Sports clubs across the district this week pledged their support to the Maldon District Sports Forum.

Last week district council sport development officer Peter Melville-Rose appealed for clubs to come forward to ensure the forum's survival.

The forum, set up recently as part of an initiative by Maldon District Council, aims to work to develop sports participation and facilities across the district, especially for young people.

The appeal was backed by Phil Davis, head of physical education at the Plume School, Maldon.

He said: "Sustainability is the key to the success of the forum. If the group is to exist and grow, then clubs must take the lead in promoting the forum and be involved in deciding where it goes from here."

Judi Boutle of Maldon Rugby Club added: "It's really important that people attend, otherwise the forum may disappear and clubs will be left without a voice."

Maldon Hockey Club's youth officer Caroline Donnison said she hoped the forum would help her develop more structured opportunities to play hockey in the district.

"Providing children with opportunities to try out new sports is how clubs grow and evolve. If clubs want to succeed they should work together and promote each other's activities.

"The forum is the ideal venue to do this."

All club representatives are welcome at the next meeting of the group at the council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, on July 6 at 7.30pm.

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