Community sport in Sutherland Shire is ramping up following the end of lockdown and boosted by a belated increase in allowable numbers.
The state government last week responded to appeals by organisers and lifted the limit on the number of people who can attend safe outdoor community sporting activities from 200 to 1000.
Wanda Nippers, who start their season on Sunday, are "hugely excited", says club leader Fiona Sutton.
"The kids love their Nippers - it's such a great culture, not just in terms of learning surfing skills but the lifestyle and the friendships.
"We wanted to get them back in the water as soon as possible. It's been a pretty tough winter with so many restrictions for all the kids.
"Training is already under way.
"We have a lot of newcomers and it could be a record year for us in terms of numbers."
Ms Sutton said they were relieved when the cap on numbers was increased.
"We have about 600 Nippers, plus parents," Ms Sutton said.
North Cronulla Nippers also start on Sunday for the Under 8s upwards. The younger ages will follow in November.
Cronulla Nippers start on November 5, with the Elouera club advising a December 5 starting date before the limit on numbers was increased.
The Sutherland Little Athletics Club starts its season at Waratah Park on Saturday.
The club said in a Facebook post, "SLA Members you have blown us away with the response in registering for the 2021/22 season and we really appreciate the support".
Port Hacking Little Athletics will be back on the track for events on December 4.
The club said this date "falls in line will the majority of clubs and is based on best interests of our centre due to legislative guidelines and public health orders from the NSW Government".
Training under expert coaches begins on November 1 and is free to all registered club members.
Sutherland Shire Football Association starts a summer six-a-side competition on December 1.
The 10-week competition is for girls and boys from under 8 to under 13.
General manager Jeff Stewart said, "All the youngsters are looking to get out and play football which they have missed out on this year and last year".
Some soccer clubs, including Sylvania Heights and Grays Point, are also running summer competitions, with details on their Facebook pages.
Sutherland Shire Junior Cricket Association games begin this weekend.
"We are sooooo close now," says a post on the association's Facebook page.
"Are you bowling down the hallways? Checking out your stroke in every mirror? Diving around the loungeroom? Can you smell the freshly mown grass?"
Sutherland Shire Netball Association president Karen Salter said the executive was still looking at options.
"We had been looking at a twilight competition, but now we are looking at some training, clinics and skill sessions," she said.
Ms Salter said, because of the time away from the courts, fitness was a factor that had to be considered.
"We don't want to see people injured," she said.