The Sports Council for Wales has teamed up with the Welsh Language Board to increase the opportunities to access sport through the Welsh language.

The partnership will aim to work with governing bodies, increase the number of Welsh speaking coaches along with creating Welsh medium programmes and coaching and leadership materials and resources.

As part of the scheme, a role has been created for a Welsh language development officer, working within the Sports Council for Wales structure.

According to Rhodri Glyn Thomas, the Welsh Assembly minister for heritage, the partnership will concentrate on three regions during its first year, Ceredigion, Conwy and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“We want people in Wales to be more active, and to be able to choose to do so in Welsh or English,” said Thomas.

“This partnership will be key to helping governing bodies of sport, local authorities and our other partners to promote and increase the use of the Welsh language in sport.”