New dates added for age group changes drop-in sessions

Ahead of the age group changes coming into effect next April, England Athletics is hosting a series of online drop-in sessions over the coming months, to allow those within the sport to get any remaining questions answered, or queries clarified. Two new dates for these sessions have been added in for 9 September 2025 and 8 October 2025.

The latest drop-in session took place on 23 July and was led by Project Co-ordinator Dean Hardman, answering important questions from people involved in the sport, who received clarification on how the changes would affect them and how to best prepare.

One of the key questions discussed related to the point at which the transition to the new age groups will take place. It was confirmed that in England, the new age groups will be introduced on April 1 2026, in line with previous announcements.

This means that the indoor track and field season and the upcoming cross country season will operate under the current rules and age groups. However, competition providers may request to pilot the new age groups as part of the licensing process, while workshops around the transition for coaches of hurdlers and throwers will be held - search our Athletics Hub for 'technical camps'.

The issue of ESAA’s adoption of the new rules and their stated intention not to align with the rest of the sport was also raised, and EA’s position was reaffirmed. ESAA are an independent body and attendees were encouraged to contact them, should they have specific questions about their plans.

Finally, the topic of how the youngest athletes in the sport will access competition was discussed, with the pilots of funetics Multi Challenge and the work of our partners at Sportshall athletics referenced.

The upcoming drop-in sessions will take place between 6pm and 7pm on the evenings of 9 September and 8 October.

Following UK Athletics’ approval of the changes in January 2024, England Athletics and the other Home Country Athletics Federations have worked to ensure that issues ahead of the April 2026 implementation are identified, rectified and understood.

These online sessions are a continuation of that process, and the organisation is encouraging stakeholders to submit their questions in advance where possible, so that full and comprehensive information can be shared during the sessions.

Dean Hardman, Project Co-ordinator, said:

"These drop in sessions are an informal way for parents, coaches, athletes, officials and club representatives to directly ask any questions that they might have about the implementation of the upcoming age group changes or to get clarification on any issues they may have identified.

"There is no set agenda and attendees can dip in and out should they wish to do so. We do encourage the submission of questions in advance, where possible, so that they can be answered effectively, and it's also fine just to listen in. Everyone is welcome."

We invite anyone involved in the sport to attend, and submit the questions which relate to the practicalities that they will face when these changes come into effect on 1 April 2026.

To submit a question in advance, please email (trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org) specifying which session that you are planning to attend.