Former medal-winning athletes will form a new-look team committed to securing big sporting events for the Liverpool City Region, alongside some of the brightest stars in the sports business.
The Sport Liverpool board will be in charge of creating and implementing the main sports strategy for the city region. Over the next three years, it will collaborate with the six local authorities to draw in prestigious, highly sought-after events.
The board, led by outgoing World Netball Chief Executive Clare Briegal, will be at the heart of overseeing all activity around events that take place, making sure there’s a boost to the local economy and showcasing the region nationally and internationally. They will also ensure the residents of the city region are involved and prioritize sustainability, leaving a legacy for future generations.
On the board are:
Clare Briegal – an existing member of the last Sport Liverpool board, Clare has stepped up to position of Chair and brings extensive International Federation experience as well as an impressive track record of driving the profile of events and is a recognised advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Anyika Onoura – a former medal-winning Team GB track and field international athlete and now a critically acclaimed author, multi-talented Anyika has also broached out into the world of consultancy.
Catherine Forshaw – a regulatory sports lawyer, Catherine is a legal advisor to a number of national governing bodies, elite athletes, sports clubs and leagues.
Andy Owen – as Managing Director for renowned agency CSM Sport & Entertainment, Andy is a key player in the sporting world and recently led London’s successful bid to host Major League Baseball games.
Stuart Campbell – Stuart’s remarkable back catalogue includes organising the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2024 and the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool in 2022.
Dickon White – as Regional Director for The Jockey Club, Dickon has responsibility for delivering the biggest Steeplechase race in the world and has vast experience in the major events sphere, and will act in an advisory capacity as a board observer for the next term.
Many of the current board members will be back for the next three years. They include Tim Banfield, a venue management expert, Culture Liverpool’s Head of Major Sports Events Jen Falding, ACC Liverpool Commercial Director Ben Williams, Hamid Vaghefian, the Head of Participation and Community Engagement at the London Marathon, and Philip Wilson, the Executive Chair of College of Esports.
Clare Briegal, Chair of the Sport Liverpool Board, said:
“I am honoured and thrilled to be appointed to lead the Liverpool Sport Board during its next term.
“Sport is absolutely at the heart of Liverpool – a proud and vibrant city full of culture, that embraces diversity and is always ready to provide a warm welcome to all.
“I look forward to leading the Board and working with the executives to create a shared vision of the future and bring world class sporting events to the city region. Building on the success of events such as the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 and World Gymnastics Championship 2022, with our amazing sports venues including the ACC Arena, Aintree Racecourse, Anfield Stadium the home of Liverpool FC and the new Everton stadium in construction at Bramley Moore Dock – we will provide a wonderful environment and backdrop to showcase the very best sporting events.”
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, added:
“The Sport Liverpool Board plays an important role in supporting and guiding the Council on its events strategy for the Liverpool City Region. Major sports events are ever more important for cities to give their residents the chance to watch international sport on their doorstep, to drive business for the local economy and to deliver meaningful social impact to local communities.
“The build up to hosting UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will be an exciting time for the Liverpool City Region and UK Sport was delighted to support the recruitment of the new members, who will play a key part in ensuring the region benefits from this event and more.”
For full details, head to the official Sport Liverpool website.
Those on the board will not receive an allowance, although expenses will be covered.
The announcement comes just days after a pioneering partnership for Liverpool City Region’s tourism sector was launched, with Clare Briegal representing Sport on this new model.
