Colchester United Community Sports Trust has appointed a new Chief Executive.

Former Olympic Athletics Team Manager Eric Shirley, who is currently North London High Performance Director at UK Athletics, will join the team in August.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Colchester United Community Sports Trust, helping to change lives and communities through sport.

"During my career I have worked with a broad range of people, from professional athletes and Paralympians to those running and taking part in grassroots community projects.
"The thing which unites them all is the way that sport at any level can inspire people to make a difference to their lives and help them achieve great things.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Trust at such an exciting time and really believe that with the fantastic commitment I have seen from the staff, the Trust can continue to grow and inspire the local community to join us and enjoy all the fantastic activities we have on offer."

Eric originally trained as a PE teacher, before becoming Head of PE at Hayes Manor School, and then Head of Leisure Services in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

As well as managing the Great Britain Athletics Team from 1998 to 2009 (which included both the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) he also took on the role of Elite Athletes Co-ordinator and Mini Marathon Race Director for the London Marathon from 2004 to 2007.

During his career he has mentored a number of elite professional athletes for the Olympics and is also a trustee of three sports-related charities.

Eric comes from great sporting stock - his father, Eric Shirley (Senior) was a double Olympian and finalist in the 1956 3000m Steeplechase.

Mike Springett, CUCST's Acting Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees, said: "It's great to be able to welcome Eric on board.

"He has a passion for sport and the improvement of people's lives and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.

"He has a real understanding of the benefits sport can bring to communities having worked in some challenging London Boroughs and on a wide range of sporting projects.

"We are all looking forward to working with Eric to help the people of Colchester and the surrounding area to achieve their full potential."