Following a competitive recruitment process, the Northern Ireland Sports Forum has appointed Richard Honeyford as their new Executive Manager.
Currently Chief Operating Officer with RYA Northern Ireland, Richard will join the NI Sports Forum in May 2022. Interim Executive Manager Gordon Reid will remain in place until that time.
Honeyford has significant experience in the sport and recreation sector, working with RYA NI since 2005 in several roles, including as a coach and then later as a Performance Manager.
Prior to his time with RYA Northern Ireland, he gained experience in teaching with North Down and Ards Institute, Bangor, and coached youth squads with the Irish Sailing Association.
He supported international athletes at SailCoach and coached at the London Olympic Games in 2012. He has also supported Sport Northern Ireland as a Coach Development Mentor and joined the Board of the NI Sports Forum in November 2020.
Welcome
“I am pleased to welcome Richard as Executive Manager of the NI Sports Forum,” said Chair Ashley Hunter of Swim Ireland.
“Richard brings with him a wealth of experience, not just in the sport and recreation sector but with strong leadership skills and strategic and commercial acumen.”
“Following a difficult two-year period for the sector we look forward to supporting our members in their post covid recovery plans and advocate on their behalf on a wide range of issues. On behalf of the Board of the NI Sports Forum, I would like to welcome Richard to the team, and we look forward to working with him.”
“I am delighted to be joining the Northern Ireland Sports Forum as the Executive Manager and supporting its members across Northern Ireland,” added Honeyford. I have enjoyed more than 15 years working for RYA Northern Ireland and I am proud of what we have achieved as a governing body.”
“The NI Sports Forum has done some outstanding work over recent years, and I look forward to continuing this effort in supporting sports, engaging with stakeholders and advocating for the sport and recreation sector.”
Honeyford will meet sporting and business leaders from across Northern Ireland at a special event being hosted by the NI Sports Forum and Sport for Business at the National Football Stadium in Windsor Park on the evening of March 10th.
