Representatives from 13 sports, from athletics to dressage, have been selected by UK Sport to receive further training in international sporting affairs, as part of its International Leadership Programme (ILP).

Established last year, the ILP is part of UK Sport’s aim to turn out world class personnel and groom candidates to develop their sports on the international scene.

UK Sport’s international policy consultant, Ben Calveley, says: “The aim of the ILP is to ensure the UK continually develops individuals capable of building strong relationships with international sporting federations in a way that enables them to contribute to the global development of sport.”

The first module starts in February and will look at the operating environments of international sporting organisations.