US performance sport visit offers fresh insight for Cardiff Met pathway development

Cardiff Met’s Head of Performance Services, Michael Peacock, has gained valuable insight from leading sport organisations across the UK and United States after being selected for a specialist athlete development conference and international learning visit.

Since January 2025, Michael has been part of the Talent Pathway: Leading Cultures Programme, organised by Sport England and TASS Learning, the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. The programme brought together a specially selected group of pathway and performance sport leaders from across the university and sporting system.

Participants included representatives from organisations such as the University of Bath, University of Nottingham, British Rowing, the LTA, RFU and other leading bodies, with the programme led by David Faulkner, former FA Head of Performance.

Following his involvement in the programme, Michael was shortlisted for an international visit to North Carolina, supported by TASS Learning, to attend the 8th Annual PAADS Athlete Development Research Symposium and the 20th Athlete Development Summit.

The UK travelling group included staff from the Home Nations Sports Institutes across Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, alongside leaders from organisations including F1 Academy, the Royal Yachting Association, Paddle UK, Pentathlon GB and the RFU.

Hosted at the NASCAR Research and Development Centre in Charlotte, the three-day summit explored a wide range of themes around holistic athlete development. Sessions covered athlete transitions, trauma-informed approaches, mental health influences on performance, financial identity and management, online abuse, the evolution of Name, Image and Likeness in US college sport, and the use of AI tools to support young athletes with education and career planning.

The Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists brings together sports leaders and organisations committed to supporting athletes beyond performance alone, with international partners including major organisations from across American and global sport.

As part of the summit, delegates heard from academics, practitioners and former athletes, including speakers connected to the Premier League, WSL, University of Florida, Kennesaw State and North Carolina University. Former athletes also shared their own experiences of transitioning into new careers and the support that helped them through that process.

The visit also included a series of behind-the-scenes learning experiences designed to give the UK group a deeper understanding of sporting culture and athlete support in the United States.

At NASCAR’s Research and Development Centre, the group gained insight into the technology, operations and detail required to support safety and rule adherence across the sport. They also saw the race day media operation, including the central media centre which houses presenters, production teams and race officials.

The group also visited the Carolina Panthers, where they met with the Player Affairs team to learn more about their work supporting rookie transitions, financial education, family support and relocation.

Further visits included exclusive tours of Hendrick Motorsports’ facilities and Heritage Centre, as well as Trackhouse Racing, where the group observed pit crew athletes and coaches training to improve pit stop speed and skill.

The programme concluded with a visit to the US Olympic Performance Centre at the University of North Carolina campus in Charlotte, where the group met with members of the USA Field Hockey coaching team.

This included Allan Law, former GB coach and now USA men’s head coach, Maddie Hinch, former GB goalkeeper and now USA women’s head coach, and Brendan Creed OLY, now men’s assistant coach. The group discussed player-to-coach transitions, the move from the UK to the USA, cultural differences, system comparisons, current challenges and the build-up towards LA 2028.

Reflecting on the experience, Michael said the trip had provided a wide range of learning points that could help shape future athlete support at Cardiff Met.

“There were lots of things to be taken from each talk and environment,” said Michael.

“I look forward to considering the implementation of these over the coming months and years to benefit all that touch the Cardiff Met sporting pathway.”

The opportunity further strengthens Cardiff Met’s commitment to supporting athletes throughout their journey, both in performance and in their wider personal development.