ArcHER 26 Inspires Change at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Met Sport in partnership with the Team Wales Business Club proudly hosted ArcHER 26 on Wednesday 11 February at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus, bringing together leaders, athletes and changemakers for a powerful conversation on leadership, equality and the future of women’s sport. 

The event focused on amplifying female voices, championing inclusion and reinforcing the shared responsibility to create positive change across sport and society. 

A Panel Driving Real Change 

ArcHER 26 featured an exceptional panel of speakers.

Dr Emma Ross, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of The Well HQ, shared insights into the Well HQ’s selection for UEFA’s Champions Innovate 2026 programme. She spoke about their pioneering work in coach education and female health, highlighting how equipping coaches and support networks to better support girls through puberty is a powerful leadership lever for lasting change in grassroots football. 

Sue Anstiss MBE, author of The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport and host of The Game Changers podcast, reflected on over 30 years of driving progress in women’s and grassroots sport, challenging organisations and individuals alike to turn conversations into action – walking the walk across all parts of the organisation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8DTFw_IeEg

Lucy Horsell, Co-Founder of PEBE, talked about her work in breast health and her mission to position sports bras as essential kit — not optional extras — for women and girls in sport. She shared how Style Of Our Own harnessed collective leadership across women-led businesses to raise the profile of inclusive brands on Regent Street, unlocking visibility, credibility and new opportunities while breaking down barriers around education, inclusion and breast health. 

Professional rugby player and Team Wales board member Ashton Hewitt reinforced the importance of allyship, equality and representation, underlining that progress in women’s sport is strongest when everyone plays a role. 

One of the key messages of the day was clear: change is not solely the responsibility of governing bodies and international federations. Every individual has the power to drive progress in their own environment. 

Sue Anstiss MBE commented. 

“There is a lot that is in your own control in terms of your career and leadership… everybody has the power to drive change.” 

Students at the Heart of the Event 

True to Cardiff Met’s ethos of learning through doing, ArcHER 26 was delivered with the support of students from across multiple departments. 

Students assisted with event check-in and logistics, supported panelists and guests, and helped facilitate activity throughout the day. Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage students provided complimentary treatments for attendees, while others supported PEBE with bra fitting consultations and advice. 

Broadcast students captured interviews and panel discussions, producing content that will continue to amplify the impact of the event beyond the day itself. 

The students who volunteered and supported the event included: 

PEBE Support: 

Phoebe Ryder (BA Hons Graphic Design & Communications) 

Abbie White (MSc Sport Rehabilitation) 

Zambia Initiative Support: 

Molly Lankston (BSc Sport Coaching) 

Neva Hughes (MSc Sport Coaching) 

Alex Burton (MSc Sport Coaching) 

Rhys Michael (BSc Sport Management) 

ArcHER Event Team: 

Annabel Walker (BSc Sport Management) 

Charlotte Chaston (BSc Sport Management) 

Izzie Thomas (BSc Sport Management) 

Sports Massage Team: 

Scarlett Lindsay (BSc SCRAM) 

Ben Lazarevic (BSc SCRAM) 

Millie Johnson (BSc SCRAM) 

Lewis Owen-Williams (BSc SCRAM) 

Team Wales Support: 

Archie Davies (BSc Sport Management) 

Neve Crips (BSc Sport Management) 

Broadcast Team: 

Thomas Daniel Flint (MSc Sport Broadcast) 

Omer Hagomer (MSc Sport Broadcast) 

Srujana Deshmukh (MSc Sport Broadcast) 

Maria Bergues Maldonado (MSc Sport Broadcast) 

Noah Jenkins (BA Hons Graphic Design & Communications)

Their professionalism, enthusiasm and collaboration embodied the spirit of ArcHER 26. 

A Platform for Progress 

ArcHER 26 reinforced Cardiff Met Sport’s commitment to being a platform for inclusive leadership and meaningful dialogue. By combining expert insight, lived experience and student engagement, the event created both inspiration and practical takeaways for those in attendance. 

From female health science to allyship, media representation and product innovation, ArcHER 26 demonstrated that the future of women’s sport is driven not only by high-profile organisations, but by everyday leaders willing to listen, collaborate and act. 

Cardiff Met Sport extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, students and attendees who made ArcHER 26 such a powerful and impactful day 

Laura Williams, Assistant Director Sport Physical Activity and Health 

"ArcHER is a real highlight in our events calendar at Cardiff Met. We were determined that it wouldn’t just be a panel discussion, but an event grounded in practical examples of what we can all do to influence meaningful change. From the powerful insights shared on the panel to the incredible work showcased in the workshops and bra fittings, there were so many tangible takeaways. We all have a role to play, and we’re extremely proud at Cardiff Met to be leading system change for women and girls across our programmes."