Record numbers for Team Wales with the Youth Engagement Programme

The Youth Engagement Programme, a dynamic initiative that brings elite Commonwealth athletes directly into schools across Wales. As part of this programme, Team Wales inspires and empowers the next generation through interactive sessions and engaging activities. In addition to our sports sessions, the programme extends to delivering presentations, assemblies and Q & A opportunities that delve into important topics such as healthy eating, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), performance and career opportunities in sport. These discussions promote physical well-being and foster understanding. All our sessions can be delivered in English, Welsh and Bilingual. From October 2023 to April 2024, our outreach efforts have resulted in a total of 335 sessions. Through these sessions, we’ve reached out to over 22,000 students.

The school visits span across various locations, from urban centres to rural communities, and each visit is tailored to the school’s theme or topic of interest. Regardless of size or location, each visit is an opportunity to connect with students and share the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Remarkably, more than 50% of the schools/clubs we visited had not received any prior visits from any (NGBs) apart from football. This statistic underscores the significant impact our programme is making in promoting inclusivity within the sporting landscape in Wales.

The athletes represent a wide range of sports and backgrounds, bringing diversity to every visit. From primary schools to colleges, special needs schools and career days, to sport and youth clubs.

Throughout the year Team Wales go on road trips to North Wales, Mid Wales, and West Wales. This allows us to extend our reach and connect with as many youngsters as possible across the country. We have travelled across Wales from Llanelli to Rhyl, Anglesey and Aberystwyth, to Milford Haven and Rhondda Valleys.

The programme is also an opportunity to inspire pupils about potential career paths in sports and higher education. Our headline partner Cardiff Met, offer exceptional sports courses that initiate potential opportunities to work within the sports industry. Students can explore these fantastic opportunities further: Search Search Results (cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Sustainability is a key priority throughout the programme, travelling to schools in an electric car, provided by our partner, Nathaniel Cars. This eco-conscious choice minimises the carbon footprint and emphasises the importance of environmental responsibility to pupils.

In addition to the school and club visits, Team Wales have worked collaboratively with partners to offer unique competitions to benefit schools, such as winning sports equipment and bespoke wall design graphics for schools.

The remaining 2023/2024 academic year is now fully booked, which emphasises the interest and demand for such a programme in schools and clubs across Wales. To book a visit for the new term from September 2024, please visit: https://t.co/rHFW5nSzV4