UK wide review of Track and Field – and our own changes

Friday 5th December 2025

Competition changes for Young Athletes: What you need to know – Scottish Athletics

Entries into scottishathletics Track and Field championships continue to be strong with entries in all age groups combined showing an upward trend.

However, U14 and U16 age groups (formerly U13 and U15) are decreasing with a widening gap between a larger female entry compared to males of the same age.

U18 (U17 previously) and U20 entries are on the rise but will inevitably be impacted in the near future due to a lack of athletes coming through in the younger age groups, with entries at Senior and Masters level stable.

With similar trends across the UK, we have been working with the Home Country Athletics Federations and an independent group of leading experts in sport – guided by Steve Cram – to discuss the future of track and field in the UK.

The research

To inform the work of the independent Vision Group, research was conducted with 13-19 year olds across the UK, the results of which can be viewed at the following links:

To find out about qualitative research

To find out about quantitive research

The research involved young people participating in the sport, lapsed participants, and some who have never participated in track and field.

The Vision Group

The independent Vision Group, established this year, is co-chaired by former World Champion Steve Cram and World and Olympic medallist Steve Smith, and also includes the expertise of Christine Ohuruogu, Tammy Oshinowo, Louise Gear, Nick Pearson, Abi Ekoku, Gary Laybourne and TJ Ossei.

Their collective insight has shaped a vision that is both ambitious and grounded in real-world experience.

The group’s purpose was:

To start to develop a vision for the future of track and field competition in the UK that excites, engages, develops and retains young people in the sport.
To utilise previous and recent research alongside group members’ experience and knowledge, to set out the key principles behind an informed and ambitious vision for the future of track and field competition in the UK.
To consider the impact of the findings on competition, focusing on athlete experience, formats of competition and its underlying structure.
Provide a series of recommendations that require implementation to deliver on that vision for competition.

The guiding principles

The group have outlined six principles, which underpin the vision, to be adopted to guide delivery, design, partner collaboration and communication.

Inclusive and Accessible for All
Wellbeing and Personal Growth First
Flexible and Responsive Formats
Social Connection and Belonging
Youth Voice and Ownership
One Team: Joined-Up Delivery

Click here to view the full Vision document

The Implementation

Competition changes for Young Athletes: What you need to know – Scottish Athletics

As recently announced, changes will be made to key track & field competitions in Scotland in 2026 for the new U12, U14 and U16 age groups.

These updates adopt a number of the principles outlined above and aim to make events more fun, fair and focused on long-term development, helping young athletes to enjoy the sport while building skills for the future.

scottishathletics will continue to work with the Track and Field Commission, athletes, coaches, officials and clubs to continue evolving the delivery of track and field in Scotland, utilising the research and vision outlined above, and ensuring the views of young people are central to the process.

4J Awards Dinner Guest of Honour Christine Ohuruogu has been part of the review panel (photo by Bobby Gavin)

How can you support?

Review the research, consider the work of the Vision Group and discuss how this can inform the future of track and field in Scotland.

Over the next 12 months further opportunities will be given to feedback on the changes for 2026 and inform the continued development of track and field in Scotland.

If you would like to join the conversation or have any specific examples of good practice or other ideas to support the implementation of competition changes please contact Alasdhair Love (Head of Competitions) at

alasdhair.love@scottishathletics.org.uk

Our thanks go to Steve Cram, Steve Smith and everyone else who has supported this work