An organisation which aims to be the voice of sport in Welwyn Hatfield is looking for a new leader.

Dave Bartlett, who has been the chairman of Welwyn Hatfield Sport & Physical Activity Alliance since it was formed in 2006, is stepping down from his role later this year.

The organisation seeks to forge links and partnerships between individuals, clubs, schools and facility providers, as well as helping to find grants and other funding to assist this.

Bartlett said: ‘The basic role, apart from having enthusiasm to see sport-related organisations working effectively, is to listen to the people in all sectors in sport and physical activity.

“Encourage membership and networking, help manage the management team, the constitution and annual plans, communicate with members and the wider public through social media and a newsletter and set the agenda of four meetings a year.”

Mr Bartlett said: “It has been a really great honour to work with so many enthusiastic and selfless volunteers and employees of our sports-related organisations.

“It’s been an ongoing reward when you see the networking working.

“Club and schools getting together and doing something and the uni getting less isolated and doing things.

“When you get big chunks of money that’s been great, getting the communities and parishes involved is great too.

“It’s little things making lots of difference.”

One example of a WHSPAA collaborative project that is characteristic of members working together is the Welwyn Hatfield Primary Schools fun tournament that replaced the Herts Youth Games for the region.

This year the event will be called Road to Rio in celebration of the Olympics Games.

Welwyn Hatfield School Games Partnership (WHSGP) and WHSPAA clubs and organisations will come together for the sporting spectacle at Gosling Sports Park in July.

The event will be subsidised by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and managed by a combination of WHSGP secondary schools working with 21 primary schools.

More than 400 children will have a go at 20 sports provided by some 50 young leaders mentored via WHSPAA by club coaches.

“The event usually has a great festival atmosphere with the mayor opening the event and many VIPs attending - and reported in the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

“Needless to say the children have a really great time,” Bartlett added.

If you are interested in hearing more about WHSPAA or the chairman’s role contact Dave via dave@bartlett1.plus.com or call 01438 715374.