Age Groups
The age groups for athletics competitions can be confusing and coaches and club officials are often asked how they work, so we hope this summary explains them.
The current athletics ‘competition year’ runs from 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2026.
Within this, the summer competition year runs 1st April 2026 to 30th September 2026 and the winter competition year runs 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026.
Juniors (i.e. under 12/under 14s/under 16/under 18/under 20 athletes) move into their new age groups on the 1st of October every year.
From 1st April 2026, the England Athletics age groups are:
Under 12 boys and girls
School years 5 and 6 curricular year 2025/2026 – for summer track & field season 2026
School years 5 and 6 curricular year 2026/2027 – for winter road running, cross country and indoor track & field season 2026/2027
Under 14 boys and girls
School years 7 and 8 curricular year 2025/2026 – for summer track & field season 2026
School years 7 and 8 curricular year 2026/2027 – for winter road running, cross country and indoor track & field season 2026/2027
Under 16 boys and girls
School years 9 and 10 curricular year 2025/2026 – for summer track & field season 2026
School years 9 and 10 curricular year 2026/2027 – for winter road running, cross country and indoor track & field season 2026/2027
Under 18 men and women
School years 10 and 11 – for summer track & field season 2025
School years 11 and 12 curricular year 2025/2026 – for summer track & field season 2026
School years 11 and 12 curricular year 2026/2027 – for winter road running, cross country and indoor track & field season 2026/2027
Under 20 men and women
School years 13 and older – for summer track & field season 2026
Anyone aged 17, 18 or 19 on 31st August prior to 1st October 2026 – for winter road running, cross country and indoor track & field season 2026/2027.
Seniors
Athletes making the transition from juniors to seniors is a key event in their development and often follows athletes having had a great time training and competing as a junior. Representing your club for the first time as a senior is a proud moment and ahead lies a great future of being an athlete during what is regarded as an athlete’s peak years.
Seniors are men and women who are aged 20 or over as of 31st December 2026.