Athletics · National
England Athletics reduces schools championship funding over rule alignment
The federation redirected part of its support after only some age-group conditions were met.
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England Athletics reduced its 2026 funding offer to the English Schools’ Athletics Association after the organisation only partly met conditions linked to new age-group rules. Funds previously intended for the national programme will instead support local schools and youth competitions during the transition.
The schools association agreed to use even-numbered age groups and updated specifications for hurdles, but did not make the same change for throws or combined events. England Athletics said those decisions fell short of conditions attached to a reduced grant offered in November.
The wider rule changes begin on 1 April, while the schools association had planned a later transition. England Athletics argued that consistent rules were particularly important because most school championship competitors were registered club athletes, and said its priority remained young people’s development and experience.
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