Athletics and running gets funding boost from Sport England

England Athletics has received a funding boost of £7.3 million from Sport England to support its work in making the sport of athletics and running more accessible for all.

This long-term investment over the next five years is part of Sport England’s strategy ‘Uniting the Movement’ which is a collaborative approach with its partners to help more people across the country access and enjoy sport and physical activity.

Chris Jones, CEO at England Athletics, said: “We are grateful for this additional financial support from Sport England as we continue to drive the delivery of our own strategic plan for athletics and running through to 2032.

“This additional funding will cut across all our work and bolsters what we are already doing to invest in, support and develop all aspects of the sport, through initiatives such as our Club Support Fund and youth development activities and support towards competition partnerships to retain and grow the number of people participating in track and field. This, in turn, helps us ensure all participants, from athletes, coaches, officials, schools, and volunteers, are able to experience our sport in a safe, fun, inclusive, and nurturing environment at local and national level whatever their ability, background or age.”

“Our sport has a rich history of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, however, we know there is still work for us all to do to ensure more people feel not just able, but also inspired, to take up athletics and running and experience first-hand the physical, mental, and societal benefits it can bring.”

In 2021, following multistakeholder consultation, England Athletics launched its 12-year strategic plan focused on ‘creating opportunities, enhancing experiences, and powering potential’ with athletes and runners at the heart. Its purpose is to inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and have a lifelong love for the sport.

England Athletics was amongst the first group of more than 40 organisations working in partnership with Sport England to receive funding due to its ability as the national governing and development body of athletics and running in England ‘to influence positive change and improvement throughout the sector, [its] own networks, and beyond.