Cardiff Met Archers Schools Festival Finale

The Cardiff Met Archers Schools Festival Finale provided a fantastic celebration of participation, development and collaboration, bringing together young people from primary schools across South Wales for an unforgettable day of basketball.

Throughout the year, Cardiff Met Archers Performance Programme players have been delivering block coaching sessions within local schools as part of our ongoing partnership with Basketball Wales. These sessions have provided young people with regular opportunities to learn new skills, develop confidence and engage with basketball in a fun and supportive environment.

The third and final coaching block culminated in the Schools Festival Finale, held at the Archers Arena. The event brought together four schools – St Woolos, Pontprennau, Christ The King, and Coed Glas – with nine teams competing throughout the day. In total, more than 90 young people participated in the festival, enjoying a packed programme of games and activities supported by our Archers staff and players.

The festival was a fantastic example of the impact that collaboration can have in growing the game. With the support of Basketball Wales, we have been able to create meaningful basketball experiences for young people, whilst also providing leadership and coaching opportunities for our performance athletes.

A huge thank you goes to Caitlyn Riley for leading the delivery of the project and ensuring the festival ran so smoothly. We would also like to recognise the outstanding support provided by Cami Barone and Holly Stones along with Archers coach and Basketball Wales Partipation and Inclusion Officer Sam Gilbert. Special recognition also to Under-18 players Martha Bailey and Abbi Clifford, who were excellent ambassadors throughout the event. Their support and engagement with participants helped create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.

Most importantly, congratulations to all the pupils, teachers and schools who took part throughout the year. The energy and enthusiasm displayed throughout the day was fantastic to see and highlighted the positive impact basketball can have within our communities.

The Schools Festival Finale was a fitting conclusion to a successful year of school engagement activity and a brilliant example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Basketball Wales and creating even more opportunities for young people to experience and enjoy basketball in the future.