21st February 2021
NI Sports Forum appoint new Executive Manager
Following a competitive recruitment process, the Northern Ireland Sports Forum has appointed Richard Honeyford as their new Executive Manager.
Currently Chief Operating Officer with RYA Northern Ireland, Richard will join the NI Sports Forum in May 2022. Richard has significant experience in the sport and recreation sector, working with RYA NI since 2005 in several roles, including as a coach and then later as a Performance Manager.
Prior to his time with RYA Northern Ireland, Richard gained experience in teaching with North Down & Ards Institute, Bangor, and coached youth squads with Irish Sailing Association. He supported international athletes at SailCoach and in more recent years, Richard coached at the London Olympic Games. Richard has also supported Sport Northern Ireland as a Coach Development Mentor and joined the Board of the NI Sport Forum in November 2020.
Chairperson of NI Sports Forum Ashley Hunter added,
“I am pleased to welcome Richard as Executive Manager of the NI Sports Forum. Richard brings with him a wealth of experience, not just in the sport and recreation sector but with strong leadership skills and strategic and commercial acumen Richard is best placed to support the Forum in our next phase of work.
“Following a difficult two-year period for the sector we look forward to supporting our members in their post covid recovery plans and advocate on their behalf on a wide range of issues. On behalf of the Board of the NI Sports Forum I would like to welcome Richard to the team, and we look forward to working with him”.
Richard Honeyford said of his appointment,
“I am delighted to be joining the Northern Ireland Sports Forum as the Executive Manager and supporting its members across Northern Ireland. I have enjoyed more than 15 years working for RYA Northern Ireland and I am proud of what we have achieved as a governing body.
“The NI Sports Forum has done some outstanding work over recent years, and I look forward to continuing this effort in supporting sports, engaging with stakeholders and advocating for the sport and recreation sector.”
We are delighted with this appointment and look forward to welcoming Richard into the role. Gordon Reid will continue on an Interim basis. You can contact Gordon on info@nisf.net and also on 07564483858. Our Communications Officer Niamh Mac Manus and Finance Administrator Sharon Crossan will of course still be on hand to offer support and deal with anything required also.
ENDS