County grant applications open
England Athletics is delighted to confirm that county associations will receive funding for a 12th consecutive year, as part of the organisation’s commitment to grassroots athletics.
Associations can apply for grants of up to £500 to improve their track and field championships, while England Athletics’ continuing investment programme will also provide grants to a number of leagues, area associations and the English Schools' AA across the coming season.
Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, explains:
"We’re pleased to be able to continue this programme of investment into grassroots athletics, which is central to our strategic objective of enhancing competition experiences for athletes and runners across England."
"We know that our sport faces challenges in terms of attracting and retaining competitors in track and field, and this is one of numerous ways in which we are responding to feedback from the athletics and running community and investing in the areas that matter to them. We are also aware that counties, and other competition providers, will be actively working towards future change with the revised age groups for competition coming into effect from 1 April, 2026, so we are providing information and ongoing support, including this funding, to help competition organisers to prepare."
"Volunteers drive the majority of domestic events in this country and helping them to enhance the athlete experience and provide inclusive and inspiring environments in which people can compete is a crucial part of our commitment to them."
Applications for grants are now open. Grants will be awarded to associations with a progressive and inclusive culture, who are looking to elevate the experience for everyone, especially the athletes at their competition.
Find out more and applyNichola Skedgel, Competition and Partnerships Manager at England Athletics, added:
"This continued funding commitment reflects the importance of County Championships as part of the athlete competition pathway. The opportunity for athletes to compete and succeed at a county track and field championship is hugely prestigious, and the funding grants on offer will ensure that the athlete experience is meaningful and memorable."
This season will be the last in which young athletes compete in the current age group brackets, with the age group changes due to take effect from 1 April, 2026. As this date draws closer, we want to take this opportunity to remind you that full, comprehensive information on how the changes might affect you is available on our website."
More on age group changesAll County Associations affiliated to England Athletics can get full free of charge access to the Roster Athletics system - after the two organisations partnered in 2021 to provide an online entry and results programme.
This means that the grant from England Athletics doesn’t have to be spent on event entry, as Roster can provide this to our partners for free - therefore the £500 funding can go further.