This year marks a significant anniversary as the European Athletics Future Leaders Programme celebrates 20 years since its launch.
From its beginnings at the Gothenburg 2006 European Athletics Championships, the programme has played a vital role in identifying, supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders within European athletics, creating a lasting legacy that continues to shape the sport today.
Over the past two decades, the Future Leaders Forum has evolved into much more than a one-off event. What began as a biennial gathering alongside the European Athletics Championships has grown into a wider programme that combines education, connection and long-term engagement.
Many former participants now hold influential roles within their national federations, contributing to governance, innovation, communication and development, underlining the programme’s long-term impact.
Legacy of leadership
The 2026 edition, to be held in Birmingham from 12–17 August alongside the European Athletics Championships, embraces the theme “Creating Legacy Through Future Leaders” and a new logo too!
This year’s theme both the programme’s history and its future ambition: equipping young people with the skills, confidence and networks to make a meaningful difference within their federations and communities.
Participants will take part in workshops, expert-led sessions and project-based work, while also experiencing the unique environment of a major championships first-hand.
Crucially, the programme places strong emphasis on legacy. Participants are encouraged not only to learn, but to return home with concrete action plans and ideas tailored to the needs of their member federations.
Federations, in turn, are invited to support these future leaders before, during and after the Forum, helping to integrate them into national structures and decision-making processes.
Nominations open
European Athletics Member Federations are now invited to nominate candidates for the 2026 Future Leaders Forum. Each federation may nominate one participant aged between 20 and 30, with the option to request a second participant of the opposite gender, subject to capacity. Nominations must be submitted by Monday 16 February 2026.
As the Future Leaders Programme enters its third decade, its message is clear: investing in young people is investing in the future of athletics.
By creating opportunities, fostering innovation and building pathways for leadership, European Athletics continues to ensure that the sport’s legacy is shaped by those who will carry it forward.