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CoachEd Newsletter
September Edition
Celebrating Our New Leaders and Coaches
The last three months have been a busy period for the coach education department, with nine courses delivered across Wales including six LiRF courses, delivered both online and face to face, two Fell courses and a Guide Running Workshop. Together, these opportunities have supported around 100 new Leaders to gain their qualifications, helping to strengthen the coaching community and ensure athletes across Wales have access to great guidance and support as they continue their running journey.
Our Guide Running Workshop in Conwy brought together 15 learners who developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to support visually impaired runners. Through practical learning and hands-on experience, participants explored how they can help create more inclusive and welcoming opportunities within their local running communities, putting our commitment to inclusion into action. Look out for our upcoming GRW in Swansea in September
Meanwhile, our two Fell courses gave 15 Leaders the opportunity to take their skills off the road and into the hills! Learners explored the unique demands of fell running, including terrain-specific techniques such as downhill running, equipping them with the confidence and knowledge to lead safely and effectively across a much wider range of surfaces and environments.
It’s fantastic to see so many people investing in their own development and, in turn, helping us create more opportunities for athletes across Wales.
This September, we’re delighted to see the return of our On Track and Off Track courses across Wales, providing another great opportunity to build on your existing qualifications, develop your coaching knowledge and continue your learning journey.
Have you been thinking about adding to your existing qualifications? If you’re interested in attending one of our upcoming courses, click the link below to see what we have coming up.
Do you have a story, insight, or experience from your coaching journey you’d like to share? If you would like to be part of our next edition. please click the form below to submit your story and inspire the athletics community. We'd love to hear from you!
Behind the Scenes
Over recent months, we have been sharing updates on a number of developments as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening learning, development and support for all our coaches and leaders across Wales. This has included keeping you informed about the changes to the Education Platform, the DBS and compliance processes, a review of the Mandatory Training and the course fee update introduced in August this year. These developments reflect our continued investment in improving our learning offer, support and services.
Together, these changes represent an exciting next step in how we support learning, development and coaching across Welsh Athletics.
A Summer of Athletics
Celebrating our athletes, coaches and support teams
August saw 18 Welsh athletes compete in athletics at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bringing home an impressive five medals across track, field and para-athletics. Olivia Breen claimed gold and silver, Aled Davies and Funmi Oduwaiye secured gold and silver respectively, and Bree Cronin added bronze. The team also achieved personal bests, a Welsh record, a top-six finish, semi-final progression and valuable Games debuts.
For those athletes, the Games provided an opportunity to perform on the international stage, while for many others, the coming months were equally an important period of competition as they continue to compete, pursue selection and work towards their own goals and future opportunities. These performances and continued efforts are a reflection not only of the athletes, but of the coaches and support teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help athletes perform at their best and progress towards their next opportunity. Read the Glasgow highlights here News
After the success in Glasgow, attention quickly turned to Birmingham and the European Athletics Championships. Jeremiah Azu enjoyed an outstanding championships, securing individual silver in the 100m and two relay golds in the men’s 4x100m and mixed 4x100m. The role of coaching was also firmly in the spotlight when Azu brought relay coach Richard Kilty into an interview to discuss the impact coaching has had on the team. Coaches do not always receive the same spotlight as athletes, but the interview provided a great insight into the coach-athlete relationship and the importance of high-quality coaching.
There were plenty of other Welsh highlights in Birmingham, with Natasha Wilson and Clara Evans-Graham contributing to Great Britain’s women’s marathon team gold, while Charlotte Henrich enjoyed a memorable championships with two relay silver medals and a sixth-place finish in the individual 400m after a late call up. For the full rundown of Welsh performances and results, read our European Athletics Championships – full Welsh results and performances.
Medals are only one measure of success at a major championship. Reaching a final, competing at the highest level, returning from injury, gaining international experience or responding positively to adversity are all achievements worth celebrating. The Welsh athletes in Glasgow and Birmingham demonstrated determination, resilience and the ability to perform on a major international stage.
Athlete Voice: The Power of Coaching
The summer has provided some great reminders that behind every athlete’s performance is a coach helping them prepare, adapt, problem-solve and believe in what is possible.
From Jeremiah Azu celebrating his European 100m silver medal with coach Helen James, to Olivia Breen seeking out Aston Moore after her Commonwealth Games silver, these moments highlight the strength of the athlete–coach relationship and the important role coaches play throughout an athlete’s journey.
For Aled Davies, success came after making significant changes during the season and accepting that development can sometimes mean “three steps back to go four forwards.” Charlotte Henrich, meanwhile, spoke about her coach Nigel Stickings and the support he provides when she can be hard on herself. These experiences demonstrate that coaching is about far more than training, it is about understanding the athlete, building confidence and navigating the highs and lows of performance.
Melissa Courtney-Bryant’s return from injury provided another powerful example. Working alongside coach Rob Denmark and physio Adam Rattenberry, her training was adapted through bike, pool and gym work to give her the best possible chance of reaching the start line. It is a great reminder that effective coaching requires flexibility, creativity and a willingness to adapt when circumstances change.
And coaching starts long before the international stage. Through initiatives such as Welsh Athletics’ Schools to Clubs Grassroots Coaching Sessions Grant, coaches are helping create opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the pathway from schools and clubs through to higher levels of performance.
From grassroots to the international stage, coaches are a constant presence in an athlete’s journey, helping athletes develop, overcome challenges, build confidence and ultimately reach their potential.
Support for Coaches
Looking for more support with your coaching? Explore the Resources section of the Athletics Hub, where you’ll find a range of videos and practical resources to support your coaching and help you get the most from your sessions.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL)
Mental health is something we all have, while mental illness refers to specific health conditions that can affect our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. As coaches and leaders, having the confidence to recognise changes in wellbeing and know when and where to signpost someone for further support is an important part of creating a supportive athletics environment.
Research by Warden et al. (2023/24) found that while UK athletics coaches were willing to support athletes experiencing mental health difficulties, many lacked the knowledge and training to do so confidently. This Mental Health Toolkit provides practical information, guidance, signposting and resources to help coaches and leaders recognise concerns, respond appropriately, and connect athletes and colleagues with further support when needed.
Coaches’ Mental Health Toolkit
Mental health challenges within sport is a well researched subject but research into coaches is less common.
Research into the psychological impact of elite coaching revealed that coaches & leaders frequently encounter psychological difficulties stemming from performance pressure, excessive workloads, managing athletes, and external social expectations. These stressors were associated with heightened risk of burnout, diminished psychological wellbeing, reduced coaching effectiveness, and strained coach-athlete relationships. Many of these factors will also apply to nonelite coaches and so it is vital that all coaches know how to look after their own mental health and where to access support when needed.
Awareness of how you are feeling and then knowing where to get help are two key components of looking after your mental health. Talking to your support network (friends, family, members of your running club) is often the most effective strategy but there are other options. Below are some links to useful resources:
Useful Links:
British Athletics Mental Wellbeing In Sport & Physical Activity
Mind Cymru - mental health support for Wales
Welcome to Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales)
Mind Cymru Conversations in the Community
Mental Health & Wellbeing: Dates for Your Diary
Here are some key dates coming up over the next few months. These can be useful prompts for conversations with athletes, teams and fellow coaches around mental health and wellbeing:
- 10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day
A chance to encourage open conversations, look out for one another and highlight sources of support in our sport. - 10 October – World Mental Health Day
A key opportunity to talk about mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and remind people that it's okay to ask for help. - November – Movember / Men's Mental Health
A great opportunity to check in with the men and boys in your clubs or groups and encourage conversations about mental health. - 2–6 November – International Stress Awareness Week
A useful prompt to talk about stress, pressure, rest and maintaining wellbeing. - 13–17 November – Anti-Bullying Week - Break The Silence
Particularly relevant when thinking about team culture, inclusion, respect and creating environments where everyone feels safe within our sport. - 2 - 8 December – National Grief Awareness Week
A timely reminder that Christmas and the winter period can be difficult for people experiencing grief, loneliness or loss. The Welsh Athletics Community can be a lifeline.
You don't need to wait for an awareness day to talk about mental health. A simple “How are you doing, really?” can open the door to a valuable conversation.
If you want to discuss this further then please do email education@welshathletics.org
Raise awareness. Start conversations. Create change.
The DylanwadU Conference from Disability Sport Wales is an opportunity to learn, connect and explore how we can make sport and physical activity more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Find out more and help spread the word: DylanwadU Conference – Disability Sport Wales
#DylanwadU #DisabilitySport #Inclusion #Accessibility #SportForAll #DisabilitySportWales
Your Voice, Your Sport:
2026 Members' Survey is now open and your feedback will help shape the future of Welsh Athletics and athletics in Wales. The survey is anonymous and confidential and takes just a few minutes to complete. Complete the survey here
Be Quick as the survey closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 23rd September 2026. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win one of four £25 Amazon vouchers by entering your URN at the end of the survey. Please share the survey with others in your club and the wider athletics community.
Thank you for your support!
Welsh Athletics and Run Wales Annual Awards Evening ft. Hall of Fame
Welsh Athletics Awards Dinner 2026 Join us on Saturday 24 October at The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff, for an evening celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions to athletics across Wales. Tickets are £55pp or £525 for a table of 10 and include a drinks reception, three-course meal and an exclusive charity raffle supporting Mind. Dress to impress and be part of the celebrations!
Book your tickets here!
Beyond The Track
Dive into the world of Welsh Athletics with our weekly Beyond The Track Podcast, hosted by James Thie and Jenny Nesbitt. From competition previews and event roundups to inspiring athlete stories and interviews with coaches and athletes, the podcast covers all things athletics in Wales and beyond. Hear from stars like Jeremiah Azu and Colin Jackson, alongside insights from leading coaches and performance directors.
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, so tune in for your weekly dose of motivation, insider knowledge, and the passion behind the sport.
Hi'n Ffynnu | She Thrives
BySport Wales / Chwaraeon Cymru
The event will feature expert insights, athlete voices and practical workshops focused on breaking down barriers to participation and performance and giving you actionable takeaways and strategies so that together we can empower females to thrive in sport.
More information can be found here Hi'n Ffynnu 2026 | She Thrives 2026
