England Age Group Championships

The England Age Group Championships return to Oldbury Academy, showcasing the nation’s most promising young lifters across the U10, U12, U15, U17, U20, and U23 categories. This event highlights the dedication and progress of England’s next generation of athletes.

Qualification System

Athletes wanting to compete at the England Age Group Championships should read the below document in it's entirety:

England Age Group Championships 2026 - Qualification document

For 2026, British Weight Lifting is introducing a refreshed entry process to ensure a fairer and more performance-driven system.

Round 1 – Performance-Based Invitations

Athletes who meet or exceed 90% of the British Age Group Total Standard or Record within the qualification period (9 January 2025 – 9 January 2026) will receive a direct invitation to compete.

Round 2 – Open Entry Phase

Remaining quota places will then open on a first come, first served basis via the Sport80 portal. All entrants must meet the minimum qualification standards to be eligible.

The structure of the U10 and U12 Championships remains unchanged. These age groups require participation in at least one official competition during the qualification period, but no minimum total is needed.

Key Dates

Competition Schedule

Two competition platforms will be in use throughout the event.

Athlete Eligibility

• All athletes must be current BWL members and domiciled in England.
• Age groups are based on the athlete’s year of birth.
• Each athlete may compete in only one age group.
• Photo ID must be shown at registration and weigh-in.

Qualification Standards

Minimum qualification standards and 90% performance benchmarks for each age group are available in the 2026 Qualification System document.

Venue

Oldbury Academy
Pound Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B68 8NE