Building the future of coaching: a new era for coach education
There’s plenty happening behind the scenes at England Athletics as we reshape how coaches are recruited, developed and supported across the sport – and it’s all focussed on making it easier to get involved, stay involved and succeed.
A fresh start for new coaches
From September this year we’re introducing a new two-step entry point to coaching, designed to better reflect how people take their first steps into the sport.
The Assistant Coach course (open from age 14+) will provide a practical, accessible introduction, covering key areas like the coaching process, communication and fundamental movement skills – ideal for those supporting in clubs, schools and colleges.
From there, the Sessional Coach role offers the next step. Open to over-18s, it builds on those foundations and equips coaches to deliver structured sessions more independently, with a strong focus on areas like behaviour management, performance basics and risk awareness.
Together these changes will help more people get involved sooner, and with more confidence.
Supporting clubs where it matters
We know capacity is one of the biggest challenges clubs face. This new structure is designed to widen the coaching base, bringing more helping hands into sessions, particularly during busy periods.
For those currently on the pathway, a bridging module will ensure a smooth transition into the new system.
Growing opportunities across the sport
We’re also expanding our offer to reflect the breadth of athletics today.
- A new Fell, Hill, Mountain and Trail running coaching route is being piloted this summer, as an extension of the existing Coach in Running Fitness qualification, with a full launch planned for the autumn.
- A long-awaited Combined Events course is also taking shape, bringing together multi-discipline coaching into one programme.
At the same time, existing Event Group qualifications will be paused from the end of August, with their content evolving into future development resources aligned to modern coaching frameworks.
Flexible learning for Advanced Coach
At the top end of the pathway, our Advanced Coach (Talent) pilot is taking a more flexible, personalised approach – recognising that coaches learn in different ways.
Rather than focussing on time spent in workshops, the emphasis is on reflection, experience and evidence. Early feedback has been really positive, and this model will expand into other areas in future.
A new Learning Hub
All of this will soon be supported by a brand-new Learning Hub, designed to make the coaching experience simpler and more connected than ever.
With a single login, coaches will be able to manage everything in one place:
- Bookings and payments
- Access to learning and resources
- Qualification progress tracking
- Licensing and compliance
- An integrated digital DBS process
- A digital coach licence, accessible in real time
Work to migrate existing data is already underway, ensuring no qualifications or history are lost. Following testing this summer, the Hub is set to launch later in the season.
It’s a big step forward, streamlining the coaching journey and helping coaches track and showcase their development with ease.
Looking ahead
Alongside national developments, regional teams continue to deliver local workshops and learning opportunities, ensuring coaches across the country can access support that works for them.
Together, these changes mark an exciting step forward – creating a coaching pathway that’s more flexible, more inclusive and built around the needs of today’s sport.
For coaches across the country, the direction of travel is clear – and it’s an exciting one!