§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will establish a centre of excellence for Rugby League and Rugby Union in the North West. [105101]
§ Kate HoeySport England is currently in discussions with the governing bodies of Rugby League and Rugby Union about their requirements for developing performance to the highest level. Whatever is developed will be linked in to the services and facilities provided by the United Kingdom Sports Institute.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the centres of excellence for sport in England. [105107]
§ Kate HoeyThe United Kingdom Sports Institute in England will have 10 National Network Centres. These will be at Bath University, Bedford, Bisham Abbey, Crystal Palace, Gateshead, Holme Pierrepont/Loughborough, Lilleshall, Manchester, Southampton University, and Sheffield. Each will be supported by regional sites of expertise, ensuring best practice is harnessed for the benefit of athletes and coaches through a consortium approach. In October 1999, Sports England confirmed up to £120 million of Lottery funds towards project costs of £175 million to support the English element of the United Kingdom Sports Institute.