Derek Mapp has resigned from his position as chair of Sport England, following a decision by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport that the organisation will be taking on a slightly different role.

Mapp’s decision follows culture secretary James Purnell’s address to the School and Sport Partnerships Conference, where he outlined his vision to create a “world-class sports system in the UK”, with competitive sport championed from school level up to elite performance.

Under the new proposals, Sport England is being reviewed, the results of which are expected before the end of the year, on how they will deliver the new sports development strategy.

Although the government secured the London 2012 Olympics partly on the basis that it would use the event to get two million more people into sport, Purnell’s comments have suggested this objective might not be realistic.

Purnell has advocated ploughing more money into governing bodies like the Football Association to train potential stars, and some activities including walking and yoga will no longer be classified as sport and therefore will no longer be eligible for funding.

Sport England’s chief executive, Jennie Price, paid tribute to Mapp: “He has brought clear leadership, energy, drive and focus to the organisation, which will stand us in good stead as we take on our new role.”

Sport England will produce a 2008–11 strategy and work with a DCMS-led group, including Rugby League and Youth Sports Trust representatives.