Welsh Athletics' fees to rise

Sunday 31 October 2010

Amongst other decisions made at the Annual General Meeting of Welsh Athletics, held at Llandrindod Wells yesterday, 30th October, was one to increase the registration fees payable by all Welsh athletes to the governing body .

At present, all athletes pay £5 per year, regardless of age but, as from next year, seniors (over 19) will pay £15, Under 20/17 will pay £10 and Under 15/13/11 will pay £7.50.

Chief Executive Matt Newman expects an additional £40,000 to be raised and the whole of the additional income will be spent on the clubs of Wales.

Although these increases appear to be quite large when compared with the £5 currently paid, the fees are still comparatively modest when compared with other sports.

During a sparsely attended meeting (fewer than 20 clubs were represented), the successes of the past year were highlighted; in particular that of the Welsh athletics team at the recent Commonweltha Games to bring home five medals (two from Cardiff members Christian Malcolm and Rhys Williams).

Changes to the board of directors included the appointments of well known coaches Gwyn Williams and Steve Perks along with Mark Allen. Gwyn was an international long jumper and member of Cardiff AAC.

Gwyn Williams

Steve Perks

Former Cardiff President Clive Williams stood down from the board after three years' service.

Many of the club delegates voiced their concerns that relationships between the voluntary and professional sectors of the sport in Wales needed to be improved and Chairman Lynette Harries confirmed that this is a matter that will be looked at by the group that is currently undertaking a wide ranging review of the whole of Welsh Athletics.