Release date: 27.06.08
Ref: BBC/PR/R&D/15/08

Issued on behalf of Active Berwick - Berwick’s Sport and Physical Activity Alliance
Two new sports officers for Berwick begin work

Gareth Hill is the new Club Development Officer and Stephanie Glas-Thompson the new Physical Activity Officer. They will be working with local clubs and groups to increase participation in sport and help develop clubs, coaches and volunteers.

Sports Development Officer Paul Jones said:
“Both Gareth and Stephanie are here to help your clubs and groups. They will work closely with local sporting organisations to ensure that existing and new clubs become qualified and are here to stay. Recruiting and supporting coaches, leaders, project workers and volunteers will also be a priority. They’ll also be helping to co-ordinate sporting and physical activity events in the area.”

Both Stephanie and Gareth are delighted to be working in Berwick.
“Local clubs really drive sport in the Borough and I look forward to working with existing organisations to help develop them further but at the same time looking out for opportunities to create new clubs,” said Gareth.

“Over the next few months I’ll be looking to help create more options for people to take part in some sort of physical activity whether that is walking or maybe cycling. As the Borough is so rural there are so many potential ways to develop a programme which will hopefully have something for everyone,” said Stephanie.

Active Berwick - Berwick’s Sports and Physical Activity Alliance applied for funding for the two posts. The alliance has brought all the sporting organisations together which means they have a stronger ability to promote and develop sport and physical activity in the Borough. The two new officers will cover the whole of the Borough but are employed by two of the Alliance’s partners Glendale Gateway Trust and North Sunderland and Seahouses Development Trust.