News

Supporting our County Championships

County Championships take place across England this month - many over the past weekend with some counties also arranging additional events to take place at other times. The event is for member club participants of all abilities, backgrounds, ages and aspirations during the first normal year of track and field competition since 2019 - and during 2022 of course with the Journey to 2022 having started across the country.

For many counties, this important landmark in the county athletics calendar provide opportunities for grassroots athletes to experience the next level of competition. It is also a great opportunity for Technical Officials to meet and learn from each other.

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones attended the Norfolk Track and Field Championships in Norwich yesterday. The championships attracted more than 400 participants over the day and a half competition. As in many counties, the event made great use of the available facilities, volunteers and helpers through the integration of a wide range of events for a vast range of age groups from primary school aged Quad Kids participants through to masters athletes. The Norfolk competition also integrated the County Special Olympics competition into the championships.

One of the key organisers for the Norfolk County Championships is Chair of Athletics Norfolk Clive Poyner who is also an Elected Director on the England Athletics Board, and he is joined across England by many other dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly both before and during each championship to ensure it runs smoothly.

Chris said,

"It was excellent to also see Sophie McKinna participate yesterday the Norfolk Champs as well - getting some competition in to help her preparation plan ahead of a busy international programme this summer. This illustrates the important and often unique relationship in our sport between the participation and performance elements where all athletes of all abilities can compete in the same competition at the same time as each other."

Norfolk County flag, trophies and medal


England Athletics supports County Championships across the country each year; England Athletics are delighted to support County Associations ahead of the Track and Field Season for the 9th consecutive year. County Associations can apply for a grant of £500 to aid competition logistics and delivery costs - this can assist with the costs of online entry, photofinish and EDM equipment. County AA secretaries are emailed the application form directly - if they have not received an email they should get in touch with Nichola Skedgel (Competition Partnerships & Innovation Manger) at nskedgel@englandathletics.org.