Local clubs benefit from coaching bursaries linked to Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships

Continuing our ongoing investment in volunteers across the sport, England Athletics have provided three Birmingham clubs with bursaries for coaching courses ahead of this summer’s European Athletics Championships (Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, 10-16 August). 

Birchfield Harriers, Birmingham Running and Triathlon Club (BRAT) and Royal Sutton Coldfield AC will benefit from a total of 19 bursaries - with a collective value in excess of £5000 - with the aim of getting more of their volunteers qualified as Coaching Assistants and Athletics Coaches. 

Cath Muth, Birchfield Harriers, said: 

"The support we have received through the bursaries has meant we have been able to assist two of our coaches in gaining their Coach qualification. These coaches will be able to lead our academy sessions, helping athletes new to the sport develop their skills and ultimately move into coaching groups in the club. 

"In addition to the support for two Coach qualifications we have been able to qualify three people as Coaching Assistants. Adding three new Coaching Assistants, working under the supervision of our current coaches, means we will be able to expand our capacity at a time when we are attracting an increasing number of children and adults into the sport. Our new Coaches will also enable us to increase the numbers in our Academies which will help us increase our overall capacity. The bursaries have been a vital part in enabling to develop coaches and attract new people into coaching" 

Chris Mallender, Head of Workforce, England Athletics, said: 

“Investing in our volunteers can help create a strong and sustainable athletics workforce. Awarding these coaching bursaries to clubs in Birmingham is about developing skilled, confident coaches who can support athletes at every level. 

“With the 2026 European Athletics Championships coming to Birmingham, this funding will help clubs strengthen their workforce, build local capacity and ensure the city is well placed to deliver a lasting legacy from hosting a major international event.” 

Through Birmingham 2026’s impact plan ‘Beyond’, a programme created to inspire positive, lasting change across the region linked to the European Athletics Championships, organisers are creating new opportunities for communities and amplifying existing initiatives that are already making a difference in the West Midlands. 

Chris Moss, the Birmingham 2026 Impact Lead, said:

“Two of the key pillars of the Beyond framework are to provide community benefit through athletics and running, and to improve accessibility and inclusion for all. Through the provision of coaching bursaries and the opportunity to get more volunteers qualified, England Athletics are helping clubs with the demand that will come from people being inspired by the Championships on a local level. That is having a positive impact now but it will also make delivery sustainable in the long-term.”

The Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from 10-16 August. Tickets are on sale now.