Data released by England Athletics Official website says the increase in registration fees, the highest it’s been since 2017-18, is down to the 20% increase in insurance costs. This is due to a rise in venue, event delivery and travel costs, all important sources to help support clubs up and down the country.
Chart: Cameron Gillies / Source England Athletics Official website / Created with Word
(Credit: Own chart, data from EA)
(Caption: Individual athlete annual membership with England Athletics showing the jump in price from 2017-2024)
Organisations such as England Athletics Official website did comment on this. Previous feedback from athletes revealed 56% considered the membership of England Athletics ‘good value for money,’ especially when comparing with the registration fees of other sports. However, 21% are neutral to the idea of an increase and 23% are against any increase
According to a press release from 2022, membership fees have had several impacts on England Athletics during the last year, one having enough funds to include 1,400 track & field events, 400 cross-country and 2,200 road races licensed, engaging over 650,000 athletes.
In the same press release Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics, said: “Whilst we are continually exploring ways in which we can reduce costs and make savings, the additional funds generated from the small increase in fees will be reinvested by England Athletics into important areas of work to create positive change where we know there are challenges and further investment is needed.
“The number of competing teenage track and field athletes is in decline whilst volunteer numbers, not just in sport but all walks of life, are lower compared to previous years as people have less disposable time or other competing interests.”
Looking back on the 2021-22 season, it saw 176,000 participates in the sport, a growth of 28,000. A year later, this number has reduced by 2,000.
England Athletics, followed by other home country athletics federations (HCAFs) and (UKA) British Athletics, are working closely to improve its services.
Improvements have seen England Athletics invest £1.2 million in supporting clubs, club leaders and facilities, including 1,460 affiliated clubs and 300 member bodies.
A further investment of £2.7 million aims to help children and young people access the sport in schools and clubs, giving them a chance to develop a pathway from playgrounds to podiums, including better athlete safeguarding, welfare, coaching and officiating.
England Athletics are mindful of the need to listen to their members and clubs, showing evidence where they are spending the affiliation fees to support and develop the sport. As a not-for-profit organisation, they wish for people to trust the decisions and to feel proud to be part of the athletics family.
Chart: Cameron Gillies Source: England Athletics Official website Created with Word
To find out how they are investing back into athletics and running through to 2032 click here - find out in our strategy
If you have any queries, please call 0121 347 6543 or email EnglandAthletics@muckle-llp.com.
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