A former Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School pupil is returning to the sports facilities where he played as a schoolboy after being appointed manager of the site at KLB and Wotton Community PARC.

Alex Lumsden, who grew up in nearby Wickwar, has taken on the role with Sport Wotton Ltd, the organisation responsible for managing the facilities. His appointment will focus on developing the site and encouraging more people from the surrounding community to take part in sport and recreation.

Facilities available to schools, clubs and residents

The sports complex includes a sports hall, gym, floodlit full-size all-weather astro pitch, floodlit 3G football pitch and grass pitches. It also has a squash court, a recently refurbished dance studio and indoor cricket nets.

The facilities are already used by Wotton Rovers Youth Football Club, Wotton-under-Edge Hockey Club, Wotton Rugby Club and Wotton parkrun. KLB pupils use the site during the school day, while the wider community can access it during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

Sport Wotton has managed the facilities since 2014. The company is jointly owned by KLB and the Wotton Community Sports Foundation, and was established to manage facilities at both the school and the PARC.

Plans to increase use and improve bookings

Mr Lumsden brings experience from Proformance Coaching, the business he launched three years ago. The company provides professional sports provision and football sessions to more than 4,500 children every week across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

He will be supported by Marley Rusling, also from Proformance Coaching, who has become assistant manager. Mr Lumsden was first approached about the opportunity in July by a former PE teacher who remains involved with the site.

One of the new management team’s priorities is to increase use of the facilities, improve the booking system and strengthen the site’s online presence. The team also wants to make better use of traditionally quieter periods, including school holidays and half terms.

Additional activities for local residents are also being considered. The management team is inviting residents, sports clubs and community groups to suggest new sports and activities or discuss using the existing facilities.

‘A community I know well’

Mr Lumsden said the appointment would allow him to contribute to an area where he had grown up and first used the facilities.

“It’s a great opportunity to take on a new challenge while contributing to a community I know well.

I grew up playing sport around here and used the facilities when I was at school, so it’s good to be able to come back and help develop them.

There are already established clubs and good facilities in place. We want to build on that, make it easier for people to find out what’s available and explore opportunities to offer more activities for the local community.”

Richard Daniel, head of PE at KLB, welcomed the appointment. He said Mr Lumsden had made a positive impression at the school and that his experience and connection with the facilities would support the next stage of their development.

“Alex made a very positive impression during his time at KLB, and we are proud to see former pupils like him continuing to contribute so much to the local community.

We are delighted that he has taken on this role and, given his successful track record and personal affinity with these facilities, are confident it will be a positive new chapter for the facilities and the community as a whole.”

Residents, clubs and community organisations wanting more information can visit www.sportwotton.org, email [email protected] or call 01453 520365.