Support and benefits for clubs and parents registering U11 athletes 

Whilst it is not compulsory for under 11s to register to compete, England Athletics is offering support and benefits to each club who chooses to register under 11s. England Athletics is committed to helping clubs increase the number of volunteers available to support young athletes in getting involved with their club.  

What’s on offer? 

During 2025, England Athletics will continue to help each club grow their coaching volunteers and for every 30 x U11s registered, a free place on a Coaching Assistant course will be provided to the club. The Coaching Assistant course is designed to introduce you to providing safe and enjoyable athletic experiences for young people aged 8+. The course covers warm-ups, the basic principles and underpinning principles of running, jumping, throwing, cool downs, and how to organise safe and fun sessions for a mixed ability group of athletes. 

At the beginning of each month, the number of under 11s registered will be calculated and each club that has met this criterion will be provided with a voucher code to supply to their chosen candidate. They will then be able to enrol and begin their coaching pathway.  

Registered under 11s will receive an electronic pack, as well as an offer for their parents/guardians to attend a Leading Athletics or officials course free of charge which will encourage parents to volunteer at their child’s club.  

The Leading Athletics workshop provides an introduction to the skills needed in delivering athletics activities for young athletes. It’s perfect for athletes wanting to support younger members at their club or parents who want to take their first steps into volunteering and leading. Individuals completing the course will be able to support an Athletics Coach leading elements of a training session. 

England Athletics is committed to supporting clubs and parents who choose to register their U11 athletes and are offering these benefits to clubs that take advantage during athlete registration. With the new club affiliation year now upon us, what better time than now to register your under-11s!