News

SAW is proud to be awarded the quality mark for Investing in Volunteers (IiV). This prestigious award demonstrates that we value our volunteers and demonstrates our commitment to volunteering within the organisation. Lead volunteer and founder of SAW Simon Roach,...

Our volunteers & staff were delighted to welcome Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP back to SAW this week (September 2023) Shared from Stephen Crabb… An inspiring visit to SAW Cymru (Strength Academy Wales) based at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village at Haverfordwest High earlier...

  In July 2023, Lily Rice had a very successful British Championships.   BRITISH CHAMPION in the 200m  Medley- 4 sec pb - 🥇 400 free - 11 sec pb - 5:16.30🥈 100 back - 0.13 sec pb & first bk pb in over a year!! - 1:22.19🥉 100 breast - just off pb pace - 🥉 50 free -...

In July 2023, 3 SAW members were invited to a special reception at 10 Downing Street. A Garden Party Reception, celebrating Great Britain’s success at the Special Olympics World Games 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Pictured is Bleddyn Gibbs World Games 4 x Gold medalist, Simon Roach Great...

✨Dementia Friendly Health & Fitness✨ Sessions are free, providing an opportunity for participants to take part in regularly, make new friends, socialise, improved wellbeing. Recent research studies have shown that exercise can… ◽️Improve cognition; ◽️Reduce the risk...

Bringing people together from the local community to: 🔴Meet new people, be less isolated 🟢Make friends 🔴Socialise through fitness 🟢Work together 🔴Build health, fitness, wellbeing & confidence 🟢Create stronger communities The Age Well programme is held Mon, Wed, Fri...

Strength, Fitness & Wellbeing sessions for people living with Arthritis, and their family, /friends We deliver sessions in very laid-back, personable way, creating a culture, environment and atmosphere where socialising and connecting with other people is as big a...

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In August 2022, members from SAW represented Team Wales at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Faye Pittman competed in the 71kg category at her second Games. Faye secured an 81kg snatch and hit 108kg Clean and Jerk. This gave Faye a total of 189kg, finishing in...

In June 2023, to celebrate the Welsh athletes selected to compete for Great Britain at the World Special Olympic Games, Berlin,  @bleddyngibbs joined other Welsh athletes from the Special Olympics GB Team at Senedd Cymru 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 A welcome event, wishing the athletes...

June 2023, Dan Davies and Grace Morris competed for Wales at the Junior Battle, Austria. 🇦🇹 Junior Battle 2023 🇦🇹 Outstanding performance by @grracemorriss Coming away with the Gold medal 🥇🥇🥇 69kg Sn 90kg C&J Lifting proudly for Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Well Done...

Outstanding Performance by the SAW Team at the Welsh Open 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @evelynthomas431 with a solid performance, PB Bench and a new Age Group Welsh record of 62kg 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Gold Medalist 🥇 @grracemorriss 6for6 excellent lifting, securing 67kg and 92kg. Breaking Welsh u17...

British University Weightlifting Champion 🇬🇧 🏅 Well Done, all from SAW are very proud of you Lotty Whalley 👏 To find out more about Weightlifting in Pembrokeshire please contact Head Coach Simon Roach Lotty Whalley Weightlifting Simon Roach Weightlifting...

March 2023, SAW hosted a tier 3 Weightlifting competition and an inclusive Powerlifting event, incorporating athletes from around Pembrokeshire and Special Olympic Powerlifters from around the UK. The Powerlifting section of the competition was registered as a Special...

Please view the start list below. There are four lifting groups. The weigh-in times are fixed. However, on the day of the competition if the lifting sessions are ahead of schedule the start times will be earlier. The food hut, will be open from 8am until 3pm, serving...

Local Weightlifting and Powerlifting coach Simon Roach has been named in the Special Olympics Great Britain coaching team that will travel to Berlin in June to support its athletes at the Special Olympics World Games. Simon, who lives in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire,...

Held at Bangor University in February 2023, two athletes from Strength Academy Wales and one athlete from South Pembs Weightlifting Club performed exceptionally well. First up was Evelyn Thomas competing in the Para Powerlifting event. Evelyn is only 15 years of age...

Bleddyn Gibbs is one of two Powerlifters in Great Britain 🇬🇧 who have been selected to compete for their Country in the Berlin Special Olympics this June 🇩🇪 This multi sport international event will see : - 7,000 athletes compete, over 9 days in Berlin’s most...

In collaboration with PAVS Dementia Supportive Communities Connector we are being supported with Transformation Funding from West Wales Care Partnership. Health and fitness activities for People Living with Dementia, their carers, families and friends. Wednesday and...

Step away from your carer’s role for a short while Spend time focusing on health to bring short term respite, enjoy new fitness challenges, personal success and the expend energy. Our sensitive, experienced and encouraging coaches are offering dynamically tailored...

Looking for something a little different for the new year? Something challenging, fun and exciting? You’ve found it! Olympic Weightlifting here in Pembrokeshire at SAW Start your Weightlifting journey with us now and benefit from… - A supportive club community -...

Christmas celebration with Team SAW 🎄🎄🎄 Thank you to our wonderful members for a great night...

Hosted at our new facility at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village, the athletes from SAW excelled in the Welsh Seniors and Welsh Winter Open 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 A great weekend for the Team. Thank you to the SAW community for all of your support 👏👏 In the Para Powerlifting event...

We are exceptionally proud of our members and were delighted to see so many achieve finalist positions at the Pembrokeshire Sports Awards 2022. Congratulations Grace Morris u16 sporting achievement - Weightlifting Dafydd Pawlett Sporting achievement - Athletics...

Throughout the Festive period, there will be a change to the usual class timetable. In the group training zone, there will be a Daily Workout for members to follow The Strength Zone, will remain as Open Gym. Opening times below 🌲December 🌲 Sat 24th 8am – 10am Sun 25th...

We are delighted to announce that Dan Davies, Grace Morris & Lotty Whalley have been selected to compete for their Country at the Celtic Nations. The lifters will be a part of a large Welsh team of 18 athletes competing against Ireland and Scotland on the 15h October...

Our next 6-week Introduction to Strength training starts week beginning 24th October. Our small group coaching sessions will help you to :- Improve your fitness & learn how to strength train Improve your confidence in the gym Feel happier, healthier & motivated- An...

HHVC discounted membership A discounted membership is available for students and staff. We have organised after school sessions especially for HHVC to train following the school day at 3.30pm. However, with the discounted membership, bookings can be made at various...

Feedback from one of the Versus Arthritis group members I have been enjoying the SAW Versus Arthritis sessions and after only 3 weeks I can already feel the benefits of coming.  The coaches are fabulous and great trainers, who work us at our own induvial limits and...

It’s an exciting time to join our rapidly developing organisation as an Academy Coach 32.5 hours per week. Scale of £16,055 to £20,380. (Up to £23,400 pro-rata). Outstanding development opportunities Job Description and application form at below links Job Description...

New to SAW? Please complete our medical and consent forms Adult medical and consent  18 & under medical and consent form How to set up an account? Download the Pembs Leisure app. Choose the ‘Haverfordwest’ site and complete details (Guidance here if needed). Our...

Strength, Fitness & Wellbeing sessions for people living with MSK conditions/ Arthritis, and their family/friends We deliver sessions in very laid-back, personable way, creating a culture, environment and atmosphere where socialising and connecting with other people...

Medals for Pembrokeshire Weightlifters at the Junior Battle, Austria Grace Morris u15 and Dan Davies u17, have been a part of the Welsh development team who have competed in Austria at the Junior Battle.  Grace performance was outstanding gaining personal bests in...

Competing in her first National event Evelyn Thomas from Haverfordwest High made a strong performance in the Para Powerlifting championships winning the Gold medal. Evelyn Bench Pressed 50kg in the u17 age category. Ffion Barnikel continued to make good progress...

Free Strength and Conditioning for 11 to 16 year olds Fun and inspiring activities, which will develop strength, mobility, wellbeing and confidence. Every Monday and Wednesday throughout July at 3.45pm. Sessions are 45 minutes in duration and no prior experience is...

Over the next few months, we will be providing weekly posts showcasing the new Exigo strength equipment which will create the ‘Strength Zone’ at our new facility within the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. We’ve been using Exigo strength equipment since opening SAW back...

From June 6th we will be celebrating Carers Week Carers Week raises awareness of caring. It highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises the contribution they make to families and communities. It helps people who don't think of themselves as having...

Please email office@strengthacademy.wales to book a first free session. These sessions are for all ages and abilities in a friendly atmosphere with constant encouragement from our professional coaches supporting members to reach their personal goals The sessions...

Email office@strengthacademy.wales to book Adult Strength & Conditioning If you’re looking to improve your health and fitness then this is a great training group to get you motivated, always working hard with lots of encouragement and enjoyment reaching personal...

Sign up at the below link Our next 6-week programme for 11-16 year olds, begins Saturday 14th May at 10am   The Raise the Bar Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏋️‍♂️ programme is free. The activities are fun and inspiring and aimed to develop wellbeing and confidence. Sessions focus on...

4-week Introduction to Strength Training for Adults. Throughout April, we have 5 places available at the below days/times, where our professional coaches will provide expert coaching and support to kick start your health and fitness journey. ▫️7.30am - Monday,...

Strength, Fitness & Wellbeing sessions for people living with MSK conditions/ Arthritis, and their family/friends We deliver sessions in very laid-back, personable way, creating a culture, environment and atmosphere where socialising and connecting with other people...

In collaboration with PAVS Dementia Supportive Communities Connector we are being supported with Transformation Funding from West Wales Care Partnership. Health and fitness activities for People Living with Dementia, their carers, families and friends. Wednesday and...

Tesco Community Grants Scheme From the first week of April one of our projects will be at two Tesco Stores Haverfordwest Extra and Goodwick Express We need your BLUE TOKENS up until the end of June to raise up to £1500.00 to support our Age Well programme We fund this...

National Championships – Welsh Age Groups 2022 Over the weekend of the 12th-13th February, Bangor University was the venue for the Weightlifting Wales National Age Group Championships. First to compete in the u15’s age category was Grace Morris who won the gold medal...

Strength, Fitness & Wellbeing sessions for people living with MSK conditions/ Arthritis, and their family/friends We deliver sessions in very laid-back, personable way, creating a culture, environment and atmosphere where socialising and connecting with other people...

Our next Raise the bar 6 week programme will begin soon, we are planning to deliver after Easter, Saturdays at 10am. There are exceptional benefits all backed by research supporting participation of strength training for young people when organised by professional...

Introduction to Strength Training. Free for 11-16 years olds. This programme begins over half term and continues every Monday until the end of March. 4 introductory sessions over half term Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1.30pm. Each session has a different...

Us Girls Strength Programme. Free for 11-16 years olds. Female-only sessions, fun and inspiring activities, wellbeing, confidence and empowerment. 4 introductory sessions over half term Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 12.30. The delivery of each session is...

We asked the SAW community for their help. To help secure a permanent home for our not for profit, community organisation. And they did just that..   We have been overwhelmed with the level of support from our fantastic SAW Cymru members. Our community really has...

We are delivering the Raise the Bar Wales programme in partnership with Weightlifting Wales. Raise the Bar Wales is a Welsh Government funded programme that will offer free 6-week introduction to strength training and youth weightlifting for ages 12-16 years old...

Fully force of Pembrokeshire Strength at Welsh Championships In the first in-person event for Olympic Weightlifting in Wales, the Pembrokeshire Weightlifting squad did not disappoint. The dedicated training throughout lockdown periods lifting and working out at home,...

We are delighted to introduce Amber Manning who has recently joined the SAW coaching team. Amber is a level three qualified PT and a level two Fitness Instructor. We have asked Amber a few questions and here’s what she had to say…. - Tell us a bit about yourself? I am...

Pembrokeshire Youth Bank Funding support has enabled a youth member from SAW to become a fully qualified British Weightlifitng coach. Over the winter lockdown, Lotty Whalley begin studying and has now completed all assessments to be awarded both the level one and...

Bringing it home to Pembs Pembrokeshire Weightlifting athletes have made an outstanding performance and achieved a large medal haul at the British Virtual Championships. The event saw an unprecedented number of entries from across the UK with lifters from development...

As the world’s top weightlifters take to the Olympic finals this week, a teenager with Down’s syndrome who wrote an emotional letter to Sport Wales during lockdown about missing his gym friends is setting his sights on the Special Olympics.  Bleddyn Gibbs, from...

Step away from your carer’s role for a short while Spend time focusing on health to bring short term respite, enjoy new fitness challenges, personal success and the expend energy. Our sensitive, experienced and encouraging coaches are offering dynamically tailored...

We’ve been so impressed with our ACTIVE TOGETHER group Families enjoying developing their Health and Fitness, taking part together, inclusive of all generations as part of Pembrokeshire’s Get Out Get Active programme In collaboration with goga and a registered...

We have had a growing interest from members to attend the 6.30am sessions. Therefore we have added another early morning session on Wednesday to the weekly timetable. Saturday morning, coached gym times have been modified to 9am and 10am. Open gym in the strength room...

Incorporated as a Social Enterprise since 2016, a community hub for all ages, collaborating with local charities & groups, Pembrokeshire services and sports organisations. A place where the community enjoys exercising, improves their wellbeing and social...

Through Dementia Action Week, we couldn’t think of a better time to announce the SAW Dementia Friendly Fitness group, beginning 9th June. Weekly Wednesday sessions at 10.30am. The sessions are free, booking is essential, details are below A funded programme, in...

Pembrokeshire’s Olympic Weightlifting Team securing international medals post Covid lockdown - Wales’ first international competition since the beginning of the pandemic. The County of Pembrokeshire is well known as a powerhouse in Wales for Olympic Weightlifting...

Come in, take a look around & chat with our coaching staff Tuesday 1st June Thursday 3rd June 11am till 3pm Come & see what SAW is all about. Find Your Strength with us, All ages and abilities welcome Unit 10 Riverside Shopping Centre, Haverfordwest, SA61...

We are back on the track, Tuesday’s & Thursday’s at 4pm with Coach Chloe Hood. Strengthen up your fitness and confidence. Expert coaching, supportive, friendly environment. Strengthening exercises followed by a conditioning workout. Suitable for all abilities. New...

In collaboration with PAVS Dementia Supportive Communities Connector we are being supported with Transformation Funding from West Wales Care Partnership. The funding will enable a six month block of health and fitness activities for People Living with Dementia, their...

Academy Coach We seek two dynamic, experienced and innovative Academy Coaches to join our team. The Academy coach will play a vital role within the organisation encompassing a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities. Highly involved in the planning and delivery of...

For 2020 our Age Well programme has come to an end. The health and well-being programme has been hugely successful.  The offer of health, fitness and strength training activities focusing on working together, socialising, building relationships and improving wellbeing...

Over lockdown our team and wider community pulled together and raised funds for Mind Charity Pembrokeshire. Members, families and friends took part in variety of fitness challenges. All those who took part were entered into a raffle with a fantastic home fitness...

We are planning forward, to put in place a Covid-19 recovery programme to support the local community in developing their health, fitness and wellbeing through 2021 and beyond. We are looking at ways to take our successful work to the community and provide health,...

We have reached out to the Unit Welfare Officer, 14th Signal Regiment at Brawdy’s Cawdor Baracks. Our volunteers are planning a project to support Armed Forces communities have better health, wellbeing and socialise more in the local community. Especially in and...

We have raised a fantastic £1033.75 for Mind Charity Pembrokeshire. Thank you so much to all of our members and friends of SAW for taking part in a variety of fitness activities, not only benefiting their own wellbeing, but also supporting a long-standing charity in...

We are raising funds to support Mind charity Pembrokeshire & we have a fantastic home gym bundle donated by SBD & Pullum to give away. To get involved please have ago at one of our challenges & please make a donation to the appeals page. 100% of donations go directly...

Ability Supported Fitness - Every Wednesday at 11am A referral programme for anyone who has found a commercial gym and commercial fitness classes not suitable for their needs. We cater for individuals with limited mobility, low levels of activity, recovery from...

Pembrokeshire Weightlifting (known as Strength Academy Wales) calls out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s community fund Strength Academy Wales are bidding to bag a cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Tesco works with Groundwork to run its community...

SAW Community | Promoting Health, Fitness & Wellbeing | Promoting Inclusion & changing perceptions | Increasing participation | Empowering people from all backgrounds and ages | Please get in touch if you would like to be apart of our community | . . Cymuned SAW. Hybu...

Now is a good time to start strength building | This is our Over 40’s training group | We concentrate on developing confidence while working in pairs and small groups | Developing new skills and friendships through enjoyable fitness activities. Please join us for a...

Teams of 18 athletes from each county, Wales, Scotland and Ireland competed on 30th November, battling against each other to secure the highest number of team points to try and win the event. 5 of Pembrokeshire's most talented Weightlifters played key roles ensuring...

Some of our junior members have been nominated for the 2019 Sports Awards. Junior Disability Award Bleddyn Gibbs Junior Achievement Award Lotty Whalley and Daniel Davies Bleddyn Gibbs Bleddyn is a pupil at Portfield special school and has been training at Strength...

5 Pembrokeshire Weightlifters have been signed up to compete for Wales at the Celtic Nations. Selected to compete for their country against Scotland and Ireland are:- Mena Williams, Lotty Whalley, Dan Davies, Chloe Hood and James Hart. "This is a fantastic opportunity...

The two day event held at Strength Academy Wales on the 2nd and 3rd November was extremely well attended by clubs, athletes, their coaches, families and friends from throughout Wales. The organisation of two National events in one weekend, enticed technical officials...

There were three gold medals for the Strength Academy Wales team at the British Age Group Championships at the Oldbury Academy in September. From the seven lifters who went to the West Midlands, Chloe Hood, Seren Michell, and Dan Davies notched wins, while James Hart...

John Vincent Davies (pictured back row, centre) a leading International level Technical Official and Referee, travelling the World as part of his Weightlifting duties. John was an extremely valued member of the Pembrokeshire Weightlifting Community, who supported a...

On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September teams from around Wales and some from England took part in the West Wales Special Olympic Sport weekend. A mixture of 'taster sessions' and 'competitions' in a variety of sports. Pembrokeshire Weightlifting hosted a...

Report coming soon

Pembrokeshire’s talented Weightlifters preparing for Budapest International A team of talented Weightlifters, aspiring coaches and developing technical officials will be led by Pembrokeshire Weightlifting’s senior volunteers to compete in theSoroksár Cup International...

Three families competed in our inclusive event, the Pembrokeshire Strength Festival. Team 2GW ( Two Generation Whalley) - Lotty Whalley aged 15 who is currently a Welsh Weightlifting champion and her Dad Simeon Whalley.  Lotty Clean and Jerked 68kg, Deadlifted 100kg...

What a fantastic performance by Gary Phillips, Network Inspector at Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water, who is a valued member of both Unison Cymru / Wales and of Strength Academy Wales. Gary teamed up with his training partner Julian James a teacher from Ysgol Bro Gwaun in...

At Strength Academy Wales we successfully organise a number of programmes. One of which is our volunteer programme. Our organisation has educated and provided guidance, support and work experience for over 20 volunteer coaches and technical officials. Our development...

Aged over 50 and after a prolonged period of inactivity and shoulder pain Simeon Whalley began attending our over 40’s class. We carefully prescribed exercises to develop both shoulder mobility and stability; and other exercises to develop whole body strength. A few...

On Sunday 14th July, over 60 teams gathered at Strength Academy Wales to take part in the Pembrokeshire Strength Festival.  The event was multi generational and fully inclusive. Fathers teamed up with their sons and daughters, there were youth teams from aged 11, many...

Held on Friday 5th July at Sport Wales National Sports Centre, there was a large contingent from Pembrokeshire competing in the Gemau Cymru. The event being organised a little different from usual weightlifting competitions, with medals being awarded to those youths...

A sports club that prides itself on its inclusivity plans to boost their offering to members who are disadvantaged or disabled. Pembrokeshire based Strength Academy Wales (SAW) revealed the move after receiving the InSport Ribbon Standard from Angela Miles, Disability...

Pembrokeshire Weightlifting volunteers who are based at Strength Academy Wales, Haverfordwest and at South Pembs Weightlifting Club, Pembroke Dock are extremely grateful to the Temple Bar and their team of Quiz Masters. A weekly quiz night is organised every Wednesday...

Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire leisure, Strength Academy Wales (SAW), which is based in the heart of Pembrokeshire has been achieving excellence in weightlifting, disability powerlifting and performance conditioning for sports people, but did you know that...

There was a large contingent from Pembrokeshire at this years' British University Championships, including both competitors, coaches and volunteer Technical officials from our county. The event was held over two days with a staggering amount of entries, especially...