WSA share Annual Report for 2023/24

Following its launch at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 9 October, the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) is delighted to share its Annual Report for the year 2023/24.

This reporting period was a time of consolidation and challenge for sport and leisure, so the WSA is pleased to have been able to continue providing crucial support for the sector through its extensive range of services and partnerships.

WSA member satisfaction at 93%

And we are grateful for the continued support and appreciation of our membership.

During 2023/24, the WSA was thrilled to have achieved 93% member satisfaction as we continue to grow our membership base; since 2017/18, the WSA’s membership has grown by 125%. A total of twelve new members joined the WSA family, and the strategic objective of achieving a 90% member retention rate was successfully met once again.

The WSA continued to act as the independent voice for the sport and leisure sector, advocating on behalf of our members amid significant pressures on public funding. This is a key part of our work and during 2023/24, we gave evidence to the Senedd and Welsh Government on a number of areas, including on the Welsh Government Budget and the future of public leisure provision.

We also welcomed several new partners to our network during 2023/24, with WSA members now being able to take advantage of the services of Floodlighting & Electrical, PureCyber, Harlequin Printing & Packaging, Gray Dawes Travel, and Net World Sports. All partners add value to the Membership, offering either discounted rates, pro-bono advice, money saving opportunities, income generation opportunities or a combination of these benefits.

We were delighted to continue delivering our Membership Plus services, offering cost-effective and bespoke support to organisations where they need it most.

Up to the year ending March 2024, the WSA delivered Membership Plus services to two members in advocacy, five members in communications and nine members in our finance package. Demand for these services has been substantial and continues to grow, with feedback being very positive.

The WSA was incredibly proud to have hosted the inaugural editions of both the WSA Sports Industry Awards and the WSA Sustainability in Sport Conference during 2023/24, as well.

Exceeding our expectations, the 2023 WSA Sports Industry Awards were hosted at the Parkgate Hotel with a capacity audience of 260 people joining us to celebrate, recognise, and promote the initiatives and successes of our members, while also communicating best-practice models and strategies that are helping the Welsh sport and leisure sector to develop.

Collaborating with the Federation of Irish Sport, November 2023 also saw the WSA Sustainability in Sport Conference. Proving a great success, over 100 delegates attended as we took steps to enhance our environmental stewardship and foster a culture of responsibility and sustainability across our membership and our own operations.

WSA CEO, Andrew Howard, commented:

“It is with great pride that we share our Annual Report for the year 2023/24. This year has been a testament to the sector’s resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“As we reflect on our journey over the past twelve months, we are reminded of the progress we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Our achievements this year have been notable. We have strengthened our team, expanded our range of partners, and embraced new services that are driving efficiency and growth for the sector, whilst also making our members stronger and more sustainable.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our team at the WSA, whose dedication is the bedrock of our success; to our members and partners, for their continued trust and loyalty; and to our Board, for their unwavering support and confidence in our vision. Together, we are building a brighter and more prosperous future for the sport and leisure sector in Wales.”

Find the WSA’s Annual Report in both English and Welsh here.