University awarded prestigious UK Sport Elite Training Centre accreditation

The University has been officially awarded Elite Training Centre (ETC) accreditation by UK Sport, placing it among only three higher education institutions in the UK to receive this prestigious designation.

The accreditation recognises the Judo Centre at the University’s Walsall Campus as a national hub of excellence, following an 18‑month assessment process that included a comprehensive self-evaluation, improvement planning and an in‑depth peer review.

As part of the UK Sport network of Elite Training Centres, University of Wolverhampton will work collaboratively with centres across the UK to support a connected and high-performing system, enabling athletes to access the environments and expertise they need to succeed.

This network of centres plays a vital role in the UK’s high performance system, creating environments that bring together people, expertise and facilities to drive performance and support sustained Olympic and Paralympic success.

Ross Cloak, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise who led the accreditation process, said:

“This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise and ambition of everyone involved in the Judo Centre and our wider high‑performance sport community. We are proud to contribute to the national landscape of elite sport and to support athletes in reaching their full potential.”

The UK Sport Elite Training Centre accreditation recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence across a demanding national framework. To earn accreditation, centres must provide:

• Elite level facilities, equipment, staff and organisational culture, with a commitment to continuous improvement
• A direct relationship with a UK National Governing Body (NGB) and the World Class Programme
• Status as a permanent or semi‑permanent training hub for an NGB
• A venue that hosts at least ten funded World Class Programme athletes on site

Centres are also assessed against UK Sport’s eight guiding principles of excellence:
sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion, partnerships, facilities and equipment, access, people development, performance lifestyle, science and medicine and quality.

Ross Cloak added:

“This accreditation is a major milestone for the University and a testament to years of hard work. We look forward to celebrating this success with our community and partners.”

Photo caption: Ross Cloak, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, UoW (centre) with Prof Matt Wyon (right) and Dr Kate Baker, Director of Performance and People at UK sport.