From 1 April 2026, the age groups in which young athletes compete under UKA rules will change from U13, U15, U17 and U20, as is currently the case, to U14, U16, U18 and U20. These changes are grounded in a desire to support athletes with their progression through the sport, to help grow participant numbers and to retain more young participants in the sport.
Sitting outside of the formal rules of competition, primary school-aged athletes will be encouraged to compete in U10 and U12 age groups in competitions that will utilise multi-event based run, jump, and throw formats, such as funetics multi-challenge.
For guidance on which age group you, your child, or an athlete you coach will be in, following the age group changes being implemented on 1 April 2026, please click here
Top tips for athletes to prepare for age group changes
Top Tips For coaches – England Athletics
Top Tips For officials – England Athletics