As excitement builds for the 2026 European Athletics Championships — the first to be hosted on UK soil — the organising team in Birmingham is making a bold statement: this is not just about sport. It’s about legacy, inclusion, and community.
On a bright morning at the iconic Alexander Stadium, Birmingham 2026 officially launched Beyond — a visionary impact programme designed to ensure that the Championships leave more than memories. It promises a deeper footprint in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, using the global stage of athletics to ignite social change, empower youth, and build sustainable community networks.
At the heart of Beyond are three key pillars:
✔ Community benefit through athletics and running
✔ Environmentally responsible event delivery
✔ Greater accessibility and inclusion for all
These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re already taking form on the ground.
Thanks to a £90,000 joint investment from UK Sport and the London Marathon Foundation, two grassroots organisations — Access Sport and Street Games — are expanding initiatives to get young people active and engaged through community sport.
Chris Moss, Birmingham 2026’s Project Lead for the Integrated Impact Plan, summed up the ambition behind Beyond:
“We’ve built Beyond as a framework to connect partners, amplify great work already happening, and inspire new activity that aligns with our shared goals. The support from UK Sport and the London Marathon Foundation shows what’s possible when we use major events to generate real community benefit.”
Local delivery teams are planning Daily Mile events in schools, boosting inclusivity in junior parkruns, developing apprenticeship and volunteering pathways, and championing sustainable travel to and from events. In short: creating a healthier, more engaged, and better-prepared generation.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, emphasised how this initiative is building on past momentum:
“The Beyond programme builds on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games — not just as the world turns its eyes once more to Alexander Stadium, but in how we listen to community voices and ensure everyone feels welcomed. That feedback shaped this programme, and I look forward to seeing lives changed because of it.”
The Championships are expected to attract more than 250,000 ticket-holders, but organisers are thinking about what happens after the medals are won.
For Royston Hoggarth, Chair of the Birmingham 2026 Stakeholder Board, Beyond is about ensuring the echo of this week-long event resonates for years to come:
“These Championships are much more than a single week of elite athletics. With the right focus and partnerships, we can help build momentum around projects that leave a legacy long after the final medal is won.”
The initiative has drawn widespread support. Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
“Major events have a unique power to inspire change. Beyond is exactly the kind of impact-driven programme we believe in — and our partnership with the London Marathon Foundation shows what’s possible when we put purpose at the heart of performance.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added, “The real win comes after the TV cameras are gone. Beyond gives us a chance to turn excitement into action. It’s about building better health, stronger communities, and genuine opportunity for everyone.”
To ensure transparency and engagement, a series of webinars will be held in September to further discuss the Integrated Impact Plan. These will offer insight into how community feedback shaped the programme — and how others can get involved.
Webinar Dates:
Monday 8th September | 10:00–11:00 AM
Tuesday 9th September | 6:00–7:00 PM
Monday 22nd September | 1:00–2:00 PM
As Birmingham gets ready to host Europe’s top athletes, it is also preparing something far more lasting: a renewed commitment to social good, built on collaboration, accessibility, and hope. That’s the story, Beyond the Championships — and one worth cheering for.
