Warren Ormerod, who was responsible for creating the Pulse Soccer brand, has announced he will step down from his role as director of soccer and fitness operations for The Pulse Group.

A sports industry veteran, Ormerod oversaw Pulse's roll-out of nine soccer facilities throughout the UK, including seven in partnership with the Football Association (FA).

Pulse won the contract to operate the FA's first two Parklife-branded facilities in Sheffield in 2016, a partnership which was since been expanded under Ormerod's tenure.

FA Parklife hubs have been designed to stimulate participation and were the first artificial pitch centres to request mandatory registration.

"It's been a huge privilege to have worked with some of the most talented and committed people in the leisure industry with a common aim to get more people more active," Ormerod said.

"It goes without saying I will miss my many friends and colleagues at the Pulse Group and all partner companies but wish them continued success in continuing to grow and improve the football provision and wider leisure provision."

Commenting on the departure, Chris Johnson, managing director at The Pulse Group, added: “Warren has played a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction of the business and the delivery of our key outputs.

"Working alongside myself for over 12 years shows loyalty and dedication, his commitment to the brand and he has shown copious amounts of passion to develop the football side of the business to overwhelming success."