always put the physical and mental wellbeing of the athlete ahead of performance

SPORTSMANSHIP

Always act ethically and fairly; in line with the club values and club code of conduct. Show respect to other competitors, officials and supporters

Club History

 

The Sandringham Amateur Athletic Club was formed on 8th April 1930. The first recorded event was an 880 yards handicap at the Beach Oval (now Sandringham Football Ground).

In 1951-1952, the Club won its first “A” Grade premiership and had its 1st Olympic representative in 1952 – Ken Doubleday in Hurdles. Ken also competed in 1956 Olympics.

In 1957, the club moved to its own ground at Glamis Avenue, Hampton where the club still operates from. In 1983, a new era began with the amalgamation of the Men’s & Women’s Clubs into one body.

Sandringham Athletic Club has developed a number of athletes who have gone on to represent Australia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games including Mick Ryan, Malcolm Baird, Tamsyn Lewis and Don Elgin.

Club members, such as Roy Boyd and Nancy Emblin have contributed significantly to the Sandringham Athletic Club and the support from both past and present members and coaches is what makes the club rich in its community and competitive spirit.

Facilities

Our home at the Sandringham Athletics Track on Glamis Ave has undergone a major redevelopment in 2021. The track foundations have been replaced and a new and expanded surfaced has been laid. Features of the new track:

  • 10-lane front straight

  • 4 separate jumps pits

  • 2 high jump pits

  • A large hammer/discus cage and a second cage for junior discus events

  • 2 javelin runways

  • 3 shot put circles

The track also features exciting new technology making Sandringham the first Polytan SmarTrack in Melbourne. The SMART system allows athletes to get precise timing of all their reps helping athletes and coaches maximise their training sessions. The in-ground sensors are installed around the circular track every 50m in lane 1 and 2, and on the front straight in lane 8 and 9 every 10m down the front straight. To make use of this great technology, please contact the club.

The facility also includes a clubhouse with toilets on the inside and outside of the building and a small canteen area. The clubrooms has an open space area inside where athletes gather and warm-up for training. Members also have exclusive access to the on-site gym during training hours. The gym is well-equipped and features 2 lifting platforms, 2 bench press, leg press, squat rack, smith machine, cable machines and free weights.

Athletic Training Program

 

Training is available for all athletes from the age of 12 years. Each SAC coach operates on a slightly different timetable and specific training times will therefore vary depending on the athlete’s level.

Track and Field Training

Monday 4.00pm - 7.00pm

Tuesday 4.00pm - 7.00pm

Wednesday 4.00pm - 7.00pm

Thursday 4.00pm - 7.00pm

Sunday 9.00am - 12.00pm

Competitions

As an Athletics Victoria (AV) affiliated club, the SAC team are currently competing in Division 2 of the Athletics Victoria Shield League (AVSL), which has 10 competitions followed by a playoffs round to for a promotion into Premier League. Athletes of all ages and abilities are welcome and can compete in any discipline/event they enjoy as well as various team relays throughout the season.

Athletics Victoria also hosts numerous additional competitions throughout the season to help athletes gain more competition experience and achieve Personal Bests. These are referred to as specialist meets, for example High Velocity (100m - 400m), Rare Air (High jump and pole vault) or Throwers club (Shot put, discus and hammer throw). More information about competitions and specialist meets can can found on the AV website events page.

We also have a growing contingent of cross-country runners who have recently seen great success and podium finishes during the cross-country relay events throughout winter.

Little Athletics Club

Sandringham Little Athletics Centre (SLAC) is a community-minded club with a strong culture and skill development platform encouraging athletes of all abilities to learn the basic fundamentals of sport: running, throwing and jumping.  They cater for children aged 5 to 15 of all abilities and promote fun with family and friends in an environment encouraging inclusion, good sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle.

Competition is held at the Sandringham Athletics Track on Saturday mornings from October to March, and some Friday night twilights. Coaching is also available on Wednesday nights.  Please contact the club directly for more information.

Little Aths Training - Wednesday 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Masters

The Sandringham Athletic Club is welcoming of athletes of all ages. We currently have a great contingent of Masters athletes competing for SAC across all events, from sprints to walks to throws. Masters events such as the Victorian or Australian Masters Championships, start at 30 years old and compete in 5 year age groups (30-34, 35-39, 40-44 etc.) As the age groups progress the implement weights and hurdle heights are adjusted. At XCR and AV Shield events, we all compete as one team. So if you’re bringing a child along to compete, why not join in yourself and enjoy all the fun the athletics community has to offer!

Representing our up and coming athletes