Youth Talent Programme
The Youth Talent Programme (YTP) is the first step on the Talent pathway designed to meet the needs of identified, talented English athletes/para athletes aged between 16 and 18 years of age and their coaches.
The programme focuses on developing a dual career for the athlete/para athlete through fulfilling their potential within the sport and also in their education and employability.
Video: Reach your potential with the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme. Watch on YouTube.
Aims of the programme
The programme aims to complement club provision and add value to the athlete/para athlete and coach plan to help develop a broad range of skills, abilities and behaviours needed for senior success. This is delivered through practical training sessions with like-minded athletes in their event group, performance support sessions and workshops. There is also the opportunity for coaches to access additional qualifications, mentoring and support delivered through the England Athletics YTP coaches.
- Download the YTP coaching offer (PDF 317kB)
For those athletes in full-time education the YTP will allow the athlete/para athlete to gain an academic support qualification (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) allowing progression either to further / higher education or to gain employment within a related field. Those athletes/para athletes not in full-time education will be able to access the YTP content and use skills gained from their training to support their personal development and progression without the qualification.
Applications for the Youth Talent Programme
The selection process is split across three stages:
- Stage 1 – Athlete/Coach application (currently closed)
- Stage 2 – Selection Panel
- Stage 3 – Induction
Guidance
- Download the YTP guide for athletes, coaches and parents (PDF 1.5MB)
- Download the YTP selection policy (PDF 164kB)
- Download the Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF 77kB)
2023-2024 Launch video
An overview of the Talent Pathway along with an update on the Youth and Junior Talent Programmes, plus an outline of the application process and a chance for attendees to ask questions.
The webinar is led by Alan Richardson (Talent Pathway Manager) and Tom Boardman, Loughborough College, DiSE Programme Lead/ Elite Sport Manager)
- View the accompanying webinar slides (PDF 1.1MB)
- Watch the webinar on YouTube
Para athletes
We actively encourage applications for the YTP from para athletes who have a national or international para athletics classification and who meet the criteria listed in the selection policy. Para athletes will be integrated into the programme and reasonable adjustments will be made if/where necessary.
If an athlete has a physical, visual or intellectual impairment and believe that they are eligible for a para athletics classification, please get in touch with our National Para Athletics Manager to discuss further: mkendrick@englandathletics.org