A MAJOR sporting conference is planned for Huddersfield next month.

It will focus on both local and national issues - including plans to improve sports fields across Kirklees.

Local sports clubs have been canvassed for their views on facilities on offer in the area.

And the findings will be unveiled at the conference.

Also on the agenda is "Meeting the Olympic Challenge in Kirklees", the coaching licence and the single system for sport.

The event is the first conference organised by the Kirklees Sport and Recreation Partnership.

It takes place at Huddersfield University on January 25, from 6.30pm to 10pm.

The main speaker David Gent, Director of Sport England for Yorkshire and Humber, will give the local, national and regional perspective in the build-up to 2012 Olympics.

Other speakers will give presentations on issues which are new and changing, which will be of interest to sports clubs and providers of sports activities.

The presentations will be followed by a chance for debate and discussion on a range of sports topics.

These include support to the voluntary sector, sport in later life, sports facilities and outreach sports development.

There will be an opportunity to highlight issues, comment on proposals and debate hot topics in sport.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "The conference is an ideal opportunity for Kirklees sports club members and officials, sports facility managers, directors of sport, school sports co-ordinators, youth workers and volunteers working in sport to find out about current issues for sport in the district."

The conference is free, but places need to be booked in advance by contacting Jodie Walker at Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services on 01484 234006 or e-mail jodie.walker@kirklees.gov.uk

The local Sport and Recreation Partnership is a group of organisations which work together to provide expertise to influence decisions and strategies about developments in sport in Kirklees.

Groups in the partnership include Sport England, the Federation of Disability Sports, Kirklees Council, primary care health trusts and further and higher education organisations.