Alfie’s athletics journey: How funetics and para sport are opening doors for young athletes

Athletics has always been more than just a sport, it’s a gateway to confidence, community, and possibility. For young athletes across the country, inclusive competition and programmes like funetics are breaking down barriers and helping to shape a future where every athlete is celebrated and included. We recently spoke to 11-year-old Alfie Shallcross from Great Yarmouth and District Athletics Club, along with his family and club, about his journey and experiences in the sport.

For Alfie, athletics has become a central part of his life. As a T20/F20 classified para-athlete, Alfie has overcome a range of personal challenges to pursue his goals. Alfie is autistic and experiences sensory processing difficulties, alongside managing complex bowel issues and femoral anteversion, a condition affecting the alignment of his hips and legs. Despite these hurdles, Alfie’s resilience and determination shine through in everything he does. Athletics has had a transformative impact on his life, and the sport has surrounded him with a supportive network of coaches and teammates. Alfie’s mum Rianne tells us:

“Athletics has given Alfie so much more than physical fitness. It’s brought him structure, confidence, meaningful friendships, and a strong sense of identity.”

Alfie's success

This season has been Alfie’s most successful yet. At the National Junior Para Championships in Coventry, he claimed three gold medals in the U12 long jump, 60m, and 100m, and was awarded the Anthony Hughes Memorial Trophy for the most promising U12 athlete. He then stepped up an age group at our England Athletics Age Group Championships in Birmingham, claiming gold in the U15 long jump and bronze in the U15 100m.

His success hasn’t gone unnoticed at his club. Great Yarmouth and District Head Coach, Liam Boylan, adds:

“Alfie has had an outstanding season and has been a real inspiration within our club. Competing as a para-athlete, he has shown huge determination, resilience, and passion for the sport. He never lets his status hold him back or define what he can achieve.”

But Alfie’s achievements go far beyond medals. His parents, Rianne and James, speak proudly of his perseverance, humility, and the way he lifts others around him. Alfie is becoming a natural ambassador for para-athletics.

“His self-belief and confidence have grown so much. He’s not just succeeding physically; he’s inspiring others and embracing who he is. He’s determined to make a difference while chasing his Paralympic dreams. He’s helping to shape the future of para sport.”

The importance of inclusive competition

Rianne and James explain how the support of England Athletics has been a key part of Alfie’s development, particularly through para events.

“Our experience at this year’s England Athletics Junior Para Championships has been incredibly positive and memorable. These events are not only well-organised, but also genuinely inclusive.

“From the moment we arrive, there’s a welcoming atmosphere where Alfie feels seen, valued, and celebrated for his abilities. The attention to detail in accommodating para-athletes, both on and off the track, has been deeply appreciated.

Building confidence through funetics

One initiative that has played a pivotal role in Alfie’s journey is funetics – England Athletics’ programme designed to help children aged 4-11 learn, develop, and practice running, jumping and throwing skills in a fun and inclusive way. Rianne tells us:

“Programmes like funetics are absolutely vital.

“They introduce athletics in a fun, accessible, and engaging way. For children like Alfie, early exposure to sport helps build fundamental movement skills and confidence. It also helps to normalise inclusion and celebrate different abilities from the very start.

“As parents, we strongly believe that initiatives like this can play a key role in helping children discover their potential, stay active, and feel empowered.”

Alfie recently took part in the funetics multi-challenge competition, where U10 and U12s from across the country came together for a friendly, supportive event. Alfie came second in his 75m heat with a new personal best and received a Sportsmanship Award, earning him a funetics t-shirt that he proudly wears.

“It’s exactly the kind of environment that builds confidence and reinforces the values we want young athletes to carry with them.”

Club community

As a family, athletics has brought them all closer together; it’s become a shared experience they’re proud of. Their local club, Great Yarmouth and District Athletics Club, has been a cornerstone of support. Alfie’s mum Rianne now serves on the club’s committee as a Welfare Officer as a way to give back to the sport and community. Rianne tells us:

“We’ve found a real sense of community at Great Yarmouth and District Athletics Club, it honestly feels like an extended family. The support Alfie has received there has been invaluable.”

Alfie’s story is a powerful reminder of what athletics can offer, not just for physical development, but for confidence, connection and purpose. Through inclusive competition and programmes like funetics, young athletes of all abilities are able to find their place in the sport. We can’t wait to see what is next for Alfie!