New competition grant criteria announced

As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering an inclusive and sustainable competition pathway, we are pleased to introduce a new funding model designed to better support the evolving needs of affiliated competition and event providers in England, particularly with the upcoming age group changes on 1 April 2026.

By developing and evolving competition, we aim to make athletics more inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for young people. While the sport has a proud and traditional history, its diverse and dynamic nature offers exciting potential to balance heritage with innovative formats, ensuring that athletes not only stay involved but build a lifelong connection with athletics.

New updates to the grants system

The new funding model reflects our strategic priorities around inclusivity, performance development and long-term viability of competitions at all levels. With this in mind, we are ensuring that the resources and grants available are directed to where they can make the greatest difference.

With the system changes, we have taken on feedback from key stakeholders and want to ensure that our funding opportunities and money granted is both transparent, and accessible. From grassroots to elite levels, our focus will remain on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and relevance of competitive experiences for athletes at all stages of their journey.

Who can apply for a grant?

Competition providers who are delivering a key competition within the athlete development pathway are invited to apply for funding support. Eligible providers must be providing a strategic athlete development need by hosting championships, leagues, or open meetings that address critical event specific priorities at the local, regional, or national level. This funding aims to support competitions that play a vital role in athlete progression and contribute to the broader athletics and running development pathway.

Masters event providers are welcome to apply for funding, but must clearly demonstrate alignment with England Athletics’ strategic objectives and show how the event supports the athlete development pathway.

What cannot be funded through these grants?

While we are committed to supporting strategically important competitions, funding will not be available for:

• Events that generate significant profit
• Open meetings without a clear and specific strategic purpose (e.g. targeted event development or qualification opportunities for international teams)
• We welcome applications for brand-new competition formats, even those without a proven track record, as long as someone with the required experience listed is responsible for the overall delivery of the competition
• Non-licensed competitions not sanctioned by England Athletics or UK Athletics.

How much money can be applied for?

Depending on the type and scale of competition being delivered, providers may apply for varying levels of support as outlined in the funding criteria. We encourage applicants to be realistic in their submissions and to be prepared to share financial accounts to demonstrate where funding would have the greatest impact on the delivery and sustainability of their competition.

While we recognise the value of each competition provider’s contribution to the athletics landscape, it is unlikely that all funding requests will be met. Instead, investment should be viewed as an opportunity to enhance existing events, particularly in ways that improve athlete experience through greater inclusiveness, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

Submit an application

Before submitting an application, please review this eligibility and guidance document.

Closing date: 3 November 2025