Last updated 10:33, Friday, 03 October 2008

A SECOND dan black belt in karate and a footballer who has swapped a professional career to teach others have joined the staff at Maryport’s Netherhall School Community Sports Centre.

with picBy Vivienne Paterson

Jenna Pooley, 25, who has represented England at karate, has been appointed Allerdale council sports co-ordinator.

She will be based at the Netherhall centre and will devote most of her time to the town but she will also work in other parts of the district marketing sports facilities, setting up programmes and encouraging people to get involved in sport.

Jenna, from Workington, has a physical education and sports development degree from the University of Cumbria.

She said: “It is great that I managed to get my degree in Cumbria and am able to work here.”

Ryan Smith, 19, from Crosby, near Maryport, has been appointed as a sports supervisor.

A keen footballer, he was signed for Oldham Athletic’s youth squad but returned home when he was not offered a permanent contract.

The pair have launched an indoor sports programme, including athletics and basketball for children aged five to eight, for under-12s and for under-18-year-olds.

They are planning next year's summer camps which they hope will include some karate, and Ryan is keen to work with local football clubs to encourage young players.

He has a level one youth coaching qualification.

Centre manager Brian Taylor said: “They are so enthusiastic and full of ideas that they cannot help but be an asset to the school, to Maryport and to the district.”