Little Athletics evolved through the mind and conscience of Trevor Billingham.

​

In October 1963 three boys turned up at an athletics meeting in Geelong ready to compete; however on approaching an official they were told that they were too young to take part. That official was Trevor Billingham. The disappointment evident in the boys left a marked impression on his mind. The thought was forgotten until it came alive again several months later at a coaching clinic designed for secondary school students. Reminded of his earlier experience, Trevor Billingham had an idea: a simple Saturday morning competition for younger athletes.

​

On the first Saturday of October 1964, he met with a small group of children on a Geelong Oval. They took part in a short program of running events. From that simple beginning athletics for under 12 boys and girls developed at a phenomenal rate. Little Athletics created tremendous interest and by 1967 the Victorian Little Athletics Association was formed. Australia Little Athletics Union was formed in Perth on March 31, 1972. The founding members were Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia. South Australia, Queensland and Australian Capital Territory joined in 1973/74 and Tasmanian in 1974/75 seasons. The Australian Little Athletics Union became Australian Little Athletics (ALA) during 1992/93.