SCL Education Group has appointed Brad Rushton as managing director of its SCL Education and Training arm.

Rushton initially joined the independent sports education provider a year go as commercial director and has been heavily involved in quality and operations.

Prior to joining SCL, he spent 14 years at health club giant Fitness First – including 18 months as head of UK operations.

“SCL is well positioned to establish the organisation as a market leader of education through sport," Rushton said.

"I now have an incredible opportunity to build on this and make SCL famous for the development of the next generation of sports sector and educational professionals.”

SCL delivers further education, apprenticeships and sports development programmes nationwide across football, rugby and cricket in partnership with more than 70 professional, private and grassroots sports clubs, foundations and community trusts.