Are you ready to play your part in strengthening your club and the wider Welsh Athletics community? 

Across the nation, clubs are calling for passionate volunteers to step forward and help deliver safe, inclusive, and inspiring training sessions for athletes and runners of every age and ability. Whether your goal is to spark confidence, build community spirit, or help nurture the next Olympian, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Step into coaching and be part of the journey that keeps Welsh Athletics moving forward. 

If you’re looking to support your community, share your enthusiasm, and be part of something bigger, volunteering in athletics is a rewarding way to get involved and help others thrive. 

Becoming an athletics coach will provide you with: 

• a recognised qualification
• courses and workshops to develop your coaching knowledge and skills 
• the principles of what and how to coach other people, confidently and safely 
• appropriate insurance cover through the UKA Coaches and Leaders. 

There are 3 distinct roles and entry points into our Coaching Pathway  

Applicants should select the most appropriate entry point by choosing either 

• Athletix Activator - our recreational athletics programme designed for children aged 4–12 who are new to the sport or wish to take part in a fun, relaxed environment.  

• Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF) our Off-Track qualification  

• Coaching Assistant our On-Track qualification. 

Which is the right option for me? 

Athletix Activator  

Our recreational athletics programme designed for candidates who wish to deliver to children aged 4+ who are new to the sport or wish to take part in a fun, relaxed environment. 

Coaching Assistant 

Ideal for becoming involved in coaching track and field athletics, including endurance events on the track.* 

The Coaching Assistant qualification provides you with an introduction to coaching athletics via a range of run, jump and throwing skills and activities. When you have completed the course and received your Coaching Assistant licence you will be assisting in the delivery of athletics coaching sessions under the supervision of a qualified Coach. For participants under 18 years of age, this will mean ‘direct’ supervision, whereas for 18 years + this will be ‘indirect’ supervision. 

Leadership in Running Fitness 

Ideal for leading groups of recreational or beginner runners, including as part of an affiliated running or athletics club, or as part of a Social Running Group 

The Leadership in Running Fitness course is designed to prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for young people over 12 years of age and adults of any ability, size or shape. This qualification will provide you with insurance to lead a group within the limits of the course content. 

Athlete to Coach 

As an athlete who has competed for their Home Nation or Great Britain & Northern Ireland at Senior Level we would love you to help us inspire the next generation of athletes to fulfil their potential. We have developed a tailored and intensive training programme that allows you to gain an Athletics Coach qualification and build on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your athletics careers. 

• Find out more 

Are there other options? 

Recognition of Prior Learning: 

For anyone with a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge in athletics or other sports this could be the option for you. This allows you to become a licensed HCAF coach and enter the coaching pathway directly at a level that is appropriate for your knowledge and experience. 

• Find out more on the process and next steps 

• Download Recognition of Prior Learning application and self assessment form (PDF 250kB) 

Leading Athletics 

This workshop is ideal for anyone wishing to lead athletic activities in support of a Coaching Assistant or Athletics Coach in an athletics or running club. 

While not a formal qualification, the Leading Athletics workshop is aimed at individuals who are interested in an introduction to the skills needed in leading athletics activities for young athletes. 

*Remember – to have a valid licence you will also need a DBS check. We’ve got an online process in place to make that as simple as possible. Find out more about DBS checks. 

Welsh Athletics Coaches - Thank You!

We’re excited to share this short video as a heartfelt tribute to all our coaches and leaders for their unwavering commitment here in Wales. Featuring real quotes from athletes, it beautifully illustrates the incredible impact you’ve had on their lives.

A huge thank you from everyone at Welsh Athletics for your support in creating this video and for your invaluable contributions both on and off the track!

If you have any questions on the next step in your coaching journey, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Education Team at: coacheducation@welshathletics.org.