Talented Athlete and Coach Pathway

Birmingham 3 August 2022. Joel Clarke-Khan clearing a high jump bar image

England Athletics works to grow opportunities for everyone to experience athletics and running, to enable them to reach their full potential.

The Talented Athlete and Coach Pathway provides a progressive support structure for athletes and coaches to develop skills and competencies with the aim of moving athletes on to representative honours at England and GB Level.

From school into club athletics and parallel support through the pathway programmes, the aim is to ensure the journey of the athlete and coach reaches its full potential. Athletics is an inclusive and diverse sport that provides excitement, challenge and lifelong enjoyment. Supporting talented individuals and the wider athletics club community through pathway programmes and talent hubs is the vision.

Video: Reach your potential with the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme. Watch on YouTube.

Athlete blowing kisses

Olympic and Paralympic talent pathway

The below diagram illustrates the 2023-2024 athlete pathway from national age group to Olympic and World Championship level.

Talent Pathway diagram

What is the purpose of the talent pathway?

Programme nameAge GroupProgramme sizeProgramme durationProgramme focusDelivery Model
Youth Talent ProgrammeU18440
(220 year 1 + 220 year 2)
2 years.
Application in year 1
Educate
Introduction to performance support service
Camp based
Junior Talent ProgrammeU20Maximum 150
(75 year 1+ 75 year 2)
1 -2 years.
Annual selection
Application
Building and creating the support team and training environment
Camp based
Talent Hub environment
Senior Development ProgrammeU23 and Senior40
(30-35 T&F + 5-10 marathon)
2(min)-4(max) years.
Annual selection
Application
Building and creating the support team and training environment
Camp based
Talent Hub environment
Service support
Senior Performance ProgrammeU23 and Senior30
(24 T&F + 6 marathon)
2(min)-4(max) years.
Annual selection
Leadership
Leading the support team and specialising the services
Service support
Talent Hub environment
Para Academy12+24Annual selection2 Camps a year
Para-specific development opportunities

Talent pathway staff

Event Group Leads

Find out more

Visit the links below to find out more about the Youth, Junior and Senior and Paralympic Talent Programmes.