SAPCA has announced an important new addition to its board with the appointment of Professor David James. David – who is the managing director of SAPCA member Labosport – has been SAPCA Technical Chair since December 2020.
David’s appointment will further strengthen the composition of the SAPCA board, as he brings with him vast technical knowledge from a wide range of areas within the sports and play construction sector. He is a former director of the Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER) at Sheffield Hallam University and has worked in the field of sports engineering for more than 20 years. During his career, David has made an important contribution to research through his work with international sports federations and sport brands. He joined Labosport in 2018 and has led the company’s research and innovation programme, as well as commercial operations.
In his role as SAPCA Technical Chair, David has led the work of the Technical Committee and has helped drive forward SAPCA’s Technical Programme, working in cooperation with the SAPCA team and, in particular, Project Manager, Colin Corline. David has also been liaising on technical issues with numerous stakeholder organisations, such as the sports councils and NGBs.
The work delivered through the SAPCA Technical Programme is central to the association’s activities and, over recent years, has been increasingly supported by the Technical Committee, which draws on the expertise of various individual members from different sectors of the industry.
“Our industry is facing significant technical and regulatory challenges, and SAPCA provides essential coordination and guidance during these uncertain times,” David says.
“The technical programme is central to SAPCA, and I look forward to making an active contribution to the Board.”
SAPCA chair, Jason Douglass, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment that David has shown through his work as SAPCA Technical Chair has been invaluable to the association. Therefore, I’m delighted to welcome him to the SAPCA board, where his experience will further benefit the association.”