We welcome new team members to Commonwealth Games Wales!

With less than 18 months to go until the hugely anticipated Birmingham Commonwealth Games, preparation is now well underway and our #B2022 team continues to grow.

Through partnership with the University of South Wales and Sport Wales Institute, we have appointed two MSc Sport Psychology students on placement who will work closely with us on our journey to Birmingham. Students will be given the opportunity to work across a variety of sports, whilst also supporting several athletes in Games preparation and competition.

Following interviews, we are pleased to share that Chloe Mundell and Alan McKay have been selected to join Team Wales! The placement will partly fulfil the required hours needed for Chloe and Alan to complete their British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 2 Qualifications, and we are so pleased to have them join us at such an exciting time.

Chloe Mundell

Originally from North Devon, Chloe came to Wales to study Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University and is now completing her MSc in Sport Psychology. From a young age, Chloe has always had a love for all varieties of sport but found her true passion in Volleyball where she currently plays at National League level for Cardiff Volleyball Club. At Birmingham, Chloe is most excited to work closely with Team Wales’ talented athletes and further developing her skills for future career progression.

Alan McKay

Alan graduated with a Psychology degree from his hometown of Dublin before moving to Liverpool’s John Morres University to complete a Master’s in Sport Psychology. Alan settled in Cardiff four years ago to pursue a research position, which later turned into a PhD opportunity for him at the University of South Wales. Alan is also extremely passionate about sport and grew up playing rugby, football, golf, and athletics. He looks forward to working within Team Wales’ multidisciplinary team and working effectively to support aspiring athletes reach their goals ahead of Birmingham 2022.

Chris Jenkins, CEO at Commonwealth Games Wales said:

‘’We are offering more support than ever to sports after such a devastating twelve months for athletes in their preparations ahead of Birmingham. We are confident that both Alan and Chloe will have a positive impact on athletes hoping to be selected for the Games next year and we welcome them to the Team Wales family. It’s also a positive step for our Organisation, working with David Shearer on expanding the services we provide to the sports, especially as we slowly come out of lockdown and athletes continue their preparations. We have just over a year to go, and it’s going to be a very busy but extremely exciting 12 months.’’

David Shearer, Professor in Elite Performance Psychology at University of South Wales said:

“Our strengthened partnership with Commonwealth Games Wales means we are able to offer once in a lifetime opportunity for students like Chloe and Alan, who will play a crucial role as part of Team Wales in the lead up and during the next Games. Both will gain valuable insight into the Games and be offered an exciting and unique experience ahead of completing their British Psychological Society (BPS) Stage 2 Qualifications. It’s great we are fortunate to be able to offer such experiences and I look forward to seeing their progression over the coming months.”

This exciting news follows the recent announcement of Nicola Philips re-appointed as Chef de Mission for the Birmingham 2022. Nicola led Team Wales through Australia’s sunny Gold Coast Games, which to date is Team Wales’ best Games (…yet!)

As things start to slowly return to normal following the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions, we look forward to seeing our athletes safely return to training and our preparation for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games to continue.