English Schools' Athletic Association

The English Schools Championships (formerly known as The All England School's Championships) is a national meeting for under 15, under 17 and under 19 athletes, which has been held since 1925. Athletes compete for the county in which their school is located. Athletes may only compete in one main event and in the relay for their county. From 2000 the upper limit of the senior age group was reduced to athletes under 19 as at 31st August in the year of competition, thus meaning athletes can only compete for two consecutive years in the senior age group. It is widely recognised that the English Schools meet attracts the most competitors of any meeting in Britain and has been dubbed the "Kids Olympics". The vast majority of current elite British athletes have all competed at the English Schools Championships, the meeting is seen as springboard for aspiring athletes.

To gain the right to compete a qualifying standard must be achieved, examples of standards include 6.80m in the under 19 boys long jump and 4:43.00 for the senior girls 1500m. As with all selection criteria, some events (i.e. the sprints and jumps) are more difficult to qualify for due to the large numbers of entrants.

The ESAA also holds a cross country championship, and a combined events joint with race walking championships in addition to the national track and field event. Winners from some events will go through to compete in the SIAB international home countries championships.

Some well known athletes who hold championship best performances include Mark Lewis-Francis (under 15 & under 17 100m), Jamie Quarry (under 15 boys triple jump), Carl Myerscough (under 17 and under 19 shot putt) and Dean Macey (under 19 decathlon).

Funding issues have put the future of the English Schools Championships in doubt, but sponsorship deals which have been put in place have provided security until the Olympics come to London in 2012.

External links

* [http://www.esaa.net/ ESAA official website]