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Cardiff Met is one of the top university tennis programmes in the UK, recognised by Tennis Wales as the 2024 & 2025 University of the Year.

As a student-athlete at Cardiff Met, you will have access to four indoor acrylic courts, industry-leading coaching, expert performance services within a high-performance environment, and opportunities for players from beginner to elite level. In partnership with Tennis Wales, Cardiff Met delivers the Welsh National Performance Training Programme, providing a clear pathway for performance tennis in Wales.

Club membership includes court access, structured training sessions, and opportunities to compete in BUCS and recreational events throughout the year.

The club also offers a vibrant social programme, led by experienced and friendly coaches, for those who are new or returning to the sport. We ensure tennis at Cardiff Met is inclusive, competitive, and built around player development at every level.

Staff

Our Tennis Programme is led by Head of Tennis, Billy Barclay, and supported by University Tennis Coordinator, Will Sherlock.

Josh Wilkinson, our Community Head Coach, leads on the delivery of the Junior and Community Programme.

Callum Findlay, our National Performance Head Coach, works in partnership with Tennis Wales to lead our student performance and 14+ National Junior Performance Programme.

In addition, we work with a number of talented and passionate coaches and performance service staff who support our students throughout their time at Cardiff Met. The staff team also works alongside the student club committee to ensure all players have access to coaching and competition opportunities.

  • Billy Barclay – Head of Tennis
  • Will Sherlock – University Tennis Coordinator
  • Josh Wilkinson – Community Head Coach
  • Callum Findlay – National Performance Head Coach

Performance Programme

Cardiff Met is the proud host of the Welsh University and 14+ National Performance Programme. Delivered in partnership with Tennis Wales, our performance athletes benefit from both a university and a national governing body working together. Our aim is to create pathways and opportunities to develop internationally relevant tennis players.

On court

Performance athletes at Cardiff Met follow an integrated programme, allowing top athletes to access up to 18+ hours of weekly training. All sessions are delivered by our National Head Coach at our indoor tennis venue. Players also have full court access should they wish to train independently.

Off court

Performance athletes benefit from access to full-time Cardiff Met performance service staff, competitive match play, and thousands of pounds’ worth of additional support, including:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Soft Tissue Therapy
  • Coaching and Performance Analysis
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Performance Athlete Lifestyle Support
  • Nutrition

This holistic approach ensures that every performance athlete at Cardiff Met Tennis is equipped with the tools, expertise and environment needed to reach their full potential both on and off the court.

Scholarships are offered to our highest-performing athletes as a cash award.

Our staff identify potential scholars during the admissions cycle, there is no direct application process for athletic scholarships.

To be considered, our programme tracks players’ Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) and/or World Tennis Number (WTN). Typically, we look for players meeting one or both of the following benchmarks:

 

UTR

 

WTN

Male - Undergraduate

10.5+

and/or

<18

Male - Postgraduate

11+

and/or

<15

Female - Undergraduate

7+

and/or

<24

Female - Postgraduate

7.5+

and/or

<20

BUCS, Recreational and Social Memberships

For players not part of our Performance Programme, the club offers three membership tiers to cater for all abilities, interests, and budgets.

For players competing in BUCS outside of the Performance Programme. Includes:

  • Indoor, coach-led weekly training sessions
  • Flexible indoor court access for additional hitting
  • Access to a remote Strength & Conditioning programme
  • Competition support

For players new to competition who want to play locally while improving their game. Includes:

  • Outdoor, coach-led training sessions (Llandaff Fields Tennis Courts)
  • Indoor and outdoor match day events
  • All Social Membership benefits

For players new to tennis or those who want to enjoy the sport without competition. Includes:

  • Indoor club night
  • Beginners coaching
  • Access to all social events

Competitions

Cardiff Met Tennis competes in BUCS throughout the season, with four men’s teams and two women’s teams competing across the BUCS divisions. For those unable to play in BUCS, we offer weekend recreational teams, including one additional men’s team and a mixed doubles team, both competing in local leagues.

In addition to BUCS, we host multiple events providing competitive opportunities for players at all levels, including:

  • Cardiff Met Club Championships
  • Men’s and Women’s Winter Doubles NPL
  • LTA Grade 5–3 Competitions
  • Progress Tour – £10K Prize Money Series
  • UTR $25K Pro Tennis Tour

Additional Tennis Programmes

Cardiff Met Tennis partners with Tennis Wales as a Workforce Development Centre for Wales. Our Cyncoed Tennis Courts host a wide range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, including:

  • LTA-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching Qualifications
  • The annual South Wales Coach Forum
  • A variety of bespoke coach development modules

Cardiff Met students can also gain professional tennis qualifications and pursue different career pathways within tennis alongside their academic studies.