Balaklava Club Takes Out National Coles Centre Of The Year Award
Adelaide Plains Giants Little Athletics is proof that a small country club can punch well above its weight, taking out Coles Centre of the Year – Inner Regional (Australia) and putting this local club on the national map.
But rewind a few years, and things looked very different.
The club’s roots go all the way back to 1972 in Port Wakefield, moving between there and Balaklava over the years before settling back into Balaklava in 2020.
For Rhiannon Penhall, it all started by chance.
“In 2022 I was just walking past a meet at the Balaklava High School oval and didn’t even realise Little Athletics was still running in our area,” she said.
“We wandered over, had a chat, and ended up joining.”
That moment quickly turned into something more.
“I jumped on the committee because there were only a few parents running it,” she said.
Since then, she’s taken on multiple roles, including President in 2023, and now Vice President, helping steer the club through a period of steady growth.
From there, it was a steep learning curve.
“A bit messy to be honest,” she said.
“There was a lot to learn… the club wasn’t very financial, numbers were low, and we hadn’t had sponsors for quite a few years.”
But there was definitely something worth building.
“The kids loved their club meets and had their own little community, so it made all the effort worth it… even the late nights figuring it all out.”
Building Something That Sticks
Fast forward to now, the club has grown significantly, with around 35 registered athletes this season and strong family retention. For Rhiannon, that’s the real win.
“Being able to retain families means we are building a positive culture,” she said.
Behind the scenes, a small but committed group has played a huge role.
From Nikki Greenshields juggling secretary duties and competition organising, to Jo Harvie driving sponsorship and fundraising, plus a group of volunteers stepping in wherever needed, it’s been a full team effort to keep things running week to week.
The Call No One Saw Coming
Then came the moment that changed everything.
“The committee had no idea we’d even been nominated,” Rhiannon said.
“When Nikki got the call, she honestly thought it was a hoax and asked for proof.”
The news quickly spread. “As soon as she told me, I got goosebumps… I was just like, ‘Wow… is this actually real?’”
More Than Just Sport
For a small country club, the recognition means a lot.
“It honestly means everything to us,” Rhiannon said.
“Our committee is made up of volunteer parents who are just doing their best, so to be recognised at a national level is pretty special.”
But beyond the medals and awards, it’s what happens each week that matters most.
“Little Athletics brings so much more than just sport,” she said.
“It’s a real sense of community and connection… kids can have a go, learn new skills, and just enjoy being active without pressure.”
“It becomes that social place… friendships for kids, but also for parents and carers too.”
What’s Next
“I don’t know if you can get any better,” Rhiannon laughed.
But the focus hasn’t changed. The club is keen to keep building awareness, bring new families in, and keep growing what they’ve started.
“It’s given everyone a huge boost and real belief in what we’re building.”
For anyone thinking about it, keep an eye out for the next come-and-try sessions and give it a go.
With a mix of running, jumping and throwing, there’s something for everyone.
And judging by this latest win, there’s plenty to gain.
Keen to find your closest Little Athletics centre? Click here.
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