Well that didn’t really go to plan did it?! I’m sure we all started 2020 with grand ideas of what the year was going to look like and what we planned to achieve but if anyone’s reality remotely resembled their aspirations a hearty congratulations.
That said, at the beginning of the year I began approaching trusted colleagues, friends and contemporaries with the concept of the Professional Body of Sports Leadership and the idea of supporting professionals working in the sports industry and those who would like to. As you may have noticed, some unexpected obstacles tried to throw a spanner in the works but we weren’t going to let a minor issue like a global pandemic stand in our way!
In an industry that generates approaching £50 billion for the UK economy and employs in the region of half a million people, there has never been a more important time for an organisation that provides a central platform of development and support to all areas of the sports sector and those working in it.
The PBSL has now launched, is active and growing and we have big plans for 2021 including bespoke governance and leadership programmes, our peer to peer coaching and mentoring network, new forums and discussion groups and the continued support in key areas including wellbeing, career guidance, legal consultation and much more.
The support, hard work and commitment of many people involved in bringing the PBSL to fruition has been outstanding, inspirational and appreciated beyond words, particularly that of our Board members – Chris Brindley, Sharon Fuller, Liseli Sitali, Jon Massie, Zarah Al-Kudcy, Sujit Jasani and Dave Reddin. Many others have also contributed in many ways and my thanks go to them all.
Thanks too to the many members and organisations that have already signed up to the PBSL and if you haven’t so far the start of a new year is a great time to invest in yourself and your future.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a happier and less turbulent New Year and look forward to welcoming you to the PBSL community as we continue to grow and support everyone with a passion for the sports industry.
Tom Sears
the PBSL Founder & Chair