For many, 2023 was a great year of athletics. We spoke to a few of our club volunteers, coaches and officials about what was the most inspirational moment of 2023 for them. We are sure this reflects the thoughts of many of our athletics and running family!

As we look towards 2024, we would first like to pause and say huge thank you to everyone in the athletics and running family who make our sport fantastic. Whether you are a coach, volunteer, official, athlete, organiser, committee member, runner or leader, we couldn’t do it without you and thank you for your vital contributions throughout the year.

There is no question that 15-year-old Amelia Griffiths is passionate about athletics and running! So much so that in addition to her own training, she now a qualified funetics Leader and coaches the younger children at her club, Vale of York Athletic Community. Hear from Amelia as she explains what she loves most about being a funetics Leader.

England Athletics is always looking to bring new ideas to the table to enhance the experience of everyone involved in our sport and 2023 has been a particularly creative year.  Take a look at some of the innovative work that has taken place and helped us make huge positive strides forward in all key focus areas of the England Athletics strategy.

Last month two England Athletics Talent Pathway coaches headed to the Kuortane Olympic Training Centre in Finland to attend the 7th edition of the World Javelin Conference. Belgrave’s Tom Dobbing and Banbury’s Felicity Dawes represented England at the conference with their jointly funded by European Athletics and England Athletics.

In May 2021, England Athletics launched a 12-year strategic plan following extensive consultation with multiple stakeholders from across the sport. Putting athletes and runners at the heart, the strategic plan focuses on creating opportunities, enhancing experiences and powering potential. The overarching purpose of the strategic plan is to inspire more athletes and runners of all abilities and backgrounds to fulfil their potential and to have a lifelong love for the sport, with a clear vision for athletics to become a more inclusive sport where everyone belongs and can flourish. Two and a half years on, we are pleased to present a snapshot of progress within our key focus areas.

On behalf of everyone at England Athletics, we wanted to thank you all for everything that you have committed to our great sport during 2023. We also wish you and your close ones a very happy holiday season, and hope you are able to recharge your batteries ahead of an action packed 2024 athletics and running season across England.

Have you heard of the England Athletics Talent Hubs? This Christmas we’re celebrating the fantastic work of the England Athletics family, and today we’re taking a deeper dive into the world of performance athletics and running. Whether you have never heard of the Talent Hubs or want to learn more about how you can benefit from their services, we’re here to explain it all! 

Newquay and Par AC have been working with England Athletics towards achieving the club standards, so the club has good governance and duty of care. Building upon these standards, the club wanted to become a greater club by providing a vibrant environment of their athletes. The collaboration created a project plan to make this a reality.

Last week we were delighted to have two Youth Talent Programme coaches attend and represent England Athletics at the European Discus Conference in Tallinn. Jess Arnison from Leigh Harriers and Mike Martin from Trafford AC were amongst 99 coaches from 29 European countries who came together in Estonia for three days of insightful theoretical and practical sessions led by the very best coaches and deliverers in the field. These included world silver medallist Kristjan Ceh, coach Gerd Kanter, and Olympic Champion Daniel Stahl’s current coach, Staffan Jönnson!