Working for Sport in Nidderdale.
Nidderdale now has a new umbrella organisation representing sporting and related organisations in the area with the launch of Sport Nidderdale.
Established in November 2009 following a public meeting in Pateley Bridge, Sport Nidderdale exists to maximise the contribution which sport can make to encouraging active lifestyles and healthy communities. Its aim is to ensure that more people in Nidderdale want to play sport, can play sport, do play sport and can achieve sporting excellence. The new organisation will provide a forum for sporting clubs and groups to work together and contribute to the development of sport; it will also provide services such as regular newsletters with information on sporting and funding initiatives, and there will be a website promoting local clubs and their activities and events.
Mel Welch, who spent his professional career in sport management and is Secretary to the Federation of Yorkshire Sport, is the new Chair of Sport Nidderdale. Mel lives in Darley, is a member of Dacre Tennis Club and is very aware of the contribution which sporting clubs make to the community and the benefit of sporting opportunity to individuals. He described some of the aspirations of the new organisation. “Sport Nidderdale is about making sure that the sporting community in Nidderdale has a presence and a voice. There is strength in numbers and working together all those involved in sport in Nidderdale can make a big difference; a difference which can increase the number of people who benefit from sport including young people, and which can help to build the sporting infrastructure whether investment in sports grounds or more training of coaches. We would like to hear from and offer support to all organisations which try to encourage active recreation whether it is youth groups, play groups or official sports clubs.”
Sport Nidderdale will be launching its new website aimed at promoting local sports clubs and facilities and hosting a sporting calendar of events to encourage participation. It will also be providing information on funding and other sporting initiatives. If you would like more information you can contact Sport Nidderdale on line at admin@sportnidderdale.org or pick up an application form from the Nidderdale Partnership Office in Pateley Bridge.