The Coles Little Athletics Community Fund has reached a major milestone, with more than $3 million now invested in grassroots Little Athletics since 2018.
The latest round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund has taken the partnership past the $3 million milestone, with 82 Little Athletics Centres sharing in $285,000 to purchase new equipment and resources for their communities.
The 2026 Coles Little Athletics Community Fund is proudly supported by Grove Juice, whose contribution is helping provide Centres and volunteers with additional resources to support young athletes and their local programs.
The funding announcement comes as thousands of young athletes return to the track for the 2026/27 Little Athletics season, and as Little Athletics begins an exciting new chapter under the Australian Athletics banner following the historic unification of Little Athletics Australia and Athletics Australia earlier this year.
The milestone also coincides with the return of the Coles Little Athletics Banana A-Peel, with five cents from every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold at Coles from 7–20 October donated to Little Athletics, up to a maximum of $150,000.
Funds raised through this year’s Banana A-Peel will help support the next round of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund, giving even more Centres the opportunity to purchase new equipment for their young athletes.
The partnership continues to support Little Athletics communities across Australia, helping provide young athletes with opportunities to get active, develop their skills and enjoy the sport — from their local track through to the world stage.
The impact of Little Athletics is also being reflected at the highest level, with 25 of Australia’s 34 athletics medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games won by former Little Athletes.
A huge congratulations to all 82 Little Athletics Centres receiving funding through Round 11 of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
View the full list of 2026 Coles Little Athletics Community Fund recipients: Coles Little Athletics Community Fund
By Stephanie Grujoski, Coles Little Athletics | Australian Athletics
Posted 7/10/2026
