Families of athletes on England Athletics’ 2026-28 Youth Talent Programme will receive guidance on supporting performance, wellbeing and development at home.
Working With Parents in Sport has launched a new partnership with England Athletics that will bring parent education to families on the 2026-28 Youth Talent Programme, adding another layer of support for young athletes navigating the demands of elite development. The first live sessions have already taken place at Loughborough University and the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, where parents were introduced to the core ideas behind sports performance parenting and given a customised copy of “Sports Performance Parenting 2.0” to use alongside the programme.
The Youth Talent Programme is England Athletics’ first step on its talent pathway for identified athletes aged 16 to 18, as well as their coaches. The initiative is designed not only to support sporting progress but also to help young people balance performance with education and future employability, while building the wider skills, behaviours and habits associated with senior success. England Athletics says the programme complements club provision through training sessions, performance support and workshops, with coaches also able to access extra qualifications, mentoring and support.
Further parent education is set to follow later in the season, with webinars led by Gordon MacLelland and Sarah Murray before a new series of sessions is introduced in the programme’s second year. MacLelland, chief executive of Working With Parents in Sport, said the partnership reflects a strong respect for England Athletics’ work and the importance of supporting families at a critical stage in a young athlete’s journey. Alan Richardson, head of talent programmes at England Athletics, said the organisation believes the arrangement strengthens what is already a substantial offer for parents and guardians involved in the pathway.
The partnership sits within England Athletics’ broader commitment to helping children and young people of all backgrounds enjoy the sport and develop in a safe environment. For families, the move signals a growing recognition that success in youth sport is shaped not only by coaching and competition, but also by the quality of support athletes receive at home.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
