NEWS

Ready, Set, Sportshall! All You Need to Know About Sportshall Athletics 2026

The countdown is on! In just under two weeks, schools from across the Liverpool City Region will come together for one of the most high-energy fixtures in our calendar: the Sportshall Athletics County Finals.

The event is all about celebrating the speed, energy, and determination of our region’s young people. 

Find out all you need to know and get ready to witness the incredible talent coming from our local schools. 

What is Sportshall Athletics?

Sportshall Athletics is the largest school sports programme in the UK, providing an indoor version of track and field that keeps the action fast-paced and inclusive. Unlike traditional athletics, Sportshall focuses on team-based competition in a compact, indoor environment.

The event is a cornerstone of the School Games initiative, which is funded by Sport England and delivered by Merseyside Sports Partnership (MSP) alongside local School Games Organisers. 

It is designed to be accessible to everyone, ensuring that students from Years 3 to 13 – regardless of their starting point – have a chance to get active together.

Why It Matters: Building Skills for Life

Beyond the movement and medals, Sportshall Athletics plays a vital role in our mission to get young people moving for life. 

Taking part in these finals helps students:

• Develop Core Skills: Participants build agility, balance, and coordination through a variety of track and field events.
• Foster Inclusivity: With dedicated sessions for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) pupils, the event ensures that sport is a space for everyone.
• Create Lasting Memories: The team-first format encourages students to support one another, building confidence and social bonds that help to shape positive experiences of sport and physical activity.
• Bridge the Activity Gap: Events like these are crucial for tackling inequalities and encouraging groups who may feel less represented in traditional sports to find joy in movement.

The Schedule

The action is split across two days this March. Here is when you can catch the excitement:

• Tuesday 17th March: Secondary Finals (Girls and Boys). 

• Wednesday 18th March: Primary and SEND Finals. 

Get Involved

We are looking forward to welcoming schools from Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral to compete for the county title. To all the teachers, coaches, and young athletes currently putting in the practice: we can’t wait to see you there!

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates and highlights as we get closer to the day.

Does your school have questions about the upcoming finals? 

Drop us a DM or contact our School Games delivery team today for the latest rules, packs, and information.