Evolving coaching for the future: a new chapter for athletics in England

England Athletics, working with other Home Country Athletics Federations and UK Athletics, has spent the last nine months thoroughly reviewing the coaching pathway and structure across the UK. This comprehensive review, informed by surveys, stakeholder analysis, and literature, marks a significant step forward for athletics coaching.

With over 21,000 licensed coaches and leaders in England, a number that continues to grow, England Athletics remains dedicated to supporting this vital community. With over 450 courses delivered each year, reaching over 4,500 volunteer coaches and leaders, we continue to provide further support through events, conferences, and electronic newsletters. Our highly successful and valued talent programme also directly impacts the personal coaches of hundreds of our top athletes.

However, the review highlighted key areas for improvement. These improvements will take place over a 3–5-year period to allow for investment and resource. Our main goal is to simplify coaching qualifications, enhance coach development, and align with coaches' diverse needs.

A comprehensive approach to coaching development

This ambition is supported by ten key recommendations. We're already reviewing our coaching philosophy and Athlete Development Model and working on Coaching Standards for each role. A position statement on the professionalisation of coaching is also in development.

We're fast-tracking a new and improved Learning Management System (LMS) and digital systems, which will replace the current Athletics Hub, to better support coach learning. Modifications to the Coaching Assistant role are underway to offer clubs greater flexibility, and the Athletics Coach qualification will become the core standard for coaching delivery. An Advanced Coach qualification is also in progress, with a pilot programme for talent coaches planned for autumn/winter 2025.

We're focusing on connecting directly with more coaches, building stronger networks, and improving communication through a new digital coaches’ magazine and an online platform to connect coaches with mentors. The Coach Licensing process will be developed to support and reward learning, and we'll simplify the coaching pathway by aligning CiRF with Athletics Coach while maintaining LiRF.

Looking ahead: implementation and impact

As we enter the implementation phase, some areas will gain momentum quickly, while others will be longer-term priorities due to resource limitations. We'll announce detailed plans in the coming weeks and communicate changes promptly. You'll see minimal disruption as the current education programme will run in parallel with the phased introduction of new developments. Throughout this process, gathering insight and testing concepts will be a core priority to ensure we meet coaches' needs and foster collaboration.

Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, emphasised:

"This action plan gives us focus. We must continue to review and improve our offer and support to coaches across England on a regular basis. We cannot rest in the pursuit of excellence and must leave no stone unturned to ensure that our offer to coaches is high quality and ever evolving to meet the needs of those hard-working volunteers and paid coaches operating in our sport."

"We need to find a way of improving the whole experience for those coming into the coaching system and pathway for the first time but also for those already in the system to continue their learning journey. I am confident that in prioritising these short-term actions, that confidence levels amongst coaches will increase."

"I am also conscious that we must align our qualification structure to a systemic non-qualification-based development offer to coaches. I would like to thank those individuals who have contributed to this work to date – the time now has come to focus on implementation - this is not yet close to being complete, and now we must deliver these actions to positively affect the coaching community and the athletes it serves for years to come."