AN ATHLETICS hub is set to open in Castle Vale.
Personal Best Foundation, the official charity of England Athletics, has announced the launch of a free, inclusive athletics provision for children in the area.
The Pioneer Group is set to host this group – one of five announced during the Community Athletics Festival held at Alexander Stadium by StreetGames and Access Sport as the UK Sports Social Impact Partners for the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships through the Beyond Framework – the social impact model designed to create a lasting legacy from the Championships.
The new Community Athletics Hubs will provide free weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes – intentionally designed to give children not only 45–60 minutes of physical activity, but also valuable time to socialise, build friendships and develop trusted relationships with leaders and peers in nurturing environments.
The hubs will be delivered in partnership with carefully selected local community organisations that already have deep-rooted relationships within their communities and a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by local children and families. While all hubs are inclusive and open to all children,
The Castle Vale group will also pilot an additional SEND-focused offer, developed in collaboration with Personal Best Foundation and Access Sport, ensuring children and young people with additional needs can access tailored support to take part in a way that works for them.
Jane Barrett, The Pioneer Group, youth team leader said: “Being part of the Community Athletics Hubs launch is incredibly exciting for the Pioneer Group and our newly trained funetics Activators.
“These hubs will give children and young people, including those who need SEND-specific support – a safe, accessible and inclusive space to be active, build confidence and discover what they can achieve through movement.
“We’re proud to bring this opportunity to Castle Vale, creating a joyful and fun experience of athletics where children can run, jump, throw and smile.’’
Personal Best Foundation and its delivery partners believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of movement, develop confidence and feel part of a safe and supportive community.
The Foundation will fully fund the first year of delivery across all hubs, helping to remove financial barriers and ensuring children can access sessions free of charge from day one.
Beyond the first year, the charity hopes to continue supporting the hubs through on-going training opportunities, workforce development and the creation of a young leaders volunteering initiative designed to help build long-term sustainability within each community.
Alex Haydock-Wilson, Olympian and Personal Best Foundation ambassador, said: ‘’As an athlete, I know first-hand the impact sport can have on a young person’s life. These five new Community Athletics Hubs will give more children and young people across the Birmingham the chance to get active, build confidence and be part of a positive community.
“Athletics brings people together, and every child deserves the opportunity to experience that.’’
