Sport champion coaches youngsters

British long jump champion Chris Tomlinson is to be the key speaker at a Teesside sports conference.

The Middlesbrough-born athlete will talk to youngsters about the benefits of getting involved in sport through volunteer work or coaching.

Organised by Tees Valley Sport, the conference takes place on Friday at the University of Teesside.

Its aim is to help young people who have already signed up to be volunteers in sport to develop their skills.

'Great opportunity'

The conference has been organised in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and Sport England.

Jean London, partnership manager, said: "Tees Valley Sport can offer young people and adults a great opportunity to get involved in sport through volunteer work or coaching.

"Behind all sporting success lies dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers. We can harness the potential of young people and adults to help them become top quality coaches or leaders."

The youngsters taking part come from further education colleges and sixth form colleges across the Tees Valley.