Dina Asher-Smith at the English Schools' Championships (© Mark Shearman)
Plaque name: English Schools’ Athletic Association
Location: Alexander Stadium, Walsall Rd, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2LR, United Kingdom
Plaque awarded: 16/05/2025
Reason: Plaque Category – Competition
The English Schools’ Athletic Association was founded in the Victoria Hotel, London on 16 May 1925.
The English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) was formed to allow school athletes to compete at regional, national and international level.
The ESAA is an entirely volunteer based organisation provides aspiring athletes with a crucial championship platform to compete against the best in their age group across the nation in the disciplines of cross country running, combined events, race walking and track & field athletics.
The English Schools has made athletics more accessible to students from various backgrounds and schools across the country. This inclusivity, alongside the promotion of a healthy, competitive spirit, has helped elevate the importance of athletics as part of the physical education programme in schools. This democratic access to athletics has played a crucial role in uncovering hidden talent and broadening the scope of the sport across the country.