News

25/03/2026 00:00, In Blog /

Welsh Athletics continues to strengthen its commitment to coach education, with a growing focus on practical, real-world learning that supports coaches at every stage of their journey. Recent developments have prioritised opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and the connection between theory and day-to-day coaching practice. This approach is already having a measurable impact, with coaching courses seeing significant year-on-year growth, including a 40% increase in Coaching Assistants attending courses, a rise of almost 6% in Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) and Fell, and an impressive 34% increase in CIRF course uptake.

A key highlight has been the involvement of Welsh coaches in the UK-wide Advanced Coach pilot programme, offering a personalised development experience through mentoring, reflection, and portfolio building. Early feedback has been extremely positive, particularly around the depth of learning and peer collaboration, while also ensuring the Welsh coaching voice helps shape the future of the programme.

Alongside these developments, Welsh Athletics is focused on building a connected and supportive coaching community, where coaches can share insight, learn from one another, and feel part of a wider network. Central to this is the launch of our new Coaches Quarterly magazine, which will act as a key anchor for collaboration and community growth, keeping coaches informed, inspired, and connected. The magazine will be provided to all licensed coaches, giving everyone access to the latest insights, best practice, and stories shaping coaching across Wales. Our coaching focus spans the full pathway, from grassroots delivery from the launch of our new Athletics Activators course, right through to coaches progressing within the Advanced Coach Award programme, ensuring a clear, inclusive, and supportive journey for coaches at every stage of development across Wales.

For our full listing of upcoming coaching courses, please click here.