Edition number 17; dateline 6 April 2011
Who’s whom
Bucking the trend, these people are starting new jobs not losing old ones:
Like a lot of PDMs and competition managers, Steve Grainger has left the Youth Sport Trust but he, at least, has work to go to in the form of the director of rugby development job at the RFU; Kim Ellis has taken up his new role as director and chief executive of the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust in Sydney, claiming, despite being an airport manager up to this point, that “I have a long-standing interest in the environment”; Loughborough University’s Tom Curtis is set to take up international duties as technical director and head coach of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association; and the board of YMCA Australia has announced the appointment of Ron Mell as its new chief executive, having only six months ago given the self-same job to Katherine Pengilly.
Who’s looking for whom
And these people will be in a buyers’ market as they advertise these jobs:
Virgin Active are “on the hunt” for a person who stands out for their “knowledge and enthusiasm about Swim” to become a part-time swimming lesson co-ordinator in West London; only those who like a challenge need apply for the £18k to £20k post in the marketing department at Harlequins Rugby League flogging league to Londoners; Arts Council England are in want of a senior officer to join their Learning Team on a 12-month, fixed-term contract to support the strategic development of Artsmark and Arts Award through a redesign and re-launch; as part of “ensuring integrity and good governance procedures, processes and controls” the Lawn Tennis Association require a £43,000 per year safeguarding manager; if you’re quick Scottish Hockey need a chief executive; and folly (their lower case ‘F’) are looking to recruit an experienced, creative innovator to initiate and drive forward the business development of their digital arts organisation which commissions, exhibits, promotes and supports creative work and innovation with a strong emphasis on the use of online media, networked systems and integrated technologies.
the people page
comings, goings, jobs and a personal spotlight
Spotlight: Maggie Alphonsi
What is your current position?
RFUW divisional talent development officer for the London and South East
[And open-side flanker for the England women's team. Ed]
What do you see as your biggest challenge over the next twelve months?
My biggest challenge over the next 12 months is to review the RFUW divisional programme that was implemented at the start of the season and has replaced the regional programme. It will also be to prepare the divisional programme for next season and ensure we have implemented any improvements required.
Apart from the one you currently have, which job within the sport and leisure sector would you most like to do?
I am working towards becoming a project events manager. I want to obtain a role where I manage and run big sporting events for a variety of sports targeting different levels. I would like to work with elite sport, managing and supporting top professional athletes.
Who or what has inspired you in your career?
Muhammad Ali is a big inspiration to me. He was an athlete with huge self-confidence. He believed he was better than everyone else and, even if he didn’t believe it, he would make sure he convinced himself and the rest of the world that he was. I have also been inspired by Denise Lewis’s achievements. She has come from a similar background to me and has achieved so much.
Which single thing would improve the sport and leisure sector?
I think this is a very difficult one. I think the sport and leisure sector at present is good. I guess I can only talk from the sporting world I am currently within and at present the big focus is to work with all levels within sport and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and to make sure the quality of experience for an individual/ customer is a good one to ensure they return.
Where do you hope to be in ten years time?
In 10 years I don’t really see myself playing international rugby but I hope to be very successful in my working career and have obtained my desired job or on the pathway to achieving it.
