SPORTS clubs in the borough now have a new forum to assist them with the provision of sport in the borough.

Sport Richmond is being launched as a forum for advice and mutual assistance for those volunteer officials who run the clubs. Following the demise of Richmond Sports Council, a steering group of interested parties, including Richmond upon Thames Council, has been working to resurrect a new body to provide much needed help.

The aim of Sports Richmond is to focus on the major priorities of all clubs, primarily resources, participation and the need to collect information and implement best practice.

To launch this new initiative, representatives from all clubs are being invited to a meeting on Thursday, March 18, at York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, starting at 7.30pm with refreshments from 7pm.

The evening will be hosted by the council and as well as a discussion on the role and priorities of Sport Richmond, visitors will be told the financial benefits of the new Community Amateur Sports Clubs programme.

Andy Sutch of Sport Richmond commented: "There has never been a more appropriate time for sports clubs in Richmond to get a collective voice. Sport is on the political and cultural agendas, at national and local level, in a way never seen before. There are some great successes in Richmond, but we need to get together to achieve more investment for the borough. Similarly, many problem issues facing voluntary sports clubs will be better met by collective action.

More details from the council's sport and recreation team on 8831 6133 or e-mail sportrichmond@yahoo.co.uk