Shorts: ukactive, Hytro, Bristol Rovers

Mike Farrar steps down as Chair of ukactive after being appointed interim Secretary of the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.

He will take up his new role in April, following his final appearance as ukactive Chair at Active Uprising 2025.

Farrar has been the chair of ukactive since June 2022, succeeding Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. During his tenure, he has worked to strengthen ties between the physical activity sector and the NHS, contributing to the development of a blueprint for integrated care systems.

He has also held leadership positions, serving as Vice and Interim Chair of Sport England between 2009 and 2012 and Chair of Swim England from 2015 to 2020.

The recruitment process for a new ukactive Chair will be led by ukactive’s Treasurer, Katy Cox, who will serve as interim Chair until a successor is appointed.

Mike Farrar said, “It has been a privilege to be Chair of ukactive and play a part in shaping the future of this fantastic organisation and sector.

“I am confident that I will leave the Board, the organisation and the sector in a strong position to continue our growth and realise our vision for physical activity in the UK.”

Hytro has partnered with Soudal Quick-Step, providing its wearable Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technology to support rider recovery.

The agreement marks Hytro’s first collaboration in cycling, having previously worked with over 200 professional sports teams.

Soudal Quick-Step, will integrate Hytro’s technology into its training and race-day routines to assist with recovery during the demanding multi-stage racing season.

The partnership will also enable Hytro to gather feedback from Soudal Quick-Step’s riders and performance staff to support the development of a cycling-specific product.

Dr. Warren Bradley, Founder and Head of Elite Performance at Hytro, commented, “Soudal Quick-Step are one of the most successful teams in cycling history, and it’s a real honour to work with such a talented group of riders and staff.”

Bristol Rovers have renewed their partnership with Her Game Too, reaffirming its commitment to promoting inclusivity in football.

The club first partnered with Her Game Too in 2021, becoming the first English Football League club to do so. The collaboration was paused in June 2023 but has now resumed.

Bristol Rovers, whose women’s side play in the Women’s National League Division One, has previously supported the campaign through dedicated matchdays, branding at the Memorial Stadium, and front-of-shirt sponsorship for the women’s away kit during the 2021/22 season.

The club has also hosted initiatives such as a First Time Fans experience in March 2023, where 20 women and girls attended their first football match, and a watch party for the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain in August 2023.

Mitch Waddon, Head Of Media said, “Bristol Rovers is delighted to once again partner with Her Game Too and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring women are fairly and equally represented in football.”

Sports Medicine NI (SMNI) has become the official sports medicine partner of the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and its JD Academy.

The two-year agreement will see the Belfast-based clinic provide medical services to academy players.

SMNI will offer a range of services including heart screening, concussion baseline testing, and rehabilitation programmes. The clinic, led by Medical Director Dr Alan Rankin, offers a holistic approach to athlete health, also providing sports physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, and performance coaching.

Gareth Robinson, Director at Sports Medicine NI, said, “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the JD Academy and know we can complement the excellent support services that are currently available to the players.”

Kris Lindsay, National Academy Manager at the Irish FA, said, “We are looking forward to working with the team at SMNI to enhance and support the existing medical provision for our young players within the Irish FA JD Academy.

“The expert services they provide, especially around cardiac screening and concussion, will add another layer to the medical care provided to our young athletes.“

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