The organisation which helps sporting organisations in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and surrounding communities and villages is appealing for volunteers to direct and manage its way forward.
Leighton Rugby Club President Gordon Fletcher and Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club official Cyd Smith, driving force behind the Leighton-Linslade and District Sports Council for many years, indicated more than a year ago that they intended to “stand down” as Co-Chairs, and want volunteer successors to come forward.
The Sports Council, a grass-roots organisation which helps a wide range of sporting activities to grow, develop and flourish, wants to appoint a new Chairman “as soon as is practicable.”
The organisation is funded by the Leighton Linslade Town Council with representatives from around 17 different sports involving more than 3,000 people meeting four times a year to consider requests for grants and other activities.
Says Sports Council Co-Chair Cyd Smith: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with colleagues to help sporting organisations in the area, but it’s now time to move on and have fresh hands at the helm. Finding a Chairman solution is imperative. We will continue to be involved and help our successor to settle in.”
Adds Co-Chair Gordon Fletcher: “There is immense satisfaction in helping sporting activities in our community to flourish, and we are confident someone with enthusiasm and energy will emerge to help the Council move forward for some years to come.-on experience.
The Council traditionally makes modest grants for equipment, coaching and other sporting needs. In its latest round of grants, the Council has awarded:
[] Leighton Town Youth Football Club £360 for five people to attain Level 1 coaching status;
[] Leighton Buzzard Tennis Club £367 for new equipment and coaching courses, and
[] Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club £450 for Foundation Safety and Rescue training.
Adds Gordon: “We would very much welcome sport clubs not currently affiliated to the Sports Council to become involved to help them and an active and healthy community in these difficult times.”
Sports currently affiliated to the Council include athletics, badminton, table tennis, canoeing, cricket, croquet, football, golf, hockey, cycling, rugby, swimming and tennis.
Council secretary Sean Hemming and Treasurer Nick Pinder are continuing in office.
Further information on the Sports Council is available on its website, leightonlinsladesports.com