Pentathlon GB launches strategic hubs of excellence to strengthen participation

Pentathlon GB, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon, has launched a series of seven hubs across the UK to help increase participation.

The hubs, which also intend to decentralise talent from its historic home base of Bath, will launch in April. The hubs will be located at:

• Millfield School in Somerset
• Leweston School in Dorset
• North West Hub near Clitheroe in Lancashire
• The Warriors Pentathlon and Athletic Club in Merseyside
• University of Bath in Somerset
• Kings College in Taunton
• Vine Conference Centre in Dunfermline.

A second phase of hubs are expected to open in the autumn.

The hubs form part of Pentathlon GB’s four-year strategy to grow and enhance the network of opportunities for people to get involved in Pentathlon, elevating the presence of its family of sports in Britain for the next generation of athletes and sporting fans. Pentathlon GB’s ambitious strategy is to extend its relevance and reach, engage with more diverse audiences, win more medals, and ensure its sustainability for the long term.

The hubs will have four different tiers of excellence depending on their level of provision, and will focus on areas including Talent for elite athletes, Development for those making progression in the sport, Foundation for beginners and Penta+, its new multi-sports sub brand including Penta Run, Penta Swim, Penta Shoot, Penta Fence, Penta Obstacle and Penta Ride. Pentathlon GB’s national Pentathlon Clubs will feed into and support their local hub, offering inter club competitions at local hubs, as well as inter hub competitions across the country. They will also streamline appropriate pathways for their members, depending on their age, ability and ambition, offering athletes and newcomers the chance to access elite facilities, equipment, staff and events.

Rhys Edwards, Head of Pathways, Pentathlon GB says: “Until now, much of our training and coaching has been led by our relationship with the University of Bath, which has made it difficult to grow and make our sports more accessible to others across the UK.  Whilst the University of Bath remains one of our elite talent hubs, in order to make Pentathlon more inclusive and bring a broader range of people into our sport, it was critical to decentralise our coaching and talent pathway. We can now remove the narrative that you have to be in Bath to be successful. Having a broader range of talent hubs across different academic levels also means individuals can continue in our sport on a path that is right for them.”

Steph Parsons, Head of Participation, Pentathlon GB says: “A key criteria is that each hub must support its own local community and offer open access to our sports, meaning local people can engage with Pentathlon and learn more about the sport at informal, fun ‘have a go’ sessions without committing; our hubs will support everyone from a recreational participant to a committed full-time athlete.  We urge local community leaders, schools and sports clubs to connect with our hubs to see what we have on offer and how they can get involved in our multi-disciplined sport.”

Antonia Cord, Head of Modern Pentathlon, Millfield School says: “Millfield is proud to become a Pentathlon GB Talent Hub; it’s a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and positive change. Being a hub means being part of a dynamic community dedicated to inclusivity, opportunities, sharing knowledge and making a real impact for our sport. I’m most looking forward to the opportunities available to our local community to access our sports for learning, growth and connecting with like-minded individuals, coaches and hubs who are passionate about sport and making a difference.”