IN THIS ISSUE:
• WSA BOARD
• ELY RANGERS AFC
• TRIATHLON CYMRU'S AMY JENNER
• PORTAL PROMISE HIGHLIGHTS
SPORT EDITION | APRIL 2025
to the latest Sport Edition of Portal
For this issue, we had the pleasure of an open and insightful Q&A with Amy Jenner, Head of Development and Lead Safeguarding Officer at Triathlon Cymru.
Amy shares her personal triathlon journey, her role in developing the sport, and her goals for the year ahead.
Portal's Director of Operations, Clare Jeffries has joined the The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) Board of Directors.
Clare joins the organisation having proudly worked within the education and training sector for over two decades, holding a range of senior leadership positions, including Head of Apprenticeships and Operations Director.
Upon her appointment, Clare commented:
“I’m really excited to join the WSA Board as an NED and I’m committed to helping the organisation achieve their aims. After being involved in supporting a range of organisations within sport and leisure with their professional development needs, I have developed a real
We also shine a spotlight on Ely Rangers AFC, a club with bold ambitions following their triumphant 2023/24 season.
Whether you're considering triathlon, passionate about sport, or simply inspired by the achievements of others, this edition has something for you. So, take a moment, grab a cuppa, and join us as we celebrate the people, clubs, and organisations shaping the sports sector.
passion for the sector and intend to fully embrace this position to continue to help the sector thrive."
WSA CEO, Andrew Howard, added:
“Clare impressed the interview panel with her passion for the sector and her extensive experience working with various organisations across Welsh sport. Her expertise in developing and implementing strategy will be a valuable asset to our team and Board as we work on shaping our new strategic plan over the coming year. I am personally excited to welcome Clare and look forward to working closely with her as we drive the WSA forward.”
In this issue we shine the light on Ely Rangers AFC, a club that's celebrating 60 years since its formation!
The 2023/24 season was one of the club’s most successful in years. The first team clinched the Alliance League Championship and lifted the John W Owen Cup, securing an impressive double victory.
Now, as the 2024/25 season gets underway, the club is embarking on an exciting journey to regain its place in the Welsh Leagues, having dropped out at the end of the 2018/19 season. Ambitious plans are in motion to enhance and develop their home ground at Station Road, Wenvoe, with hopes of introducing a new allseated stand and a 4G pitch.
Success wasn’t just limited to the first team last season - both the Under-16s and Under14s reached the South Wales FA Cup finals. While the Under-14s were narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout, the Under-16s held their nerve to become cup champions.
A major milestone for the club this season is the launch of its first-ever all-girls team at the Under-9 level. This addition brings the club’s total number of players to over 300, spanning from Under-6s all the way up to the first team!
None of this would be possible without the club’s dedicated volunteers - coaches and committee members - who give their time to ensure every player has the opportunity to enjoy the game. Their hard work continues to drive the club forward, making it a fantastic place to play and develop in football.
Here’s to many more years of success!
/ElyRangersfc
The club is always looking to welcome new players, coaches, sponsors and supporters to the club.
If you wanted to get involved with the club whether its playing, coaching or want to have a look at our plans to develop our ground then please get in touch through our website.
elyrangersfc.co.uk
As Head of Development at Welsh Triathlon, Amy is dedicated to making triathlon more accessible and inclusive across Wales.
In this interview, Amy shares her journey from first-time competitor to shaping the future of triathlon, the challenges of increasing participation, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile.
Q. What first drew you to triathlon, and how did you transition from volunteering to competing?
A. The very first event I went to watch was in Llanelli in 2004 and I was in awe of the participants, especially as they had to do three sports in one event. After moving to France in 2005 and starting a family, I worked at a triathlon camp. In 2014, after years of supporting others, I decided to compete myself.
My first triathlon was in Vichy, France, training with four other women while taking turns looking after our children. Crossing the finish line gave me such a sense of achievement that I was hooked and soon progressed to standard and middle-distance events.
Q. What motivated you to take on leadership roles, including setting up your own triathlon club?
A. In 2015 I moved back to South Wales. I was participating in triathlon but I struggled to find people to train with and there wasn’t a local triathlon club. The skills I had developed in my then part-time admin role at Welsh Triathlon gave me the confidence to start my own triathlon club. I identified some other people from a local run club to help – and that’s how Caerphilly Triers was formed in 2017.
Since then, I’ve worked hard to progress in my career, moving into senior management in 2022. I love the challenge and feel proud of my journey so far.
Q. What are your main priorities as Head of Development?
A. At Welsh Triathlon, our vision is to develop a triathlon community that enhances the wellbeing of current and future generations in Wales. My main priorities are increasing inclusive participation and engagement through expanding access to triathlon across Wales. Engaging more individuals in the sport, whether through competing, coaching, or volunteering. There are many ways in which you can be involved in Triathlon.
Q. Tell us more about your work developing triathlon in Wales.
A. Together with my team we are developing and growing membership, clubs, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and events across Wales. This includes supporting the establishment and enhancement of clubs and providing development opportunities for coaches to ensure quality training and support for athletes.
Working with our fantastic event organisers in Wales to provide positive experiences for triathletes. Delivering a schools engagement programme. We continue our work to make triathlon more inclusive and reflective of society, addressing barriers such as cost, access to facilities, and building confidence. Also, as Lead Safeguarding Officer for Welsh Triathlon, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants involved in Triathlon.
Q. What do you find most rewarding about your work?
A. There are so many aspects to my role that I find rewarding, but it has to be helping people of all ages discover triathlon and watching their personal growth and achievements. Triathlon is a lifelong sport; you can start at age 6 and continue right through to your 90s. My hard work is driven by a passion for helping
At Welsh Triathlon, our vision is to develop a triathlon community that enhances the wellbeing of current and future generations in Wales.
Amy Jenner Head of Development and Lead Safeguarding Officer Triathlon Cymru
/TriathlonCymru /welsh-triathlon-limited
individuals develop not just as athletes but as confident and engaged members of the triathlon community.
I still get goosebumps when I’m at the start of an event watching everyone waiting to enter the water, in what may be their first or 21st event. Seeing someone complete their first triathlon is always emotional - I’m often in sunglasses at events because I'm known to shed a tear or two watching our members achieve their goals!
Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges in getting more people involved?
A. Perception is a major barrier. The sport is not always seen as accessible to underrepresented groups. However, at Welsh Triathlon are working hard to change that by supporting beginnerfriendly initiatives, providing affordable equipment schemes, engaging with local groups and schools, and making clubs more inclusive and welcoming.
Q. How would you encourage beginners who might find the sport intimidating to get involved?
A. Triathlon is for everyone - you don’t need to be an elite athlete. Triathlon is about personal achievement. I would always recommend joining a local club (we have 70+ in Wales) it's a
great way to start. Volunteering at events also helps you get familiar with the sport before competing.
Q. Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon?
A. There are always exciting opportunities at Welsh Triathlon. Right now, we’re expanding existing programmes, including a schools resource designed to train teachers to deliver triathlon-themed sessions. This initiative will introduce more children to triathlon in a fun and safe way, inspiring them to get involved and potentially join our junior triathlon clubs.
2025 welcomes the seventh instalment of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series; a collaboration of televised Sprint and Standard triathlon events which showcases Wales as the natural home of Triathlon and multisport.
Tîm Tri Cymru has also returned for 2025 where athletes will be representing Wales at the British Sprint, Standard, Aquathlon, and Duathlon (sprint or standard) Championships. This age group initiative is designed to identify, nurture, and support the most promising triathletes in Wales, with the aim of enhancing their performance on both national and international stages.
Tîm Tri Cymru, Welsh for "Team Tri Wales," is dedicated to excellence in triathlon, providing a structured pathway for athletes to reach their full potential.
With the support of over 70 clubs and 60 events across Wales, we foster safe, welcoming environments where individuals can train, compete, and become part of the triathlon community.
Q. What’s been your most memorable triathlon experience so far?
A. For me it would be founding a triathlon club in my town. Though I’m no longer involved, it’s thriving, and seeing the club kit at events reminds me of the legacy I helped create. I also made the most wonderful lifelong friends along the way.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering their first triathlon?
A. I would say keep it simple and don’t over think it. There are plenty of beginner-friendly events across Wales, and you don’t need the latest gear to participate, just use what you have, or borrow equipment if needed. I borrowed both a bike and a wetsuit for my first event!
Q. What are your personal and professional goals for the year ahead?
A. I recently underwent my fourth round of surgery for endometriosis, a condition that has prevented me from cycling due to the pain. However, I am entering IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea as part of a relay team with my work colleagues. I will still be able to experience the joy and excitement of participating in triathlon events, without having to complete all three disciplines.
Professionally – I am working towards my Level 5 ITEC course – which I’m finding really interesting and I’m very fortunate that I work with such an incredible team who all have their own strengths in developing triathlon in Wales. The course and the people I work with are both helping me develop as a female leader in the sports sector.
Whether you're looking to take part, volunteer, or learn more about Welsh Triathlon’s incredible work, visit welshtriathlon.org and start your journey today!
Back in February, we hosted our Portal Promise event at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.
The event brought together professionals from the Sports, Business, and Charity sectors to explore how culture and wellbeing can empower teams and drive success.
The event was a huge success, with fantastic insights from our guest speakers, Lloyd Ashley and Simon Delve. Lloyd is a former professional rugby player and Director of Living Well With Lloyd Ashley and Simon is CEO of Samten and a leadership consultant. Both speakers emphasised that fostering positive, open, and resilient workplace cultures - where individuals are supported to grow and thrive, is key to achieving long-term success.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet, whilst networking, and engaged in an insightful Q&A session with our speakers. The event sparked some incredibly honest discussions on the power of workplace wellbeing and positive leadership, leaving everyone with plenty to take away.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and, of course, to Lloyd and Simon for their inspiring talks.
Missed our event?
We’re already looking forward to our next event!
If you would like further information on our up and coming Portal Promise events, get in touch: info@portaltraining.co.uk or follow us on eventbrite
We are thrilled to share some recent achievements and feedback from #TeamPortal and beyond
At Portal, we’re not only dedicated to delivering exceptional external training - we’re equally passionate about continuous professional development (CPD) for our own team.
A huge congratulations to Shawn Staples, Business Relations Team Leader, and Chris Brooks, Relations Lead - FE & Bespoke Training, who recently completed their ILM Level 5 Diploma in Principles of Leadership & Management!
Since joining Portal just seven months ago, Chris has been fully committed to his CPD journey. In addition to his ILM qualification, he has also gained his Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (CIMSPA) and Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Practitioner), along with Portal's Quality Manager, Jo Norton - a fantastic achievement!
Well done to you all on these impressive milestones!
This qualification has given me the knowledge to approach challenges with additional confidence... Now I can speak with assurance and feel right in what I'm saying.
ILM Level 4 Diploma in Leadership & Management
Callum Davies Positive Futures Development Officer Newport Live
I feel very accomplished having finished the course. I feel more confident in myself and I am excited to see what the future holds for my team and my department.
David Wyn Morris
ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management
It has given me the motivation to kick on in my career and be a better manager/leader.
Steffan Rhys Howells
ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management I have become more knowledgeable, using different managerial styles within the work place I have also become more dynamic in my approach to work
Ross Wyndham Lewis
ILM Level 4 Leadership & Management
Having demonstrated true excellence, innovation and impact within their field, CIMSPA have recently seen no less than 12 members gain various different chartered statuses.
Becoming a chartered member or fellow signifies a mark of distinction that confirms an individual meets the sector standards with qualifications, experience and expertise that
We are proud to share that our very own Relations Team Leader, Shawn Staples has been accepted as a mentor for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) PAWB Mentoring Programme, 2025!
The six month long programme, launching at the end of April is designed to support and inspire individuals from Black, Asian, MixedHeritage and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who are interested in exploring opportunities within football.
The programme offers additional opportunities for mentees, such as expanding their professional network, acquiring skills in utilising a mentor to strategically plan their career goals, participating in shadowing experiences with
underpin their multiple areas of discipline and outstanding competencies.
We are proud to share that Portal's Director of Operations, Clare Jeffries is one of the 12 new members.
Clare commented: “I am over the moon to have been awarded with Chartered Status and would highly recommend this to leaders that work within the sector or whose work impacts upon it. This will help to prompt professionalism within the sector.”
Find out more: www.cimspa.co.uk
FAW staff, and gaining access to senior leaders from across the game. In addition to a variety of workshops and support on how to overcome existing challenges and barriers.
Shawn will be matched up with the most relevant mentee in line with his sporting and professional experience, shortly before the official programme launch on Wednesday, 30th April.
To find out more about the programme, visit: www.faw.cymru
Diolch/Thank you...
We hope you enjoyed the latest edition of Portal Connect.
If you would like to contribute to the next edition or have a community club, team or event to promote, please get in touch!
CONTACT:
Helen Hallam Marketing, Design and Communications Manager 07711 596558
helen.hallam@portaltraining.co.uk
If you would like further information regarding any of our Sports sector qualifications, please contact:
Shawn Staples Relations Team Leader 07706 330206
shawn.staples@portaltraining.co.uk