News

25/04/2024 00:00, In Blog /

As part of the process of implementing changes to age groups and following the series of webinars hosted in March, the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) are pleased to invite expressions of interest from individuals from across the UK and from all areas of the sport to join the Implementation Task Group and associated sub-groups.

James Williams, CEO of Welsh Athletics shared:

This is a hugely important piece of work – we have an opportunity to shape the future of the sport across the UK. Through this process, we can create an offer that may attract more people to our sport, keep them in the sport and ultimately help support a competition offering that is future proofed.

 

To do this, we need a variety of views and experiences to be included as part of the discussions. The Home Countries are committed to taking the sport with us on this journey, and to ensure that their ideas are fed in right from the start. As Chair of the task group that is overseeing this process, I am keen to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders of the sport are included within the discussions – this change is being supported by all the Home Countries.

 

I am especially keen to ensure that the views of the athlete are considered at all times, and would invite athletes who have strong views on what the sport could be like post April 2026 to apply to be part of the sub-group.’

Phil Warwicker, Coach at Cardiff Archers commented:

The upcoming age group changes are a positive step to aligning with the rest of the world. Supporting the long term development of athletes is crucial, and the proposals recently explained through the webinars regarding the changes to hurdle heights and throwing implements will certainly support the development of athletes at our club.

National Talent Development Coordinator for Throws, Ryan Spencer Jones added:

The proposed age group changes provide a clear alignment with other nations and allow for a better transition and pathway throughout from junior to senior. The age group changes provide a positive change to technical events where skill development can be started further down the pathway. This earlier skill development and better transition through the ages will provide better retention of athletes around already busy summer schedules. The longterm and holistic development of young athletes is key and those changes will provide a better foundation and also align the competitive structure.

Implementation Task Group

We are seeking one new independent member to join the overarching task group, the purpose of which is to steer and oversee the process of implementing the transition to new age groups for young athletes ahead of 1 April 2026. The group comprises HCAF staff, HCAF board members, athlete representative(s) and independent members.

The group will meet monthly, online, between April and October 2024 and members may also be asked to join and chair one of the sub-groups that are being established.

To express interest in being part of this group, individuals are invited to submit a short statement explaining why they wish to join the group, alongside a short biography outlining their involvement in the sport.

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Friday 3 May. Please include 'Implementation Task Group' in the subject line of your email and send to trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org.

Sub Groups

Smaller working groups are also being convened to check and challenge current proposals and plans, identify issues and work through solutions across a number of specific areas of work.

These groups are:

• Competitions
• Records/ technology
• Para Athletics
• Technical events
• Off track

These groups will begin to meet online from May 2024 onwards, potentially through to October 2024. The frequency of meetings will be determined at the first meeting and will depend on the nature of the issues raised.

To express interest in joining one of these groups, individuals are again invited to submit a short statement explaining which sub-group(s) they wish to join and why, alongside a short biography outlining their involvement in the sport.

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is midnight on Friday 3 May*. Please include 'Implementation Task Group' in the subject line of your email and send to trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org.

Thank you for your support in helping us develop the future of our sport.