Sports Development
The Sports Development Scheme operates within the service area of Culture, Tourism and Sport in the Department of Development Services.
The Scheme aims to provide the opportunity for everybody in the district to take part in physical activity and sport at whatever level they wish, to support individuals to maximise their sporting abilities and provide pathways to sporting excellence.
The Sports Development Team delivers an extensive range of coach education courses, funding workshops and club development courses as well as regular coached activities and events throughout the district in its schools, sports centres and community centres.
Sports Development Team - (L-R): John Mcgivern, Jo Armstrong, Lindsay Spicer, Helen Dennis
Sports Development Team
John Mcgivern
Senior Sports Development Officer
John brings a wealth of experience from facility management, coaching and sports development across the Culture, Tourism and Sport service. As the Senior Sports Development Officer, John manages the day-to-day activities of the Sports Development Team, and is the lead officer for project management, building capacity, funding and investment and facility development community projects.
John also works closely with partners including the Harrogate District Sports Council and North Yorkshire Sport, as well as many other agencies and National Governing Bodies of Sport, to lead the strategic development of sporting opportunities throughout the district.
Jo Armstrong
Sport & Play Development Officer
Jo manages the cheerleading development programme at the Granby Sport and Play Development Centre (recreation and squad). She also leads on cheerleading development across the district, including coach development, school links and competitions. As Jo has a background in health and physical activity, she leads on physical activity and healthy living projects for the team.
Phone: 01423 556745
Email: Joanne.Armstrong@harrogate.gov.uk
Lindsay Spicer
Sports Development Officer
As the Sports Development Officer, Lindsay works predominantly on projects aimed at increasing participation amongst children and young people, for example the North Yorkshire Youth Games, Step into Sport, the 'Have a Go' Project and volunteer support, linking with local community events. Lindsay works with several local sport specific development groups such as athletics, badminton and girls' football, as well as working with other agencies and partners such as North Yorkshire Sport and other National Governing Bodies of Sport.
Lindsay also has responsibility for:
- Communications, including the website
- Sports Unlimited funding initiative (on behalf of North Yorkshire Sport)
- Sports Development E-Newsletter
- Club Development Pack
Phone: 01423 556725
Helen Dennis
Assistant Sports Development Officer
As the Assistant Sports Development Officer, Helen works across the district developing the comprehensive Club and Coach Education Programme and Sports Club Directory, and works closely with local clubs to support the clubmark accreditation process and club development.
Helen also has responsibility for:
- Junior Athletics' progammes across the district, currently in Harrogate, RIpon and Nidderdale
- The Annual Kwik Cricket Competition - including work with cricket young leaders and local clubs
- Work with the Harrogate District Cricket Development Group
Phone: 01423 556701
E-mail Enquiry Form