funetics Multi Challenge becomes the official School Games athletics format for primary school children

England Athletics is delighted to announce that funetics Multi Challenge (fMC) has been adopted as the official summer athletics format within the Youth Sport Trust School Games offer for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.

A new era for primary school athletics

This exciting development means that School Games Organisers (SGOs) across the country will now have access to fMC as the recognised summer athletics competition format, sitting alongside Sportshall Athletics, which continues as the established indoor athletics offer.

Designed specifically for children aged 7–11, fMC combines running, jumping and throwing activities in a fun, inclusive and engaging format that rewards both performance and personal improvement. The format has been developed to ensure that every child can experience meaningful competition, regardless of their starting ability level.

Creating stronger pathways into club athletics

The introduction of fMC into the School Games programme represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the connection between schools and athletics clubs.

For the first time, thousands of children across England will be experiencing the same competition format through their schools that is already available through athletics clubs. This creates a more recognisable and consistent journey from school sport into community athletics, helping young people transition more confidently into club environments.

By using a common format across both settings, children will become familiar with key athletics skills, events and competition experiences before they take their next steps into club membership.

A call to athletics clubs

With fMC now forming part of the national School Games offer, England Athletics is encouraging clubs to seize the opportunity and become involved.

Clubs can support local delivery by:

• Hosting fMC competitions and festivals.
• Working with SGOs and local schools.
• Providing volunteers, leaders and officials.
• Creating clear signposting opportunities into club activity.
• Using fMC as an engaging competition offer for U10 and U12 athletes.

This is a unique opportunity to showcase athletics within local communities and welcome a new generation of young people into clubs through a familiar and accessible competition experience.

Inclusive, flexible and fun

One of the strengths of fMC is its flexibility. The format can be delivered as:

• School competitions.
• School Games festivals.
• Intra-club competitions.
• Inter-club events.
• Community participation events.

With a focus on participation, achievement and personal bests, fMC supports the School Games vision of providing positive and meaningful competitive experiences for every child.

Get involved

England Athletics looks forward to working with SGOs, Active Partnerships, schools and clubs to bring fMC to even more young people across the country.

Now is the perfect time for clubs to embrace the format, develop local partnerships and position themselves as the natural next step for children inspired by athletics through the School Games programme.

Together, we can create a stronger, more connected athletics pathway for every Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupil, from their first school competition to lifelong involvement in our sport.