The continued partnership with Celtic Dragons will see the Cardiff-based netball team continue to use Cardiff Met Sport facilities during an exciting time for the Vitality Netball Super League club, as they look to build on the foundations of last season.
The Dragons will benefit from on-court training in the prestigious Cardiff Met Archers Arena with access to Met Active’s Cyncoed Fitness Centre. Alongside this, they will receive elite support from the Strength and Conditioning team managed by Dai Watts.
Cardiff Met Netball Club is also benefiting from this agreement, where they will be accessing joint training sessions with the Dragons, coach support and education, whilst also enjoying fixtures against both Wales and Dragons pathway teams.
Vicki Sutton, Celtic Dragons CEO said; “We’re delighted to be entering the second year of the agreement with Cardiff Met Sport, in the same year we move to play our matches in a larger home venue.
We’re here to make our mark in the Vitality Superleague, and all of us at Celtic Dragons are hungry to win. With access to the world-class services and facilities at the university, we have a real springboard for future success.”
Cardiff Met University students benefit from the partnership through the award-winning Open Campus programme that provides an array of opportunities, including the chance to support research and consultancy services, provide massage and analysis and offer support during match day events.
Laura Williams, Cardiff Met Sport’s Assistant Director of Sport, Physical Activity and Health said; “We’re very excited for the partnership with Celtic Dragons to continue. We’re always looking at ways to continue to develop Cardiff Met Netball Club and its foundations.
Having the Dragons players training at our facilities is increasing the visibility and profile of elite female athletes, giving our students and junior members the opportunity to work with and train alongside some of the most talented female athletes in the country.”
The second year of the agreement is also giving the chance to engage Dragons players in Cardiff Met Sport’s community work. This includes visits to schools and colleges to build on the vision for Cardiff to be an active city. Cardiff Met Netball Team has several players in the Celtic Dragons junior pathway set-up, and this is set to grow with work like this.
Phillipa Yarranton, Celtic Dragons player and Cardiff Met Uni alumni said; “This season, everyone in the team wants to improve on last year and we’re all really excited to get going.
I loved my time at Cardiff Met and having access to the fantastic facilities whilst studying. To be able to continue to train here will help the whole team so we can continue to build on the last few seasons.”
You can watch Cardiff Met Netball Club’s First Team play their first home game of the season in the Archers Arena against Exeter University on Wednesday, 5 October 2022 at 16:30.
