RYA Northern Ireland’s chief operating officer has announced he will take up a new post with the NI Sports Forum as their executive manager.

Richard Honeyford, who has worked with RYA Northern Ireland for more than 15 years, will take up the new post in May.

Honeyford joined RYANI in 2005 and has been an integral part of the organisation in several roles, including as a coach and then later as a performance manager.

Prior to his time with RYANI, Honeyford gained experience in teaching with North Down & Ards Institute in Bangor, and coached youth squads with Irish Sailing.

He supported international athletes at SailCoach and in more recent years he coached at the London Olympic Games.

Honeyford has also supported Sport Northern Ireland as a coach development mentor and joined the board of the NI Sports Forum in November 2020.

RYANI chair Susan McKnight paid tribute to Honeyford, saying: “Richard has been a key part of RYA Northern Ireland since he joined in 2005.

“As a coach, performance manager and chief operating officer, he has worked tirelessly with dedication and enthusiasm to develop and improve sailing and boating.

“Richard’s calm and diligent manner has helped us through many challenges and his passion and drive has seen our sport grow from strength to strength.

“While we will all miss Richard, we wish him all the very best and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role.”

Honeyford said: “I have enjoyed more than 15 years working for RYA Northern Ireland and I am proud of what we have achieved as a governing body.

“I am delighted to be joining the Northern Ireland Sports Forum as the executive manager and supporting its members across Northern Ireland.

“The NI Sports Forum has done some outstanding work over recent years and I look forward to continuing this effort in supporting sports, engaging with stakeholders and advocating for the sport and recreation sector.”

NI Sports Forum chair Ashley Hunter said: “I am pleased to welcome Richard as executive manager of the NI Sports Forum.

“Richard brings with him a wealth of experience, not just in the sport and recreation sector but with strong leadership skills and strategic and commercial acumen, Richard is best placed to support the forum in our next phase of work.

“Following a difficult two-year period for the sector, we look forward to supporting our members in their post-COVID recovery plans and advocate on their behalf on a wide range of issues.

“On behalf of the board of the NI Sports Forum, I would like to welcome Richard to the team, and we look forward to working with him.”