Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Kids Sports Guide

Are your kids looking for a new sport to try? When it comes to kids sport there’s so much choice in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Hunter region. From sports training programs to skills development clinics and competitions there’s something to suit all boys and girls aged 5 to 17.

You’re sure to find a sport ideal for your child in this list. We’ve collected information about the many kids sports programs operating in our region along with details about sports classes and introduction programs.

Here are details of the NSW Active Kids Voucher which provides a $100 voucher for school-aged kids participating in sports with a registered Active Kids provider. It’s available to all primary and secondary school children each calendar year. It expires on 30 June 2023.

AFL

AFL Hunter Central Coast
Website: AFL Hunter Central Coast

For boys and girls aged 5-12 there is NAB AFL Auskick. Auskick is simply the best introduction for kids into the world of Australian Football. Auskick is inclusive for everyone aged 5-12 at any ability to play. Search for your local club here.

Junior Football is the next step for kids aged 8-12 who are ready to move on from NAB AFL Auskick or other introductory school and/or community programs. Rules of matches are modified so children can continue to develop their skills in an enjoyable, safe atmosphere.

Youth Football caters to teenage boys and girls aged from 13 to 18. Youth Football is tailor made for players of all abilities. An ideal progression from either NAB AFL Auskick or Junior Football, Youth Football provides children with the opportunity to play in a graded competition suitable to their ability within a local Community Club environment.

AFL Hunter Central Coast Incorporated is the body recognised by AFL NSW/ACT responsible for the management of junior, youth and senior Community Football Competitions across the Hunter & Central Coast regions. The Central Coast and Hunter regions offer separate junior and youth competitions for both girls and boys. Search for your local club here.

Athletics

Little Athletics NSW
Website: Little Athletics NSW

There are almost 200 Little Athletics centres in NSW. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 years can register. Select centres also offer Tiny Tots, a modified athletics program for children as young as 3. Little Athletics is primarily a summer activity, running from September through to March. Parents, grandparents and friends are also encouraged to get involved by helping with the various events. Visit the Little Athletics NSW website for more information or find your local centre here.

Badminton

Hunter Badminton
Website: Hunter Badminton

Hunter Badminton’s Junior Activity Sessions are designed for kids aged 8-16 who are new to the sport of Badminton and would like to try it out. The sessions provide basic skill knowledge, fundamentals and a fun learning environment. Hunter Badminton also offer Junior Training and Development in the sport.

Baseball

Newcastle Baseball Association
Website: Newcastle Baseball Association

Newcastle Baseball Association runs junior baseball in the region and provide competitions for all children, both boys and girls, 4 -16 yrs of age. For Under 8’s there is T-Ball, for Under 10’s there is Zooka and they also have Little League (Under 13), Junior League (Under 15) and Senior League (Under 17). Newcastle Baseball Association also offer Junior Development Programs and Junior Representative Programs.

The Newcastle Baseball Junior Competition runs from early April through to September. Find a junior club here.

Basketball

Aussie Hoops
Website: Aussie Hoops

Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s official junior game development program for 5-10 year olds and their families. The Aussie Hoops program is offered at:

• Newcastle Basketball Stadium (Newcastle Basketball)
• Maitland Federation Centre (Maitland Basketball)
• Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre (Cessnock Cobras)
• Singleton PCYC (Singleton PCYC)

Maitland Basketball Association
Website: Maitland Basketball Association

Maitland Basketball Association offer Miniball, a basketball league for kids in Kindergarten – Year 6. Players will develop their skills and confidence in a fun and supportive team environment. Each week teams play 2 x 20 minute halves with lowered hoops.

Maitland Basketball also offer Aussie Hoops for kids aged 5-10 and Junior Competition with an Open Youth Age Group for ages 22 & Under.

Newcastle Basketball
Website: Newcastle Basketball

Newcastle Basketball offer Mini Hoops for kids aged 3-5 years, a 45 minute session providing essential physical activity for children at Newcastle Basketball Stadium. For kids 5-10 there’s Aussie Hoops.

Newcastle Basketball also offer competition basketball for youngsters in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens. Under 8s & Under 10s programs are the next step for newcomers & Aussie Hoops graduates to start playing basketball games. There are also Junior Teams for Under 11’s, Under 13’s, Under 15’s & Under 17’s. Choose from Summer and/or Winter comps or Holiday Camps.

BMX

Lake Macquarie BMX Club
Website: Lake Macquarie BMX Club

Contact Lake Macquarie BMX Club if your child is interested in BMX racing. They practice and race at their Argenton location.

Maitland BMX Riders
Website: Maitland BMX Riders

Contact Maitland BMX Club if your child is interested in BMX racing. They practice and race at their Tenambit location. Read more about the venue here.

Boxing

Refer to Boxing & Martial Arts Classes.

Cricket

Play Cricket
Website: Play Cricket

If your child would like to play cricket, a good place to start is the Cricket Australia Woolworths Play Cricket website. For kids aged 5-10 there is Woolworths Cricket Blast, which features a number of programs including Junior Blasters (5-7), Master Blasters (7-10) and School Holiday Programs (5-10). For kids aged 9-18 there is Junior Cricket and Indoor Cricket. Junior Cricket can be played in the Spring or Summer seasons, or both. Indoor cricket can be played all year round with seasons starting regularly throughout the year. Many clubs have girls, boys or mixed team options. Visit the Play Cricket website for more information or search for your local club here.

Cycling

Hunter District Cycling Club
Website: Hunter District Cycling Club

Get involved in junior racing with the Hunter District Cycling Club. The club provides opportunities for young riders to compete in different categories from Under 9s through to Under 19s in road and track races. Road racing is held at the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), Kurri Kurri and the club races two distinct seasons, Summer & Winter. The club has a number of qualified coaches, who are willing and able to offer support and encouragement – no matter what level you’re aiming for.

Dads and Daughters Active and Empowered

Dads and Daughters Active and Empowered
Website: Dads and Daughters Active and Empowered

Dads and Daughters Active and Empowered is a powerful program conceived by Professor Phil Morgan in 2014 in response to alarming statistics about the significant decline in physical activity seen in adolescent girls in Australia and associated risks to their future physical and psychological health. It involves a 2 hour ‘Dads-only’ workshop and eight, weekly fun and engaging sessions where dads and their daughters participate in educational, physical activity and sport skill sessions.

Dancing

Refer to Dance & Performing Arts Classes.

Fencing

PCYC Newcastle
Website: PCYC Newcastle

Learn the sport of fencing. It’s offered by Newcastle PCYC for children aged 9 up, teenagers and adults. If you haven’t fenced before you will need to complete the 5 week starter course before you can participate in the fencing classes.

Field Hockey

Maitland Hockey Inc
Website: Maitland Hockey Inc

Maitland Hockey organises field hockey in the Maitland area and offers competitions for Under 6s to Under 13s. They also offer Free Come and Try Days.

Nelson Bay Hockey Club
Website: Nelson Bay Hockey Club

Nelson Bay Hockey Club is a family-friendly club who welcome all members of the community, of all ages and abilities, in both playing and non-playing roles. Competition games and training are held at the Salamander Sports Complex. They also offer Free Come and Try Days.

Newcastle Hockey Association
Website: Newcastle Hockey Association

Newcastle Hockey Association is the governing body for field hockey in the Newcastle Region. For children under the age of 6 and/or those older children who are yet to have any exposure to the sport, there is MINKEY, a program designed to introduce children to the sport and give them the opportunity to learn the basic skills of hockey, develop fundamental motor skills and make friends. Field hockey competition includes the Under 8 “Joeys”, Under 11 “Kangas” and Juniors. Find a club here.

Figure Skating

Hunter Ice Skating Club
Website: Hunter Ice Skating Club

Figure skating is all about grace, style, precision and fun. If you are interested in becoming a figure skater or would just like to know more about the sport, visit the Hunter Ice Skating Club website.

Futsal

Northern NSW Futsal
Website: Northern NSW Futsal

Futsal is a modified indoor soccer game without the use of walls. Northern NSW Futsal services numerous clubs and schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley. They offer competitions and training of Futsal (five a side soccer) to junior and senior boys and girls, from ages 5 to adults. Find a club here.

Gym

Highlite
Website: Highlite

Highlite High-Performance Academy is for kids aged 9-18 years. They provide junior athletes in the Hunter region with elite training programs designed to give them the best possible chance of success in their chosen sport hrough suitable, structured training and science-based principles. Their modern facility is located in Darby Street, Newcastle.

Gymnastics

Refer to Gymnastics & Kindergym Classes.

Horseriding

Encantador The Riding School
Website: Encantador The Riding School

Located at Williamtown, Port Stephens, Encantador The Riding School offers riding lessons for children and adults. Safety is always their main focus as well as teaching correct technique allowing students to progress quickly.

Husky Lodge Equestrian Centre
Website: Husky Lodge Equestrian Centre

Husky Lodge is a boutique Equestrian Centre located in eastern Lake Macquarie. The Centre specialises in showjumping and training of performance horses, but also caters for regular instruction of beginner and intermediate riders, on their own or school horses.

Sterntaler Equestrian Services
Website: Sterntaler Equestrian Services

Sterntaler offer a wide variety of lessons for all different age groups and experience levels. They have numerous school horses for riders accommodating their different levels of experience. Their friendly coaches are experienced in teaching young children through to adult beginners and competition riders and they cater for nervous and inexperienced adults and children as well as ambitious and competitive riders. Located at Buchanan, minutes from the Hunter Valley Expressway.

Ice Hockey

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium
Website: Hunter Ice Skating Stadium

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium at Warners Bay offer Learn to Skate. Learn to Skate is an excellent pathway to better General Skating, Figure Skating or Ice Hockey. Learn to Skate is an ongoing program that runs in conjunction with NSW School Terms.

Learn to Play at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium is available to all ages, male and female. Beginners focus on the remedial skills such as skating, backward skating, crossovers, stopping and basic stick handling and puck control. At the end of each ten week section (based around school terms) players will be appraised on the skills they have acquired. Players deemed to have “passed” Learn to Play will be invited to join a team in the local competition. Teams include 11 & under, 13 & under, 15 & under and 18 & Under.

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium is home of the Newcastle Northstars.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Climb Parc
Website: Climb Parc

The 19 climbing walls of varying difficulty at Climb Parc are a great way to strengthen the mind and body. Climb Parc is suitable for children (aged six years and above) and adults, making it a great activity to be enjoyed individually, in groups, or as a family. While Climb Parc is all about having fun through movement, safety remains a key priority. Ensuring this, each climb wall has its own safety harness system and highly trained Parc Rangers patrol the area. Try a casual session or book a group package. Their dedicated team of staff are on-hand to assist in catering for functions and parties as well, with bookings essential.

Pulse Climbing
Website: Pulse Climbing

Located at Adamstown, Maitland and Warners Bay, Pulse Climbing cater for all levels of climbing from beginners just starting out, right up to elite climbers who are after a high class training facility. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and highly experienced staff are always on hand for safety instruction and to give tips on climbing technique and training.

Martial Arts

Refer to Boxing & Martial Arts Classes.

Multi Sport

GeckoSports
Website: GeckoSports

GeckoSports offer kids a fun and interactive start to sport and fitness for life. They give children the inspiration and confidence to be physically active and try their hand at playing different sports through their scientifically designed primary school aged programs. There are two age groups Youngsters 5 – 8 and Midsters 9 – 12. Active kids vouchers accepted / FREE trials available

Silly Billy Sports
Website: Silly Billy Sports

Silly Billy Sports is an engaging kids multi-sports program located in the Newcastle area, specifically designed for children aged from 2 to 5 years old. Their high-energy programs provide a fun-filled and memorable experience while helping kids grow in confidence, build awareness of what their bodies can do and prepares them to take on new challenges.

Netball

PLAYnetball
Website: PLAYnetball

Suncorp NetSetGO is Australia’s official netball starter program for girls and boys aged 5-10. It’s a chance to learn the netball basics, get outside and make some friends. For a lot of kids, this is the first time they’ll pick up a netball or chuck on a bib. It’s a learning experience. And a lot of fun. Search for your local centre here.

Junior Comp club netball is for kids aged 11 – 17 who have mastered the basics and want to take the sport a bit more seriously. They’ll play across a full season, improve their skills and fitness, and make friends for life. There’s lots of local netball clubs to choose from. Find where to play Junior Comp here.

Oztag

Newcastle Oztag
Website: Newcastle Oztag

Newcastle Oztag run an after school competition played at Smith Park in Broadmeadow. Teams range from Under 8s to Under 16s. They also have Tiny Taggers for kids aged 4-6 and run Skills and Drills Clinics for kids aged 7-12.

Oztag Maitland
Website: Oztag Maitland

Maitland Oztag runs junior and senior competitions at McKeachie’s Sportsground in Aberglasslyn. Their Junior Division is for players 6-16 years.

Port Stephens Oztag
Website: Port Stephens Oztag

Port Stephens Oztag offer competition in both the Raymond Terrace and Salamander Bay area and have the following junior divisions: 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-14 years and 15-17years. They offer boys, girls and combined teams.

Parkour

Refer to Gymnastics & Kindergym Classes.

Rollerskating

Rollerfit Newcastle
Website: Rollerfit Newcastle

Rollerfit isn’t a learn to skate class, nor is it an artistic/derby/dance skating program. Instead, RollerFit is a fitness class on skates that combines skills from a range of disciplines to create an experience suitable to all levels of experience. At their Newcastle location they offer beginner and intermediate classes for kids 14+.

Rugby League

Newcastle Junior Rugby League Association
Website: NJRLA

The Newcastle Junior Rugby League Association organises competition for kids in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens Regions. Age groups include Under 6s – Under 12s and above. Search for your local club here.

Maitland & District Junior Rugby League Association
Website: MDJRLA

The Maitland & District Junior Rugby League Association organises competition for kids in the Maitland Region. Age groups include Under 6s – Under 12s and above. Search for your local club here.

Rugby Union

Hunter Junior Rugby
Website: Hunter Junior Rugby

Hunter Junior Rugby aim to promote, teach and administer the sport of Rugby in the Hunter Region. They offer Under 7’s through to Under 18’s for boys and girls throughout their 12 clubs and 9 rep teams. Find a team here.

Sailing

Belmont 16ft Sailing Club
Website: Belmont 16ft Sailing Club

Kids can learn to sail with Belmont 16s through Tackers. Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7-12 yrs. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate. All the equipment, including the boats, is provided. The Tackers Program is delivered in small groups by an Australian Sailing Qualified Instructor and Assistant Instructors. Belmont 16s also offer Club competition for ages 6+.

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Website: Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offer Tackers. Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7-12 yrs. Programs are either 4 or 5 days during the school holidays or over 8 – 10 weeks during the school term. The also hold OutThere Sailing Courses for kids 11-17 years, an after-school youth sailing program on inshore keelboats. Also OutThere Sailing School Holiday Experiences for kids aged 11-17, a holiday program focusing on sailing keelboats, learning about powerboats, navigation, how to row a boat and all things maritime! NCYC also have Youth Leagues, a Youth Development Squad and Youth Advanced Squad.

Soccer

Soccer is a popular sport for kids to play in the Newcastle and Hunter regions. There are lots of options and teams to choose from. For preschoolers to age 7 there’s Little Kickers. For kids aged 2.5 to 11 years there’s Soccajoeys. There is also local club competition, many of whom offer Miniroos. Miniroos is the perfect way for boys and girls aged 4-11 to get involved in the sport of soccer (football).

Little Kickers
Website: Little Kickers

Little Kickers gives your children a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football (soccer) skills in a friendly, pressure-free environment. There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of children between 18 months and seven years of age. It’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life.

Soccajoeys
Website: Soccajoeys

Soccajoeys offer non-competitive kids’ soccer classes and help children develop vital life skills through fun. They have Minis (2.5-3), Preschool (3-5), Junior (6-8) and Premier (9-11) classes.

Hunter Valley Football
Website: Hunter Valley Football

Hunter Valley Football organise Soccer in the Hunter Valley region. There are teams from the Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle and Port Stephens areas. Search for a club here.

Macquarie Football
Website: Macquarie Football

Macquarie Football organise Soccer in the Lake Macquarie region. There are teams from the Lake Macquarie area. Search for a club here.

Newcastle Football
Website: Newcastle Football

Newcastle Football organise Soccer in the Newcastle region. There are teams from the Maitland, Newcastle and Port Stephens areas. Search for your local club here.

Softball

Newcastle & District Softball Association
Website: Newcastle & District Softball Association

The Newcastle & District Softball Association includes 5 clubs in the Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie areas. Their normal season runs in the summer months each year from October until March, with a break over the Christmas and New Year period. They have Junior Mixed Competitions for Under 10s to Under 18s. All NDSA competition games are held at the same time and place each week (Softball Complex, Stevenson Park, Mayfield West).

Skateboarding

Parrey’s Skatepark
Website: Parrey’s Skatepark

Parrey’s is an indoor skatepark located at Cardiff. They offer lessons and competitions. Refer to their website for more details.

Trev Ward Skateboarding Academy
Website: Trev Ward Skateboarding Academy

Trev Ward Academy believes it’s important to introduce skateboarding in the most safe, fun, positive way possible. They will help you understand what it takes to progress while breaking down the most basic to advanced fundamentals of skateboarding. Whether you want to learn the basics, fine tune your skills, or train to skate like an Olympic skateboarder, Trev Ward Academy can help you get there.

Squash

Raymond Terrace Squash & Fitness
Website: Raymond Terrace Squash & Fitness

Raymond Terrace Squash & Fitness offer a Junior Squash Programme. Contact them through their Facebook page if your child is interested in the sport of squash.

ATUNE Health Cardiff Squash Centre
Website: ATUNE Health Cardiff Squash Centre

ATUNE Health Cardiff Squash Centre host Junior Development Camps in the sport of squash.

Surfing

Learn to Surf Newcastle
Website: Learn to Surf Newcastle

Learn to Surf Newcastle are a Surfing Australia accredited surf school. They offer Group Surfing Lessons, Private Surfing Lessons, Semi-private Surfing Lessons, Surf Teens and Woolworths Surf Groms. Locations are Blacksmiths Beach, Caves Beach and Stockton Beach.

Newcastle Surfest Surf School
Website: Newcastle Surfest Surf School

Learn to surf in Newcastle with Newcastle Surfest Surf School. They offer beginner adult and kids surf lessons including Group Surf Lessons, Private Lessons and Woolworths Surf Groms. Run daily from Nobby’s Beach, Newcastle.

Newcastle Surf School
Website: Newcastle Surf School

Newcastle Surf School operates all year round for daily lessons out of two great locations; Nobby’s Beach and Blacksmiths Beach. They are a permanent fixture at both beaches throughout the NSW school holidays. Lessons run for 90 minutes and include soft/safe surfboards, wetsuits and sun shirts. All you need to bring is a towel, sunscreen, swimmers and an adventurous spirit!

Surf Lifesaving

Hunter Surf Lifesaving
Website: Hunter Surf Lifesaving

Hunter Surf Lifesaving encompasses 13 clubs from Tea Gardens to Catherine Hill Bay. Nippers is a fun way for children aged 5 to Under 14 to enjoy the beach in a safe environment. In Under 14s kids gain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and are then able to patrol and transition to seniors where they are able to complete various Surf Lifesaving Awards. Find your local club here.

Swimming

Refer to Swim Schools.

Table Tennis

PCYC Newcastle
Website: PCYC Newcastle

PCYC Newcastle offer competitive table tennis for kids aged 13+.

Tennis

Ambrose Tennis Academy
Website: Ambrose Tennis Academy

Ambrose Tennis Academy is situated at Rutherford. This location is ideally situated for players from Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, Maitland, Kurri Kurri and surrounding Hunter Valley suburbs wanting to get involved in tennis and keep things local. They also hold lessons at Dungog on specified days. They offer Group Classes for ages 18 months to adult as well as Private Tennis Coaching.

Bounce Tennis & Fitness Academy
Website: Bounce Tennis & Fitness Academy

Bounce Tennis & Fitness Academy, located at Thornton, offer group lessons and competitions as well as private lessons.

Cagney Tennis Academy
Website: Cagney Tennis Academy

Cagney Tennis Academy in Eleebana offer Junior Tennis Classes and Squads for children between the ages of 3 & 18. It’s a 3-tiered program offering professional coaching for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Their 3-12 year old students are usually taught using Tennis Australia’s ANZ Hotshots program. They also offer Private Lessons and School Holiday Clinics.

Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre
Website: Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre

Lake Macquarie Tennis Centre offer Tennis Australia’s ANZ Hotshots program and junior coaching as well as development and professional training squads.

Maitland Tennis Centre
Website: Maitland Tennis Centre

Maitland Tennis Centre offer beginner group lessons at East Maitland, Dungog and Gresford.

Michael Mills Tennis Coaching
Website: Michael Mills Tennis Coaching

Michael Mills Tennis Coaching offer Group Tennis Coaching for kids aged 3+, Private Coaching, Holiday Clinics and Junior Competitions at Bar Beach Tennis Club.

Raworth Tennis Centre
Website: Raworth Tennis Centre

Raworth Tennis Centre sits on a beautiful 4 acre site, which is also home to the Morpeth Lodge Motel and both make up The Hunter Tennis Resort. Their current coaching program includes New Starters, Improvers,  Academy and Teen Group. Their variety of coaches and assistants mean that the Centre can offer coaching for every player, from juniors from the age of 3 years upwards, to advance/elite players, both adult and junior.

Tennis Central
Website: Tennis Central

Tennis Central, located at Belmont, offer Tennis Australia’s ANZ Hotshots program and junior coaching as well as private lessons, squads and holiday clinics.

Topspin Tennis Newcastle
Website: Topspin Tennis Newcastle

Topspin Tennis provides coaching and competitions at 8 different venues in the region. Their Professional Coaching Team provide a variety of tennis coaching programs that cater for children from 5 years and up. These game-based tennis coaching programs cover all aspects of tennis. Their junior coaching programs are based on the ANZ Hot Shots program which uses modified equipment. They also offer School Holiday Camps.

Trampolining

Refer to Gymnastics & Kindergym Classes.

Volleyball

Hunter Volleyball
Website: Hunter Volleyball

If you’re looking for a new sport, or an additional sport which can give year-round participation options, then consider volleyball. Hunter Volleyball offer Spikeroos to 12-14 year olds and 16U Junior Social Competition.

Yoga

Refer to Kids Yoga Classes.

If we’ve missed a sport or a club or made an error, please email us with the information.