The ACU is pleased to confirm its ‘The Way Forward’ roadshow is underway, with Chief Executive Matthew Edwards-Wear and President Tim Lightfoot committed to visiting 21 centres across the UK to openly discuss the organisation’s forward-looking strategy and simplified regional model.
The Way Forward strategy was developed to support the growth, professionalisation and modernisation of the UK’s recognised governing body for motorcycle sport. The introduction of a new regional structure, determined following an 18-month Board-led review of the existing centre model, will go live from 2027 and will feature 13 Sport Regions.
To support centres during the implementation process, the ACU established a working group made up of senior Centre Chairs. Alongside this, face-to-face meetings between centre personnel and Matthew and Tim are helping to encourage open discussion and provide clarity around the incoming changes.
Three constructive centre meetings have already been held with the Eastern, Wessex, and Midlands centres.
"Writing the next chapter in the ACU’s long and distinguished story is an important process, so we’ve made it a priority to visit our centres and give them the opportunity to contribute,” said Matthew Edwards-Wear. “These sessions allow us to discuss the regional model, understand how centres are experiencing the transition, and hear their views directly.”
Tim Lightfoot added: “These visits are about listening as much as they are about explaining. Every centre operates slightly differently, and that local knowledge is hugely important as we move towards a more consistent,
sport-focused regional structure.”
On a recent visit to the Wessex centre, Matthew and Tim met with representatives, including Chairman Keith Wooster and Secretary Theresa Talbot (pictured). Keith has also been part of the ACU’s working group.
“It’s been an interesting process to be part of the working group. There were some different views on how the structure should look going forward, but we worked through them and reached a position that most people can move forward with,” Keith explained.“
The meeting with Matthew and Tim itself was really positive. A lot of the detail was familiar to us, but it was clearly presented and easy to follow. It was good to have that face-to-face discussion and hear things explained directly.”
Keith also welcomed the ACU’s approach to engagement via its Chief Executive and President: “It’s really important that the people inside ACU House are getting out to meet the centres. It shows they are engaging, and that really does matter – whether people agree with everything or not.”
The Way Forward strategy responds to structural challenges across the sport, including halting the long-term decline in affiliated clubs and events, alongside increasing regulatory and operational pressures.
The move to 13 Sport Regions is intended to create a more balanced and sustainable framework, with improved resource sharing and greater consistency across the UK.
With the roadshow programme now underway, the ACU has committed to visiting 21 centres before September this year, and to ensure feedback from across the sport informs the final stages of implementation ahead of the new Sport Regions model going live in 2027.
Matthew said: “This is a significant moment for the ACU and we’ve been pleased with the engagement and important conversations we’ve had with our centres so far. We are committed to working with them all to ensure the 2027 transition is clear, practical and supports the long-term future of motorcycle sport in the UK.”