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Yuri Matischen, Managing Director at Sheffield-based Montgomery Leisure Services (MLS), has taken on a new role. After the government's recent go-ahead to develop a National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure, Matischen has been appointed Regional Chair in Yorkshire and the Humber.

He has already played a vital part in developing the regional business plan for the Academy and will ensure the plans to deliver a coherent approach to education in sport and leisure are put in place.

"This is a very exciting time, for everyone involved in the sport and active leisure sector", said Matischen who at MLS manages some of the country's largest sporting events and is also Chairman of the Sheffield Sharks Basketball Team.

"Now the National Skills Academy has been officially approved by the government, there is a tremendous opportunity for the local community to get involved - whether an employer, training provider, voluntary sports organisations or learner".

The skills academy, which is led by the sector skills council Skills Active, will operate via nine regional hubs in England with Yorkshire and The Humber one of the first three to open later this year.

It will be a one-stop shop for employers to recruit, train and retain employees, maximising available funding support, and gaining advice and information both online and through the network of regional Hubs, Centres of Excellence and Academy providers.

"In the next few months, we'll be recruiting permanent offices and engaging with local employers.

We will also be working closely with Sheffield United FC where the regional hub will be located.

"It's certainly an ideal opportunity to deliver a lasting legacy of skills for our region" he added.

For further details visit www.skillsactive.com/academy