The Sport for Development Coalition (SFDC) has appointed former MP Andy Reed as its new chair.

Reed, who has previously chaired the Sports and Recreation Alliance and is the founder of Sports Think Tank, succeeds Matt Stevenson-Dodd, who has held the role on an interim basis since 2018.

The SFDC describes itself as a "growing movement of organisations, networks and funders", focused on using the "power of sport and physical activity to generate positive social outcomes". It is supported and funded by Sport England, Comic Relief and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

"Never has the need been greater for social change – whether it’s the focus on the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals or the need for social cohesion and integration in our communities," Reed said.

"The many charities and organisations within the sport for development movement are already tackling a vast array of issues, from youth violence, social isolation and dementia in the elderly to wellbeing inequalities, discrimination and deprivation."

• To read more, a column by Andy Reed