Why Join an England Athletics – Affiliated Club?

Joining an England Athletics affiliated club opens the door to opportunity, belonging, and progression. Whether you’re taking your first steps on the track, chasing a new personal best, or guiding the next generation of athletes.

At Bradford Airedale AC, we provide structured coaching, a welcoming community, and clear pathways for athletes of all ages. From six years olds discovering sport for the first time to adults returning to fitness or training for competition, our club creates an environment where everyone can improve, belong, and thrive.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Affiliation means our club is recognised nationally by England Athletics. Every registered athlete becomes part of a community of runners, throwers, and jumpers across the country. As an affiliated member of England Athletics, You’ll be eligible for licensed events, county and regional competitions, and your performances will appear in the official Power of 10 rankings.

Joining Bradford Airedale AC means joining the wider England Athletics family, with access to structured coaching, competition opportunities, and development support at every level.

Achieving Your Personal Best

We celebrate progress at every level. Through our PB Awards, athletes are recognised for their hard work and improvements throughout the season,  whether it’s a faster sprint, a longer jump, or simply achieving something new for the first time.

How do the new PB Awards fit into the sport?

The PB Awards are aimed at clubs and community providers supporting athletes from under-13 through to senior age groups.

In addition to the PB Awards, England Athletics will continue our work with the English Schools’ Athletics Association (ESAA) and Sportshall Athletics in promoting their awards to the relevant audience.

Set out below is the full Awards programme offered in athletics and how the awards work together to provide a complete awards pathway for our sport.

Download the PB Awards tables for track events

Download the PB Awards tables for field events

Download the PB Awards tables for Marathon, Race Walking and Steeplechase 

Personal bests aren’t just about times or distances, they’re about confidence, discipline, and the satisfaction of seeing effort pay off. We make sure every athlete, no matter their age or experience, gets the recognition they deserve.

Athlete Pathways

At Bradford Airedale AC, we believe every athlete deserves the chance to grow at their own pace from their first lap to focused event training. Our coaching structure follows the England Athletics development model, creating a clear pathway that supports all ages and abilities.

We set realistic, achievable targets that help athletes stay motivated and thrive. Each stage is designed to match age, confidence, and goals, so every member feels challenged, supported, and proud of their progress.

Fundamentals (Ages 6–9)

Coaches: Ash & Michael
Our youngest members begin in the Fundamentals stage, where sessions focus on fun, movement, and confidence. Athletes develop coordination, balance, and agility through creative games and challenges that spark a lifelong love of sport. It’s all about enjoyment and participation while learning the basics while building friendships.

Development (Ages 9–13)

Coaches: Ash & Michael
At this stage, athletes start to explore specific techniques and build a stronger athletic base. Training introduces sprint drills, throwing and jumping activities, and early event practices. All within a positive, team based setting. The goal is to develop skills while keeping the fun and freedom that make young athletes fall in love with sport.

Foundation (Ages 8–15)

Coach: Chris
The Foundation group bridges learning and performance. Athletes refine technique, explore event options, and start setting measurable goals. Sessions include structured conditioning, discipline specific drills, and healthy competition preparation, helping athletes discover their strengths and stay engaged as they grow.

Event-Specific Training (Ages 13+)

Coach: Ash
Once athletes are ready to specialise, they join our Event-Specific group, focusing on the events they enjoy most, from throws and jumps to endurance or middle distance. Sessions develop advanced technique, build confidence for competition, and teach goal setting for steady improvement.

Sprints Group (Ages 13+)

Coach: Harold
Our dedicated Sprints squad helps athletes sharpen acceleration, technique, and race execution. With focused drills and individual coaching, athletes gain both speed and consistency, preparing them for competition and personal bests.

Each pathway links seamlessly to the next, allowing athletes to move forward naturally as they grow in skill and ambition. Whether the aim is competition, fitness, or fun, our approach ensures every athlete is supported to achieve more each season.

Schools Athletics & Pathways

We work closely with local schools to introduce pupils to athletics through fun, inclusive events. Talented young athletes are invited to join our development squads, providing a structured route into club and county level sport.

Our school outreach ensures that children across Bradford and Calderdale can discover athletics early and find a clear pathway from playground to podium.

British Masters Athletic teams

The BMAF is a Federation of geographically located clubs covering England (as well as the other home nations) with over 5,000 active athletes aged 35 upwards.

The British Masters Athletic Federation, and its operating company BMAF Services Ltd, offer athletes the opportunity to compete in 5-year age bands for the rest of their lives.

Track & field and running championships take place at regional level via their eleven area clubs, nationally via BMAF Services Ltd and internationally via the governing bodies for European and World Masters Athletics.

Find out how you could earn yourself the right to pull on the coveted England Masters vest.