Image: Sports minister Hugh Robertson

Sports coaches across the country will play a critical part in creating a lasting sports legacy after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to sports minister Hugh Robertson.

Speaking at the annual UK Coaching Summit in London yesterday (28 May), Robertson said the Games provide a chance "like never before" to raise the profile of coaching.

He said: "Behind all great athletes there stands a great coach. However, we need more people to take on these roles both voluntarily and professionally.

"After the Games, there will be many people inspired to take up sport. Clubs, national governing bodies and coaches need to be prepared to help those coming into their sports."

According to Sports Coach UK figures, there are more than 1.1 million people involved in coaching in the UK - around 76 per cent of which are made up of volunteers.

The two-day 2012 UK Coaching Summit is hosted by Sports Coach UK and supported by Sport England and UK Sport.

For more info on the summit, click here.