England Athletics renew strategic partnership with Sportshall

England Athletics is pleased to announce the renewal of its long-standing strategic partnership with Sportshall Athletics.

Sportshall Athletics emphasises the importance of team competition, fair play and that taking part and trying your hardest is more important than winning.

This renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment from both organisations to champion the vital role that running, jumping and throwing play in supporting the physical and mental health of children and young people across England.

Building on our long-standing and successful collaboration, this alliance will enable a sharper focus on the exchange of best practice, expertise, resources and data. By embracing innovation and creating new competitive opportunities, we aim to ensure that every child and young person, whether in a school, club or community setting, can access and enjoy the many benefits of our sport.

Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said:

“England Athletics is proud to extend its long-standing developmental collaboration with Sportshall Athletics, a partnership that is as important as ever as we work together to ensure that more young people across the nation can experience our great sport through age appropriate multi event, skill based, team athletics competition in schools, clubs, and community settings.

“This renewed commitment highlights the continued shared vision and collective responsibility we feel in engaging and retaining more children and young people in our sport – something that we both consider vitally important in supporting positive physical and mental wellbeing.

“Sportshall serves as a vital competitive entry point for young participants into athletics, offering an accessible introduction in the indoor setting to our sport during the autumn and winter months and paving the way towards outdoor track and field, that is enjoyed during the spring and summer through short format competitions such as the new funetics multi-challenge that EA is currently piloting across the country at this moment in time, with a nationwide roll-out scheduled for 2026 to coincide with the new age groups for competition coming into effect.

“We want more clubs, more schools and community bodies to join us in expanding the opportunities for young people to take part in both Sportshall and funetics multi-challenge as we move towards 2026, particularly at Under 10s and 12s. Together, we will work with relentless intent to positively enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of children and young people and embed athletics as a lifelong,  inclusive, accessible sport for all, regardless of background or ability.”

Tom Bunner, Managing Director of Sportshall Associates, said:

“We’re thrilled that we have been able to form a close partnership with England Athletics. We’re looking forward to working with their team to boost participation and deliver exciting opportunities that get more young people active through athletics.”

Sportshall's mission is as follows:

To partner with schools and communities to deliver inclusive, trusted athletics programmes that enable more children to belong, engage and grow, reaching every school, inspiring every child and celebrating every effort.

In line with this mission, Sportshall's objectives are to:

• Increase participation in athletics among children, helping them lead healthier and more active lives.
• For Sportshall to provide a clear pathway from school-based activities into the wider club structure, supporting long-term engagement in athletics.
• Create inclusive opportunities for every child to belong, grow and thrive within athletics.

Through this partnership, Sportshall can help to achieve these objectives and ultimately reach the goal of every child doing the programme, helping them lead in the future happier and healthier lives, aligning with England Athletics' guiding principles.