Agenda item

To consider a report of the South East Area Leader providing details of the Sport and Active Recreation Team, following recent changes, and to provide an opportunity for the Area Committee to discuss the new roles and their impact on the Outer East Area

The South East Area Leader submitted a report providing details of the Sport and Active Lifestyles Service Team, following recent changes, and to provide an opportunity for the Area Committee to discuss the new roles and their impact on the Outer East Area.

The following officers were in attendance and responded to Members’ comments and queries:-

-  Charles Tatman, Active Sport Officer South, Central and Outer East, City Development

-  Sam Coupland, Active Lifestyles Officer South, Central and Outer East, City Development

An apology for absence had been received from Andrew Wilson, Club Development Officer, South Central and Outer East, City Development.

Prior to the short presentation by the above officers of their respective roles and responsibilities, the Committee noted that they were based at the John Charles Centre for Sport.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and presentation.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• The need for football, rugby and cricket clubs in the east outer area to receive support with details of funding streams; a requirement for Sports Centres to increase their usage and to consider promoting the area for off road cycling in readiness for the Tour de France

(The Active Sport Officer South responded and made reference to the capital improvements and revenue funding that was available. He gave a commitment to contact the football, rugby and cricket clubs in conjunction with Mr A Wilson, Club Development Officer. On a separate issue, both officers stressed the links with Leisure Centres and the remit of increasing footfall in Leeds City Council facilities. The team were also keen to see the development of more cycling in the area and would be pursuing opportunities on an ongoing basis)

• The concerns expressed regarding the recent closure of a sports centre in Temple Newsam and the restriction of opening hours at other sports centres in the area

(Both officers responded and acknowledged the difficult situation with East Leeds Leisure Centre and would ensure all work contributes towards strengthening the positions of existing facilities in the area)

• Clarification of the role of Youth Services within the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service
• Clarification of what facilities would be made at Temple Newsam
• The need to target those people who were using sports centres outside the area with the aim of trying to entice those people back to using their local facilities

(The Active Sport Officer South responded and agreed to revisit this issue)

• The need to look at more effective ways in running Leisure Centres in view of further budget cuts anticipated within the next five years and to involve Members and MP’s within the process

(The Active Lifestyles Officer South responded and acknowledged this view, together with addressing the important practice of linking into other Council services)

• The need for the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service to have an integrated role and to work with partnership groups in the area
• Clarification of which schools the Sport and Active Lifestyle Service had been working with in the Garforth and Swillington ward

(The Active Sport Officer South responded and confirmed that the Sport and Active Lifestyles Service had a key role in this area and were focusing on school links and on the funding bids that were available to support the establishment/strengthening of club links and the provision of activity on school sites where appropriate)

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That Mr C Tatman and Mr S Coupland be thanked for their presentation and attendance at today’s meeting and that they be requested to contact individual Board Members on their requirements.