News

28/10/2026 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /

Welsh Athletics is delighted to announce a new partnership with Disability Sport Wales that will see the insport Club Ribbon become part of the Welsh Athletics Club Standards framework. 

This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring athletics and running clubs across Wales are welcoming, accessible and inclusive environments for all. While many clubs are already doing fantastic work to support inclusion, we recognise that there is an opportunity to provide clearer guidance, greater support and a more consistent approach across the sport. 

By embedding the Ribbon standard within our Club Standards framework, we can reduce duplication, simplify processes for clubs and provide a clear route for continued development. To ensure clubs are fully supported through the process, Welsh Athletics will work closely with clubs to provide guidance, resources, relevant webinars and a case officer to support. 

Chris Anthony, Head of Development said "This partnership gives us the chance to celebrate and showcase the welcoming environments that so many of our clubs already provide. By bringing the insport Club Ribbon into our Club Standards framework, we’re also opening up a clear pathway for future development. Clubs such as Newport Harriers and Menai Track and Field are already progressing on the journey from ribbon to gold, and we want to make it easier for many more clubs across Wales to follow in their footsteps."

As part of the updated Club Standards process, affiliated clubs will be asked to: 

• Appoint an Inclusion and Diversity Champion within their club committee
• Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice and welcoming environments 
• Ensure they continue to regularly update the myAthletics portal and club policy in line with the existing club standards

Further guidance, timelines and support will be shared with clubs in February 2027 in preparation for implementation in April 2027. In February 2027, we will also provide more information on the new Inclusion and Diversity Champion role, including its purpose, responsibilities and how it can help clubs to strengthen their approach to inclusion.