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Institute for Sport, Parks and Leisure launches
The new Institute for Sports, Parks and Leisure (ISPAL) officially launched on 1 September.
Bev Smith, chair of the National Association of Sports Development (NASD) has reassured sports development professionals that ISPAL will be a huge benefit to the sector.
“Members of ISPAL can look forward to the provision of a wide range of crucial services that will help develop greater improvement capacity and capability. “The Institute will take responsibility for establishing, promoting and maintaining standards of excellence in the sector,” she said.
Smith added that although the term ‘sports development’ wasn’t in the title of the Institute, the promotion of the interests of those working in this crucial sector was one of ISPAL’s central objectives.
“While I’ve replaced my NASD hat with an ISPAL trustee’s hat, I want to reassure NASD members that the field of sports development no longer needs to defend its position,” she said.
“ISPAL will provide a platform for growth and membership is the passport to success.”
Nick Gibbs, ISPAL board member, added: “The institute will raise the profile of the sector and clearly demonstrate to key partners and agencies – including the government and devolved administrations – the high level of skills, expertise, knowledge and understanding that exists within our sector.
“It will be at the forefront of shaping policy and will be built upon a central core with a strong regional and home nation structure.”
ISPAL is to make its first public appearance at Leisure Industry Week (LIW), at Birmingham NEC on 26-28 September.
This year, LIW will feature a new sub show especially for the sports sector, Sports Development Week, which is being officially supported by ISPAL and will include seminars, clinics and demonstrations.