Shaping the future of coaching in England Athletics

England athletics continues to make significant strides in developing a modern, supportive and future-focused coaching system. Across coach education, digital transformation and long-term pathways, recent developments are already having a positive impact - with much more to come in 2026.  

Coaching vision: building on strong foundations 

The launch of Coaching Vision in October was met with an extremely positive response from coaches across the country. Bringing key updates into one place and celebrating great coaching practice has proven particularly valuable. 

Popular features such as high-profile coach interviews and the 'Shout Out' section will continue, with new additions shaped directly by coach feedback. The second edition introduces practical seasonal guidance, including winter training considerations, athlete safety, and competition opportunities, alongside expanded off-track endurance content. We encourage coaches to keep sharing their feedback to help us shape future editions. 

Advanced Coach programme: early success 

The Advanced Coach pilot, launched in late October, is already showing strong results. With flexible routes and personalised support, coaches have welcomed the opportunity to reflect on real-world practice and build meaningful portfolios. 

Peer learning has been a standout feature, supported through regular coach developer engagement. A structured review is now underway to refine the programme ahead of future cohorts, with the next cohort being onboarded aligned to the 2026-2027 talent programme. There are also ambitions to expand into the children and young people pathways in the longer term. 

A major step forward in digital systems 

Improving digital systems was a clear priority identified through the coaching review. In response, England Athletics have partnered with e-Coach to develop a new learning management system set to launch in June 2026. 

The new platform will provide a single, streamlined experience for coaches, including integrated qualifications, licences, DBS checks and course bookings. Behind the scenes, work is also progressing to clean and consolidate data, ensuring a smoother experience for all users. Alongside this, a refreshed regional coach development offer will support local needs while aligning with national priorities; this will be led by Club Support Managers (CSMs) and Regional Councils with input from the England Athletics talent team. 

Clearer, stronger coaching pathways 

Work is also well underway to redesign the coaching qualifications framework, creating a clearer and more supportive journey at every stage.  

• By summer 2026: Coaching Assistant (for those aged 14+) remains an accessible entry point, equipping volunteers and young coaches with essential foundations.  

• By summer 2026: a strengthened Sessional Coach qualification will enable independent delivery of prescribed activity, supported by enhanced practical and theoretical learning. 
• By autumn 2027: Updated coach qualifications will offer elective specialisms across disciplines including speed, endurance, jumps, throws, wheelchair racing and more, with continued focus on para-specific pathways. This will be implemented using a phased approach

A renewed emphasis on coaching philosophy will also help coaches articulate what good coaching looks like for them - encouraging reflective, value-driven practice across the sport. 

Together, these developments represent a major step forward in supporting, valuing and empowering coaches at every level - helping to build a strong, inclusive future for athletics across England.