Meet the Team
![]() | Nigel Harrison - Director of West Yorkshire SportFavourite song: Beautiful Boy - John Lennon I have been lucky to be part of West Yorkshire Sport since it's inception in 2001. I have two major roles: managing West Yorkshire Sport and leading the development of the West Yorkshire Sports Partnership. Along with developing player and coach pathways, I am also keen on creating links on behalf of sports with other sub-regional agencies such as Connexions, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Culture and others. I also work on behalf of the chief sports officers of each local authority to look at ways of improving sports provision across West Yorkshire . If you have any comments on our work or the service we give please do not hesitate to contact me on 01484 234087 or email nigel.harrison@wysport.co.uk |
![]() | Julian Pratt - Communication and Events OfficerWould most like to meet: Alice Cooper This role involves publicity and promotion for West Yorkshire Sport which includes producing newsletters, writing press releases and editing this website and weekly bulletin email. The events side includes organising major events such as the West Yorkshire Youth Games and the Step into Sport Conference. Julian - 07976 194372 or email julian.pratt@wysport.co.uk |
Les Ford - Coaching Development ManagerWork areas: Coaching development and strategy, www.coachingwy.co.uk “My main role is to implement the UK Coaching Framework at a local level by working with partners to support coaches and coaching. This includes understanding the needs of coaches, NGBs and provider to ensure we support the recruitment, qualification, employment/deployment, management, development, and retention of coaches.” Tel: 01484 234087 | |
Debra France-Sargeant - Development OfficerSporting Idol: Andy Booth NGB Liason If you require any further information surrounding my role, please contact me on 07813 018051 or email lucy.birkenshaw@wysport.co.uk | |
![]() | Kirsty Thornton - Sports Development OfficerFavourite sporting movie: Million Dollar Baby I joined WYS in May 2006 and my role since then has to be the lead on the Physical Education and School Sport Club Links (PESSCL) strategy. I link with the Schools and Sports Partnerships, Youth Sport Trust and the Local Education Authorities and am involved in the Step into Sport Programme and Multi Skill Club development. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any of my work areas on 07976 194128 or email kirsty.thornton@wysport.co.uk |
![]() | Shanwaz Ajaib (Sports Coach UK) - Coach Development OfficerMy role is to support coaches so they can progress and develop to become better coaches. I am working with a team of coaches identifying their current strengths and training needs. I am supporting them to improve in the areas they identify. The support I offer includes directing coaches towards appropriate training and coaching opportunities, identifying suitable mentors for them and producing a tailored coach action plan based on the coaches requirements. If you require any further information please see the Sports Coach UK page on this site, or you can contact me on 07980 583694 or email sajaib@sportscoachuk.org |
Contact us
West Yorkshire Sport Telephone : 01484 234087 | |
![]() | Gillian Brown - Senior Competition ManagerThe aims of the competition manager programme are to develop "the creation of a world class system for competitive school sport which will provide opportunities for all young people contributing to the 5 hour offer and providing pathways to support the development of talent."
Kym Hammond - West Bradford SSP / North Bradford SSP Chrisi Nicolson - Carr Manor SSP / Leeds South SSP (Leeds) Natalie Mallinson - St Mary's SSP / Boston Spa SSP (Leeds)Chris Smith - Oakbank SSP / Beckfoot SSP (Bradford) Rachel Enevoldson - Priesthorpe SSP (Leeds) / South Bradford SSP Angela Daniel - Outwood Grange SSP / Five Towns SSP (Wakefield) Gillian Brown - Senior Competition Manager Colin Crowther - Hipperholme & Lightcliffe SSP / Brooksbank SSP (Calderdale) |
![]() | James Brown - Disability Development OfficerMy role is to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Federation of Disability Sports Organisations (FDSO) Development Plan in West Yorkshire. This involves working with numerous groups and partner agencies to provide participation and leadership opportunities for disabled people in sport and recreation. I work with schools, colleges, universities, community clubs, Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport to ensure that the requirements of disabled people are integrated into their work. The Playground to Podium (P2P) initiative is also central to my role across West Yorkshire. If you require any further information please contact me on 07533 769787 or email me at james.brown@wysport.co.uk |






