Selection Policy now Available for UK School Games

The UK School Games, held on 4th & 5th September 2026, provides a high-performance competition environment for talented young athletes from across the UK and offers a valuable opportunity to compete against the country’s top emerging performers.

Expression of Interest

Athletes must submit an expression of interest to be considered for selection.

The deadline for submissions is 23:59 on Wednesday 1st July 2026.

• Expression of Interest Form

Please note that completing the expression of interest form does not guarantee selection. The form is an important part of the process and ensures Athletics NI has all the required information for athletes who may be selected.

Selection Process

• The selection meeting will take place during the week commencing 13th July 2026.
• A maximum of 22 athletes will be selected for the team.
• A reserve list will also be selected based on the criteria outlined within this document.
• The selected team will be published during the week commencing 13th July 2026.

Selection Criteria

• Conditions for selection must be achieved between 8th May 2026 and 1st July 2026.

• Athletes currently on Athletics NI Talent Programmes will be given priority selection.

The following factors may also be considered during the selection process. Please note that these are not listed in order of priority, and selectors will exercise discretion fairly and without bias:

• Power of 10 Rankings
• Results from Home Country National Schools Finals
• Head-to-head performances within the past 12 months
• Consistency of performance
• Previous National and International Championship history
• Illness/injury status

The full selection policy, including list of events and the criteria, is available on our website, on the link below:

Selection Policy

We look forward to hearing from athletes who are eager to challenge themselves and represent Athletics NI at the UK School Games 2026.