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England Athletics and the English Schools AA are pleased to announce they will be working in partnership as part of a four year deal that will ensure the continuation and development of the English Schools AA competition leading up to 2012
Further details will be announced in future weeks but John Graves, Chair of EA Board, outlined his delight at the prospect of working together, issuing the following statement: 'The ESAA Championships are the envy of not only other school sports associations in the UK but also of those across many parts of the world. The heritage and prestige that the national championships have, needs no explanation. We are simply delighted to be playing our part in not only supporting the excellent work that the ESAA does in providing a critical part in the pathway for our aspiring senior champions of tomorrow, but also in the opportunity of working with the ESAA to ensure that the experience of athletics for all schoolchildren is consistent throughout the country.'
Laurie Alcock of the ESAA echoed Graves' comments saying, 'It makes perfect sense for the sports governing body and the schools association to be working hand in hand to drive forward the schools athletics agenda in England. The timing is perfect for both partners. Our objectives are very closely aligned. It is about providing exposure to high quality competition for our budding champions. This work starts at a county and district level through our cup programme and then culminating at our National Championships and domestic home internationals in both cross country and track and field. England Athletics has recognised the important place that the ESAA championships play in the domestic calendar and we are delighted with this news. We look forward to driving the schools athletics agenda with England Athletics, extending the opportunities for young people to enjoy this great sport.'

Through its Schools Athletics Leadership Group, and with the support of UK Athletics, England Athletics is also working closely with Sportshall Athletics and South West based organisation Quadkids to formulate a clear programme of modified competitive opportunities for young people in the local school and club setting. A complete competition framework for athletics in Primary and Secondary Schools will be published in the new year and driven in schools by the new competition managers network nationwide during 2009.