Story By Athlete - Neva Jansen
The England Athletics Youth Talent Programme has been one of the most valuable opportunities in my athletics journey so far. The England Athletics Youth Talent Programme, often shortened to YTP, is a two-year programme for athletes in Year 12 and Year 13 who want to take their sport seriously and understand what it takes to compete at a higher level.
The YTP is not just about training harder. It focuses on developing the whole athlete. Alongside your own coach, you work with experienced event-specific coaches who help refine technique and highlight areas to focus on for the following season.
What Is the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme?
The England Athletics Youth Talent Programme combines practical training sessions with classroom learning. My base is Loughborough, and the programme begins with one full weekend, followed by six camp days. Most of these visits take place in Year 12 so that athletes can focus more on A-level studies in Year 13. 12 so that athletes can focus more on A-level studies in Year 13.
During the YTP, you receive specialist coaching in your event. As a discus thrower, I have worked with highly experienced coaches who have already helped improve my technique and given both my coach and me clear areas to work on for this season. I also learned how to structure my warm-up properly using RAMP (Raise, Activate, Mobilise, Potentiate), which I had not previously followed consistently.
The Programme also includes gym sessions in high-level facilities. These sessions introduce exercises specific to your event and help you understand why certain movements matter for performance.
How Do You Get Into the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme?
Applications for the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme open each year for athletes entering Year 12. Athletes must be 16 years old to apply. Typically, around 5 athletes per event are selected, though this can vary depending on the applications. In my cohort of discus throwers, there are 7 of us, which shows that selection is not always strictly based on rankings.
Even if you are unsure of your ranking, I would still encourage you to apply for the YTP. It is always worth putting yourself forward.
How the YTP Supports Your Future
The England Athletics Youth Talent Programme offers more than just coaching support; athletes completing the programme earn 64 UCAS points, equivalent to an A*. That can give you a real advantage when applying to university.
Beyond UCAS points, the Programme places you within a recognised talent pathway. Being part of this system increases visibility within England Athletics and can open doors to future opportunities.
Classroom sessions also cover important topics such as dual careers, recovery, performance psychology, and drug testing. These are areas young athletes may not always think about, but they are vital for long-term development.
What You Gain from the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme
The workload within the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme is manageable. After each camp, there are usually three or four assignments. Some are detailed, but the deadlines are reasonable, and staff understand that athletes are balancing schoolwork as well.
The Programme also includes access to specialists such as sports psychologists and sports dietitians. These sessions help identify areas for improvement, whether that is mental preparation for competition or making sure nutrition supports training demands.
Another valuable part of the programme is having a dedicated group leader. My group leader is Taylor Campbell, a Team GB Olympian. He brings a wealth of experience and regularly checks in via one-to-one calls to ensure we are progressing well and staying on track. Having guidance from someone who has competed at the highest level adds another layer of support and motivation.
Overall, the Programme has helped me grow not only as a thrower but as a more informed and confident athlete. If the programme sparks your interest, I encourage you to apply. It could be a step that shapes your future in athletics.
