England Athletics hold successful pilot event for funetics multi-challenge
England Athletics recently held one of the pilot events for an exciting new competition format, funetics multi-challenge, which aims to encourage more regular, age-appropriate opportunities for primary school aged children to compete in athletics.
More than 130 children participated in the competition, hosted by Athletics Norfolk and held at the University of East Anglia, with 14 clubs and associations represented.
Initial feedback from athletes and parents was that the new format worked well and that there is increasing demand for fun competition from primary aged children, many of whom are already competing regularly in other sports.
Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said:
“It was fantastic to see all of the children who attended our funetics multi-challenge pilot event in Norwich last weekend enjoying the new format and many of their parents highlighting to us how well they felt it worked.
“Our vision is for every young person in the country to be able to develop their fundamental movement skills of running, jumping, and throwing. The introduction of funetics multi-challenge presents an exciting and inclusive opportunity for schools, clubs, county associations, and local providers to make this an integral part of their youth and junior competition programmes - helping to grow participation and inspire the next generation at grassroots level."
Building on the success of Sportshall Athletics indoors, we want more primary aged children to experience an inclusive and accessible start to their competitive journeys, with a focus on enjoyment, being part of a team and individual improvement.
Expanding the funetics programme, which helps 4-11-year-old children across the country develop their fundamental movement skills of running, jumping and throwing, funetics multi-challenge is our new, competition format that allows regular competition in a safe and fun environment.
With the upcoming age group changes, funetics multi-challenge will provide budding athletes, particularly U10s and U12s, the opportunity to start competing and developing their skills.
Further pilot events are being planned and delivered by a number of clubs and associations across the country.
What you need to know:
- The challenge format is reflective of the age of the participants and encourages early engagement with athletics.
- The challenges are scored and managed using Roster.
- funetics multi-challenge won’t be licensed competitions but will be nationally coordinated and endorsed by England Athletics
- funetics multi-challenge is currently being piloted across several clubs and associations in England with the idea of expanding it far and wide in 2026. You can find current pilot clubs and associations here:
- Hampshire Athletics Association
- Athletics Norfolk
- Gateshead Harriers/North East
- Aspire to Greatness
Get in touch
If you’re an athletics club or athletic association looking to lead the way and welcome the next generation of athletes, please do get in touch and find out how you can get involved: trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org.