From play to purpose: how Athletics 365 shapes athletes and inspires coaches
UK Coaching Week's theme for 2026 is 'purposeful play' and today we recognise the role of Athletics 365 and funetics to introduce athletics to young people in an engaging and fun way. Both programmes include games and activities designed to build and develop skills that form the basis of running, jumping and throwing.
Leamington Athletics Academy (LAA) is one of our affiliated clubs that uses Athletics 365 for their junior training. They have run Athletics 365 for 10 years and have helped to nurture a number of athletes progressing into senior competition.
Andre's progression to the Youth Talent Programme
One such athlete is André Onyekwe, now 18 years old and part of our Youth Talent Programme. He has not only developed into a promising high jumper and long jumper, but he has also inspired his dad David to start his coaching journey with the club as well. We spoke with both André and David about how athletics has shaped their lives and that of their family.
André first joined LAA at six years old and says he loved trying as many events as possible and participating in team games on the track. He now concentrates on the jumps but says he can't decide whether he prefers high jump or long jump!
David's coaching journey
André's father David is working towards his Coaching Assistant at Leamington Athletics Academy. He feels that Athletics 365 is a fantastic coaching tool - as well as helping young athletes build confidence and discover what they enjoy, it also provides a great way to discreetly track progress and development over time. This makes it easier to see how athletes are improving while keeping sessions enjoyable and varied.
David told us:
"I’ve always loved playing different sports with my kids. Over time, though, I found myself doing more than just joining in - I was showing them new skills, challenging them, and encouraging them."
He discovered that coaching his own children made him realise how much he enjoyed supporting them and helping to build up their confidence, not just as a parent but in a more structured way.
"That’s what inspired me to start working towards a coaching assistant qualification, turning those everyday moments into the first steps of something more purposeful."
Supporting both coach and athlete
André has been well-supported during training and competitions by his father and mother, his club and a number of coaches and teachers at Millfield School.
"At Leamington Athletics Academy, I was coached by Megan Clements who dedicated many hours on and off the track and field. Head Coach Rachel Berney was always a positive support there too."
"For the past two years, Christian North has been coaching me in long jump and high jump at Millfield School. He has really helped to develop me and set me up for my next steps going forward onto university."
How the Youth Talent Programme has benefitted them both
The Youth Talent Programme (YTP) is the first step on our talent pathway and allows athletes, parents and personal coaches to work together under the guidance of England Athletics performance coaches. André has benefitted greatly from his selection to the programme.
"Being on the Youth Talent Programme has been really useful for me and my development as an athlete. The coaches work with us carefully to focus on various technical points of the jump that we can take back to our main training programme."
André credits recent improvements in long jump to his coach, who also worked closely with him on the technical points of a high jump run-up and his technique over the bar.
The YTP has also helped David on his coaching journey and ensured he can support his son while also gaining personal development skills.
"Supporting my son on the YTP programme has been a really rewarding experience, allowing me to combine being a parent with developing my coaching skills. I’ve also learned a great deal from the other coaches, picking up new ideas, observing different coaching styles and understanding how to structure sessions more effectively."
"Watching and learning from their experience has played a big part in my own development, helping me grow in confidence as a coaching assistant while also consistently supporting my son’s progress."
Together, André and David’s experiences highlight the power of purposeful play and supportive coaching environments in shaping not only talented athletes but confident individuals. From early enjoyment in Athletics 365 to progression onto the Youth Talent Programme, their journey shows how athletics can bring families closer, inspire lifelong involvement in sport, and create pathways for both personal and athletic development.
England championships photo by Pat Isaacs
Other photos provided by LAA