News | 24 October 2024
Cardiff Metropolitan University continues to lead the way in transforming the landscape for women in sport with the ArcHER ‘24 event, the second event as part of the ArcHER programme. The initiative is dedicated to creating an equitable environment for all females to be physically active.
The recent ArcHER event in partnership with the Team Wales Business Club hosted a series of expert panels and sessions that explored critical issues in women’s sports. Among the highlights was a panel discussion featuring leading voices from Dr Emma Ross and Nia Jones, a double Wales international in netball and football, who shared insights into how understanding the female body can drive better performance and health outcomes.
Inspired by the University's 'Archers' sports teams, ArcHER represents a long-term commitment to driving meaningful change in women’s sports through partnerships, events, and educational workshops.
Since it launched in 2023, the ArcHER programme has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and fostering an environment that supports female athletes. The initiative focuses on educating athletes and staff on the unique factors that affect female performance and wellbeing, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.
Eloise Place, a broadcast student at Cardiff Met, shared her thoughts on the event: "It’s incredible to be part of an event that places such a strong emphasis on supporting women and enhancing the understanding of female health in sport. I was surprised by how much I learned, and I hope this will open the eyes of both female and male coaches, as well as other key figures in sports environments. I've gained so much valuable insight, and I’m excited for the upcoming Met Active Girls Night In event this November."
Attendees also participated in sessions focused on male allyship in sports, workplace well-being, and collaborative efforts to break down barriers within women’s sports. These discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector cooperation in creating a supportive and thriving environment for women athletes.
Dr Emma Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at The Well HQ, said: "The team at Cardiff Metropolitan University has really taken on the idea of long-lasting change for women in sport – this is not a one-day event, it’s a ‘forever’ project. This programme will continue to evolve and change how the sporting environment supports women well into the future and we are proud to be involved.”
Laura Williams, Cardiff Met Sport Assistant Director of Physical Activity and Health said: “Over the past 12 months, the ArcHER programme has accomplished a great deal. Our knowledge and understanding of the female body have deepened, allowing us to create a more informed support system for student-athletes. We are proud of the continued support and engagement from our partners, who recognise the valuable contributions we are making to advance female health in higher education and beyond.
