Youth Talent Programme
The Youth Talent Programme (YTP) is the first step on the Talent pathway designed to meet the needs of identified, talented English athletes/para athletes aged between 16 and 18 years of age and their coaches.
The programme focuses on developing a dual career for the athlete/para athlete through fulfilling their potential within the sport and also in their education and employability
Video: Reach your potential with the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme. Watch on YouTube.
Aims of the programme
The programme aims to complement club provision and add value to the athlete/para 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 like-minded 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/para 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/para 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 three stages:
- Stage 1: Athlete/Coach application (opens 1 July to 9am 1 September)
- Stage 2: Selection Panel
- Stage 3: Induction
2025 to 2026 YTP Dates
2024 to 2026 cohort
- Sunday 12 October
- Saturday 13 December
- Saturday 21 March
2025 to 2027 Cohort
- Sunday 28 September (evening time TBC). Online Introduction session
- 25/26 October: Two day induction camp
- Sunday 14 December
- Sunday 22 March
Note: Leeds and St. Mary's Talent Hub Activities will take place on all Saturdays of these dates but will attend the two day camp.
Guidance
- Download the YTP guide for athletes, coaches and parents (PDF 1.3MB)
- Download the YTP selection policy (PDF 420kB)
Webinar
In July there will be an introductory webinar on 23 July at 7pm to explain all things Youth Talent Programme. You can register for this below.
Register for webinarAn overview of the Talent Pathway along with an update on the Youth and Junior Talent Programmes, plus an outline of the application process and a chance for attendees to ask questions.
2023/2024 launch video
The webinar is led by Alan Richardson (Head of Talent Programmes) and Tom Boardman, Loughborough College, DiSE Programme Lead/Elite Sport Manager)
- View the accompanying webinar slides (PDF 2MB)
- Watch the webinar on YouTube
Para athletes
We actively encourage applications for the YTP from para athletes who have a national or international para athletics classification and who meet the criteria listed in the selection policy. Para athletes will be integrated into the programme and reasonable adjustments will be made if/where necessary.
If an athlete has a physical, visual or intellectual impairment and believe that they are eligible for a para athletics classification, please get in touch with our National Para Athletics Manager to discuss further: mkendrick@englandathletics.org
Youth Talent Programme Hardship Fund
The Youth Talent Programme Hardship Fund has been set up to remove barriers and support any athletes on the programme facing financial hardship. The fund will financially assist athletes with transport and other costs associated with attending talent camps. Once the programmes have officially started, athletes on to the YTP will have an opportunity to apply across both year one and two. For more information, please contact Alan Richardson on arichardson@englandathletics.org.
Apply here