The Welsh Motorcycle Federation (WMF) was originally established in 1951 and later became known as the Cambrian Council of Welsh Motorcycle Clubs in 1999. Over its 75-year history, the Federation has faced many challenges, but none as significant as those we face today.
Since the pandemic, the WMF has struggled to maintain effective governance. A lack of volunteers to take on leadership roles and attend meetings has made it difficult to develop and implement the strategies and policies required to move the organisation forward. The loss of several key individuals in recent years has further placed pressure on a small number of dedicated people who have worked hard to keep the Federation operating.
At present, Sport Wales has raised concerns regarding our governance arrangements and how they align with partnership policies and conditions. Unfortunately, we are currently falling short of these expectations. This places at risk the considerable benefits that WMF-affiliated clubs and riders have enjoyed for many years—most notably grant funding for elite athlete development, club equipment, and wider participation initiatives.
It is clear that the WMF must rebuild its credibility and begin a fresh new chapter.
Encouragingly, this moment also brings opportunity. With the ACU introducing 13 new regions, we are presented with a chance to reinvent ourselves. From 1 January, we will become a new ACU region known as Welsh ACU, made up of ACU-affiliated Welsh clubs.
This is far more than a simple name change. Operating under the ACU brand provides a platform to modernise, strengthen governance, and demonstrate a renewed commitment to professionalism, transparency, and effective leadership within our sport.
However, this cannot be achieved by one person alone. We urgently need volunteers who are willing to contribute their time, experience, and enthusiasm by stepping into key governance roles on a newly formed board. The roles we are seeking to fill include Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Nomination forms are attached for clubs to nominate suitable individuals who may be interested in being part of this exciting new chapter. Job descriptions are available on request.
There are already positive examples of what can be achieved with strong leadership and collaboration:
The WMF Enduro Forum continues to thrive, meeting regularly under the leadership of Paul Martin and successfully delivering several Welsh Championships. This will continue under the new identity of the Welsh Enduro Forum. Although the Trials Forum has not met for several years, the dedicated work of Malcolm Bates and Zoe James has ensured the continuation of the Senior Welsh Championship. Clubs willing to support the 2026 championship have now been identified. The Youth Welsh Championship, coordinated by Sian and Gary King, will run across eight rounds in 2026. Following a successful 2025 series, we are confident this championship will continue to grow with strong club support. We now call on Trials Clubs across Wales to re-engage, collaborate, and help restore the Welsh Championships to the respected and prestigious status they once held.
Importantly, this restructuring will have no impact on the way clubs currently operate. Clubs will continue to apply directly to the ACU for permits, and competitors will obtain their licences as usual. Looking ahead, there is also potential to establish a MotoX Forum should sufficient interest and demand exist.
Any matters relating to honorariums will be determined by the newly elected board.
To enable planning for an early June AGM, please submit your nominations by the end of May. This is a pivotal moment for motorcycle sport in Wales, and with your support, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future together.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunities further, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Bryan Pucket
[email protected]