Cath Coombs

Organisation: Copeland Borough Council

Job Title: Cultural Services Manager

Why I became a Board Member

I represent one of the Cumbria Sport partners, Copeland Borough Council, on the Board. A key aspect of my role at the Council is to manage the sports development service and the partnership with Leisure Copeland (who manage the Council’s leisure facilities on Copeland’s behalf).

What difference would you like to make on behalf of Sport and Physical Activity in Cumbria?

I would like to see more people taking part in sport, through supporting local clubs and facilities. Inactive adults have a huge amount to gain from re-engaging in sport and I would like to develop opportunities for lapsed participants to get back into a healthy lifestyle.

Experience

My career in sport started in 1986, with a hard earned RLSS Bronze Medallion and a part time lifeguard job at the local leisure centre. I enjoyed working with people, so undertook a variety of sports coaching qualifications alongside a BA (Hons) Recreation Management degree at Sheffield Hallam University. I’ve been fortunate to work in several parts of the leisure management sector, including facility management and business development, leisure PFI bid development and operation, procurement project management, health and physical activity project management, leisure consultancy and management of local authority sports and arts development services.

Your interest in Sport and Physical Activity

I enjoy being outdoors, with sailing being my favourite pastime. I gained my RYA Yachtmaster (Offshore) practical qualification in 2003 and regularly sail in the Clyde and Irish Sea. I’ve recently rediscovered my love of cycling and built up to 4 – 5 sessions per week when the Cumbrian weather allows. I also hill walk, snowboard, play badminton and squash, and swim.