The Youth Talent Programme (YTP) is the first step on the Talent pathway designed to meet the needs of identified, talented English athletes aged between 16 and 18 years of age and their coaches. The programme focuses on developing a dual career for the athlete through fulfilling their potential within the sport and also in their education and employability.
Aims of the programme
The programme aims to complement club provision and add value to the athlete and coach plan to help develop a broad range of skills, abilities and behaviours needed for senior success. This is delivered through practical training sessions with likeminded athletes in their event group, performance support sessions and workshops. There is also the opportunity for coaches to access additional qualifications, mentoring and support delivered through the England Athletics YTP coaches.
For those athletes in full-time education the YTP will allow the athlete to gain an academic support qualification (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) allowing progression either to further / higher education or to gain employment within a related field. Those athletes not in full-time education will be able to access the YTP content and use skills gained from their training to support their personal development and progression without the qualification.
Applications for the Youth Talent Programme
The selection process is split across four stages:
- Stage 1 – Athlete/Coach application (applications are now closed)
- Stage 2 – Youth Talent Profiling Day or Application Profile Review
- Stage 3 – Selection Panel
- Stage 4 – Induction
Athletes who are not successful through the initial selection process will be offered the opportunity to attend the England Athletics regional programme and there are multiple pathway entry points for athletes to join programmes at a later date.
- Click to download the 2021 Youth Talent Programme guide for athletes, coaches and parents (PDF 1.5MB)
- Click to download the 2021-23 Youth Talent Programme selection policy (PDF 170kB)
- Click for a Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF 150kB)
Youth Talent Programme 2021-23 launch webinar
An overview of the athletics talent pathway and of the athlete and coaching profiling, as well as describing the journey through the Youth Talent Programme for the athlete, personal coach and parents. Plus an outline of the application process and provided attendees with a chance to ask questions.
This is a recording from a live webinar hosted by Nick Ridgeon and Dan Wagner, 12 July 2021
YTP Cohorts
- Click to download the list of 2019-2021 cohorts (PDF 200kB)
- Click to download the list of 2020-2022 invited cohorts (coming soon)
UKA and England Athletics will be keeping up-to-date and ensuring that the restrictions and advice put in place by the UK Government will be abided by to ensure the safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, officials and staff and their families. The selection policy and process will be amended to align with that advice and restrictions – all updates will be published on the UKA and England Athletics websites.