A new deal between Sport Wales and Sports Leaders UK will result in an “unprecedented number” of young community sport volunteers working in Wales.

The two bodies have signed a new three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU), which will look to end the practice of short-term agreements and create a joint commitment which will make it easier to keep youngsters active in programmes.

Sarah Powell, CEO of Sport Wales, said: “The MOU is designed to establish clear responsibilities, minimise duplication and maximise effective use of resources for the benefit of young people.

"If we are to continue growing numbers then we have to work in partnership with organisations like Sports Leaders UK to get the maximum out of the resources we have."

In total, there were more than 8,500 sports leaders trained in Wales – across schools, colleges, universities, outdoor centres, sports clubs and NGBs.

The new deal looks to increase that number – as well as bring in even younger people to take part in volunteering.

Powell added: "We know that the younger we can get people involved, the more likely we are to keep them volunteering. More volunteers also brings about more people playing sport and doing physical activity."