Ellen Pearce nominated to be England Korfball’s new Chair

The England Korfball Board has nominated Ellen Pearce to be the new Chair of the England Korfball Association.

At the recent England Korfball Board meeting on 23 January Craig Gosling formally tendered his resignation after 6 years as Chairman.

As set out at the Annual General Meeting in July 2017, this follows an agreed transition period with Ellen Pearce who was recruited to the Board in March 2017 with a view to taking over as Chair.

In line with our constitution, following Craig’s resignation, Ellen was co-opted by the current Board into the Chair’s role – with unanimous agreement and immediate effect.

England Korfball’s members will be asked to endorse this appointment at the upcoming General Meeting on 24 February in Cambridge.

Craig who joined the Board in 2008 as Competition’s Officer took on the additional role as England Korfball’s strategy lead in 2011 before becoming Chair in 2012.

Participation has doubled in 5 years

Under Craig’s tenure England Korfball has grown significantly; participation has doubled in 5 years and we’ve also seen hundreds of newly qualified coaches taking the new coaching courses, including activator, teachers, level 1 and level 2.

The England Korfball Inspired – a bespoke accreditation program – was also successfully launched and is now benefiting clubs up and down the country.

Craig will continue to play a key role within England Korfball as part of the Grand Finals sub-committee – with the recently announced moved to the Copper Box Arena in London.

Recently Ellen has been taking on more and more of the day to day tasks, including leading on the development of a new strategy which will be available for full member consultation in February.

Ellen has a wealth of korfball experience – most recently setting up Lancaster Phoenix Korfball Club and before that playing (and leading, as Chair) Cambridge Phoenix Korfball Club.

Very exciting time for our sport

Before joining the Board, Ellen worked with England Korfball as a National Panel Member for our bespoke club development and support programme; England Korfball Inspired.

Ellen also brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as a charity Chief Executive Officer.

Ellen said: “It’s an honour to be put forward as the next Chair of England Korfball.. It’s a very exciting time for our sport, a time of such opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to build on all the progress made of the last few years and working closing with our members to set out and deliver our key priorities”

“I am grateful for my fellow Board members unanimous support.”