On your marks, get set, go! Introducing funetics multi-challenge

England Athletics is launching an exciting new competition format to encourage more regular, age-appropriate opportunities for primary school aged children to compete in athletics. With pilot competitions being planned and delivered by a number of clubs and associations across the country, clubs and athletics associations can still be part of the pilot phase. 

Building on the success of Sportshall Athletics indoors, we want more primary aged children to experience an inclusive and accessible start to their competitive journeys, with a focus on enjoyment, being part of a team and individual improvement. 

Expanding the funetics programme, which helps 4-11-year-old children across the country develop their fundamental movement skills of running, jumping and throwing, funetics multi-challenge is our new, competition format that allows regular competition in a safe and fun environment.   

With the upcoming age group changes funetics multi-challenge will provide budding athletes, particularly U10s and U12s, the opportunity to start competing and developing their skills.    

Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said:

“Our vision is for every primary school-aged child in the country to be able to develop their fundamental movement skills of running, jumping, and throwing. The introduction of funetics multi-challenge presents an exciting and inclusive opportunity for clubs, county associations, and local providers to make this an integral part of their youth and junior competition programmes -helping to grow participation and inspire the next generation at grassroots level. 

“As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s also a great reminder that being active, feeling part of this incredible sport, and having fun with friends can make a huge difference to a young person’s wellbeing. We are proud to see our funetics programme expand and look forward to seeing it grow across the country.” 

What you need to know:

• The challenge format is reflective of the age of the participants and encourages early engagement with athletics.  
• The weekly challenges are scored and managed using Roster. 
• funetics multi-challenge won’t be licensed competitions but will be nationally coordinated and endorsed by England Athletics 
• funetics multi-challenge is currently being piloted across several clubs and associations in England with the idea of expanding it far and wide in 2026. You can find current (we can list out current pilot clubs and associations) here: 
  • Hampshire Athletics Association 
  • Athletics Norfolk 
  • Swindon Harriers 
  • Reading AC 
  • Gateshead Harriers/North East 

Katarina Johnson-Thompson, funetics ambassador and World Athletics Heptathlon Champion, Katarina Johnson-Thompson says: 

“funetics is a fantastic opportunity for more young children to access running, jumping and throwing at an early age and in a way that is fun, safe, nurturing and accessible all year round. I am proud to be an ambassador of funetics and supporting children to get more active.” 

Get in touch

If you’re an athletics club or athletic association looking to lead the way and welcome the next generation of athletes, please do get in touch and find out how you can get involved: trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org.