Council coaches dumped in Olympics run-up - parents plan protest outside Talacre Sports Centre

Published: 21 April 2011
by TOM FOOT

THREE popular coaches who have encouraged thousands of children to take up sport are to lose their jobs.

Sports development officers Mike Jackson, Will Cave and Juan Escobar are being made redundant following a pre-Olympic Games “restructuring” by Camden Council.

A petition has been launched and parents are planning to protest against the decision outside Talacre Community Sports Centre in Kentish Town.

Parent Deborah Laing said the loss of Mr Jackson, who has worked for the council for 27 years, would have serious consequences for athletics. “It feels like they have no idea how much work Mike has put in,” she added. “He has had an impact on hundreds if not thousands of children’s lives. Not only in helping them get into sport, but also in organising events. These events simply won’t happen if he is not here. It is terrible.”

The sports coach has organised mini-marathons, triathlon, swimming, basketball and cycling events. Mr Cave runs Regent’s Park Youth Football League and the other officer is a basketball coach.

They are three of seven sports development staff to lose their jobs. All three are represented by trade union Unison. A Unison spokesman said: “It is really disgraceful that, with the Olympics coming up, Camden is halving its funding input into sports.”

A council spokeswoman blamed government funding cuts of £80-£100million.

She added: “All staff affected by the Sports and Physical Service reorganisation were treated fairly and equally and in strict accordance with the council’s organisational change procedure.” 

Staff were consulted and had a chance to influence the final outcome. They would be offered support in finding other jobs within the council.