Eric was the only London councillor to attend a meeting at the home of Harlequins Rugby, the Stoop at Twickenham last week. He joined 51 top sports coaches to look at strengthening the participation of young people in local sports clubs.

Pro-Active South London plays a key role in supporting School Sports Partnerships and is looking to acheive a target of 85% of pupils engaged in at least 4 hours of quality physical activity each week.

This can only work with the help of local clubs and coaches so it is rewarding to help encourage the leadership and co-ordination necessary to make this happen. Eric’s love of all sports shines through in this type of meeting. He is interested not just in the champions and sportsmen and women of the future, but engaging young people in a healthy lifestyle which will set them in good stead for the future. School sports has plenty of positive spin-offs in areas where we involve ourselves as councillors. Health and educational benefits are obvious but the social aspect and the diversion away from anti-social behaviour is just as important. Finally as a Harlequins season ticket holder, Eric rarely needs an excuse to travel to Twickenham, though I daresay it was more comfortable than sitting in the stand spectating.