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New director appointed to strategic sports and physical activity organisation MSP

A NEW director has been appointed at the organisation charged with helping people across Merseyside get active. Tom Douglas, who has extensive background in retail and a passion for developing sport, has been appointed to MSP (formerly Merseyside Sports Partnership) following an extensive interview and assessment process involving Sport England and Liverpool City Council, which is the host local authority for the organisation. The 39 year old was most recently manager of the IKEA store in Leeds and also has senior management experience with ASDA, Tesco and Lidl. He lives in Crosby with his wife and 2 children. Funded by Sport England, MSP is the strategic organisation dedicated to helping people across the City Region get active every day. It works with local authorities, health leaders, youth and voluntary organisations, Schools and business leaders to unlock the power of sport and physical activity.  Tom replaces Jean Stephens, who stepped down earlier this year following almost 20 years in the role.

Tom Douglas said:- "I am delighted to be taking up this hugely exciting role at MSP and am determined to bring the same passion I have for retail to my new post. Sport and business share many of the same goals; whether it is commitment, drive or a determination to be the best you possibly can. Sport and physical activity have always been a major passion for me and I want to combine the expertise I have acquired in business in my new role; I can't wait to get started."

Ron Odunaiya, MSP Advisory Board Member and Director of Community Services for Liverpool City Council added:- "Tom's appointment follows a rigorous selection process and the board were unanimous in agreeing his appointment. This is a hugely important role, driving forward the excellent work that MSP has done over the last couple of decades, working with partners to encourage people to get active to improve their health and wellbeing."

More information about the work of MSP can be found at:- MerseysidesPort.Com.

Reader submitted photos:- "Thunderstorms"

THESE lightning photos where taken by reader Daniel Brookfield, near Kew Road, Southport, facing towards Christ King and Dobbies, on his dash cam, on Wednesday, 24 June 2019.