Background to the Club
Cardiff Met Athletics Club has enjoyed growing successes in recent years and continues to offer great opportunities for Cardiff Met students of all abilities. Past members include Olympic Long Jump Gold Medallist Lynn Davies, and 2011 World Champion David Greene. With around 100 members, the club is very popular and provides an outstanding environment for competition, training and socialising.
The Athletics Club is one of the sports at Cardiff Met that runs a Performance Programme to support the development and progress of students who achieve certain standards in their event. Under the guidance of the Head of Athletics & Performance Advisor, the Performance Programme aims to maximise the number of BUCS medals won each year whilst supporting the wider season aspirations of the athletes. The Performance Programme benefits from additional service provision which includes physiotherapy and soft tisssue treatment, lifestyle and education sessions, training and competition planning support and access to strength and conditioning support.
University Competition Programme - 2024/25
Sat 12th October - Gwent Cross Country League (Pembrey)
Sat 9th November - Gwent Cross Country League (Cardiff)
Sat 30th November - Gwent Cross Country League (Blaise Castle)
Wednesday 4th December - Indoor Dual Meet v University of Birmingham
Sunday 15th December - Cardiff Met Christmas Classic (inc. Welsh 3000m Championships)
Sunday 12th January - Cardiff Met Non Thomas Grand Prix 1 (inc. BMC Grand Prix)
Sunday 26th January - Cardiff Met Non Thomas Grand Prix 2
Saturday 1st February - BUCS XC (venue TBC)
Saturday 8th February - Gwent Cross Country League (Margam Park)
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th February - BUCS Indoor Championships (Sheffield)
Saturday 1st March - Gwent Cross Country League (Brecon TBC)
Saturday 3rd - Monday 5th May - BUCS Outdoor Championships (venue TBC)
Competing for Cardiff Met
Cardiff Met AC attracts international performers from across the country and offers the chance for Cardiff Met Athletes to compete on their doorstep with the Grand Prix Series based in the National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC). With no 1st or 2nd team structure, Cardiff Met AC offers all members the opportunity to travel and compete at all levels of competition (i.e. Birmingham Dual Meet in NIAC), and in doing so, the opportunity to achieve your personal goals. Additionally, if it’s a National level of competition you’re seeking, a selected team of athletes will perform against world class talent on show at the BUCS Championships in February and May
Cardiff Met AC have a strong tradition of success at major university championships (BUCS Championships Indoors and Outdoors), with many of the medallists going on to compete for medals at U23 National and British Championships, as well as progressing to represent thair country at Commonwealth, European and World level.
Training with Cardiff Met Athletics
Cardiff Met Athletics Club does not hold Trials and we have an 'open-door policy', but we recommend athletes wishing to join the club have competed in athletics before they arrive at Cardiff Met. It is strongly recommended that athletes meet with coaches and secure their space in a training group before they join and pay their club membership fees.
Our event specific team of coaches boast international experience and championship medal winning knowledge and expertise from age groups through to Paralympic and Olympic Games atheltes. We are delighted to have such a diverse and high performing group of coaches supporting our athletes.
Cardiff Met AC has an 'all standards welcome' attitude, offering members the opportunity to train with some of the top athletes in Britain, local club athletes, and beginners keen to take up the sport. Athletes can make use of the facilities, and access the ‘athletics-only’ performance gym in NIAC.
Full Membership includes:
- 12-month membership to Athletics facilities (includes Open Athletics & Athletics Performance Gym)
- Access to exclusive daytime training sessions (timings dictatet by academic scheduling in NIAC)
- Eligibility to compete in BUCS Cross Country, Indoors, Outdoors, 10,000m Championships and Combined Events
- Free entry into three Cardiff Met Indoor Grand Prix Competitions
- Free entry into the annual Dual Meet v Birmingham Uni (dependent on event capacity)
- Payment towards our volunteer coaches
- Training t-shirt
- Free entry into the Gwent Cross Country League fixtures
Social life with Cardiff Met Athletics
With the vast majority of athletes meeting and training under the same roof, Cardiff Met athletes create a very sociable and enjoyable atmosphere. New students get the chance to have fun and meet other club members at our social events and group training sessions.
The "Freshers' Welcoming" always proves to be a great night for all involved. Drinking is never forced but, of course, forfeits go to the best/worst fancy dress. Other socials are hosted throughout the year and many athletes go on to make their best university friends through the club and their activities.
Joining Cardiff Met Athletics
Anyone who wants to join the club should simply sign up to AU and Club memberships via the SU website
The club fees are for the 2024/25 academic year. Fees are set by the club and are subject to change the following academic year.
For anymore information please contact our SU Sport team on susport@cardiffmet.ac.uk or 02920 417073. Alternatively, you can contact Head of Athletics, Rhiannon Hawker on: rhawker@cardiffmet.ac.uk