Sport England has awarded MTT (Mountain Training Trust) a 15-year contract to manage Plas y Brenin, The National Mountain Centre.

MTT has managed Plas y Brenin successfully since 1997 based on a 5-year renewable contract taking Plas y Brenin from strength to strength. Each year, more and more people of all ages and backgrounds visit Plas y Brenin in their thousands, either to experience mountain sports for the first time, expand their experience or to develop their skills as outdoor athletes, coaches or instructors.

A charitable company, MTT was set up in 1996 to provide the highest standard of outdoor training opportunity at the most affordable price. MTT was created by the British Mountaineering Council, Mountain Leader Training England, and Mountain Leader Training UK and today works closely with a wide range of other National Governing Bodies including British Cycling, The British Canoe Union and British Orienteering.

The new contract offers MTT a secure and certain future allowing for greater development and forward planning. This long-term view will help to provide increased opportunity and greater support for participants in mountain sport, and allow more comprehensive support for the National Governing Bodies who rely on Plas y Brenin.

The new contract is welcome news for the volunteer and charitable trusts that MTT supports. The Jonathan Conville Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award work closely with MTT together offering subsidized training, and expedition services and in North West Wales as part of the Outdoor Partnership MTT will continue to encourage participation in adventure sports and provide route ways into outdoor recreation instruction and volunteering.

The news will also lift the spirits of Plas y Brenin’s 75 strong workforce and those of the local community. As well as offering full-time and seasonal employment opportunities, thanks to a long-term commitment by MTT to invest in local produce, goods and services Plas y Brenin also makes a significant contribution to the local economy.

MTT was selected following an intensive strategic review and competitive tender process, with a view to improving efficiency combined with achieving the best possible sporting performance at every level. “Our partnership with the Mountain Training Trust stretches back over more than a decade and we have been consistently impressed with their professional and expert approach to outdoor sport,” said Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis. “It is typical of the organisation that their new bid offered even better value and fresh ideas to further improve the sporting experience on offer at Plas y Brenin.”

Martin Doyle, MTT Chief Executive said “Sport England is looking to increase involvement and quality for participants in outdoor sports and we are really pleased to be able to continue our partnership with them to achieve these objectives through our close involvement with the key NGB’s. Looking forward Plas y Brenin will be a is a base for national coach and instructor training schemes cascading expertise across the country, a test bed for leadership training schemes and a friendly venue to learn outdoor skills or attend conferences and seminars in a top quality venue in the heart of the mountains”. 

Visit the Plas y Brenin website here

« Back