OFFICERS

Sefton Sports Council was established in 1973, following the creation of the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in the local government reorganisations of the previous year. It was created as the independent voice of voluntary sport within the borough, and in partnership with the newly formed local authority sought to improve the sporting infrastucture of the local community. Sefton inherited many problems from its previous incarnations, not least an ageing group of municipally owned facilities, characterised by chronic lack of investment, and showing worrying signs of decay. Throughout the decades of the 70's and 80's it is true to say that the borough was one of the worst performing in the North West. However the last 20 years has seen a massive improvement, with the current facilities now ranking amongst the best performing in the region. The development of the Sefton Sports Council during the same period has not been co-incidental. It has grown into one of the most active and largest in the region and is recognised in many spheres for its innovative support for the voluntary sector.

In 1991 the organisation established the Sefton Sports and Athletic Trust, a registered charity whose primary aim was to raise funds to assist in the development of facilities within the borough. The first objective was to renovate the aged cinder running track in Crosby. An objective that received a massive boost with the award of one of the first lottery grants. Sadly the project never developed due to problems involving a variety of factors. Nevertheless the establishment of the Litherland Sports Park in 2006 resulted in the creation of superb athletic facility. The Trust remains as a body for benefit of the voluntary sporting community. Sefton Sports Council meets bi-monthly on the last Wednesday of months of January, March, May, July, September and November. Meetings are open to all member clubs and cover a wide range of issues relevant to the administration of sport. In addition an Executive Committee comprising the Officers and elected representatives meets at regular intervals to conduct the business of the Council.

President: Neil Edwards

Elected President at the AGM in May 2008, the former Chairman for 19 years. Neil is also a member of the Merseyside Sports Partnership Board, representing the Voluntary Sector. A member of Formby Cricket Club, and a qualified cricket coach and umpire.

Vice-President: Dermot Mulholland

An ex-pat Yorkshireman. Recently retired from the Major Panel of Amateur Boxing MCs and has officiated at, amongst others, an Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the European Cadet Championships, and over 700 international contests

Qualified in Health and Safety at Work, his main contribution to the Sports Council is keeping members updated on relevant legislation and attending appropriate workshops, forums and courses - cascading where appropriate. Is currently monitoring the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme. During 10 years on Executive Committee has chaired sub-committees on Discretionary Rate Relief and the Bursary Scheme.

Chairman: Paul Wilkinson

Elected Chairman at the AGM in May 2008, Paul was formerly the Club Development Officer, but relinquished that role when becoming National Club Development Manager for Baseball & Softball UK. Widely acknowledged as a leading authority on Club accreditation.

Paul was heavily involved in sport in his younger days playing football, volleyball and cross country running. A long career in heavy engineering, mainly working overseas saw him continue his football career in countries such as Scotland, Norway and the Middle East. With the decline of engineering in the Uk he requalified in sport with both a BA and MSc in Sport and Sports Management. He initially started by lecturing in sport at local Universities. He has since worked for the Civil Service Sports Council, Sefton MBC and now works for Baseball Softball UK. He has been heavily involved in Club Development and the development of Sefton Sports Council over the past 7 years.

Vice-Chairman: Neil McQuaid

Neil is currently President of the Lancashire Hockey Association and President of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club, with whom he has been a member for 55 years. He is also Vice Chair of Sefton Sports Council. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement in Sports Award from both Sefton and Merseyside Sports Councils in 2005. Neil still regularly umpires hockey as he has an England Hockey Umpires Level 1 and has also refereed in Rugby Union and umpired in cricket. He is also a patron of Southport Rugby Union Football Club. Neil played tennis, rugby, cricket and athletics in his younger days, but a long career at sea saw his playing curtailed and instead he has been very successful in administration and officiating.

Secretary: Andrew Kenyon

Andrew became Secretary in 2007. A member of Formby Cricket Club, and is also an Assistant Secretary at Southport Old Links Golf Club.

Treasurer: Peter Bull

MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jim Kavanagh

Blundellsands Archers

Born in 1940; retired and participated in most sports during my lifetime. Main sport is Archery with Blundellsands Archers since 1984; hold positions of Secretary and Treasurer; qualified G.N.A.S. Coach, examiner Assessor and Mentor. Have been associated with Sefton Sports Council since 1989 via the Club and a member of the Executive Committee since 2003. Awarded 2002 Sports volunteer of the Year; 2006 Life Time Achievement to Sport, both Sefton and Merseyside; 2008 Blundellsands Archers Club of the Year, both Sefton and Merseyside.