Two new appointments at RYA
Rob Clark has been appointed the director of sport development and Ben Falla joins the team as head of membership at the RYA.
Clark joins from Rockley Watersports where he was operations director responsible for the delivery of a range of activities from first time sailing experiences to instructor qualifications, school and youth group sessions, educational programmes, holiday experiences and ‘pay and play’ sessions.
An active member of his sailing club, Clark volunteers with his youth fleet and has previously been secretary of the J24 class association. He’s also been involved with the RYA Training Committee and is no stranger to boat shows including the RYA Dinghy Show and wider industry events.
“2020 has been a hugely challenging time for all of us, however one of the key features has been seeing the number of people who’ve discovered or rediscovered the amazing activities that we can enjoy around our coastline or inland waters,” Clark says. “I feel this gives us a great opportunity to carry this momentum forward and open our doors for more participation and engagement at all levels.
“Having spent over 25 years involved in the delivery of activities to people of all ages and backgrounds, I feel that I can use this knowledge and understanding of club, class association, centre and showcase environments to help support venues to introduce even more people to the wonderful opportunities that boating provides.”
As director of sport development, he will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Sport Development programmes and activities and maintain participation in sailing and windsurfing.
He’ll also be supporting RYA affiliated clubs as well as liaising with Sport England to develop plans and gain support and essential funding for RYA initiatives and programmes.
While over in the RYA’s membership team, Ben Falla joins the team as head of membership.
Falla joins after more than eight years with British Cycling.
Falla is experienced in driving membership acquisition, retention and engagement within a national governing body.
“My entire career has been spent in the sport and leisure sector and during my time at British Cycling we saw rapid growth in membership numbers,” says Falla. “My journey there began launching a digital tool kit for cycling clubs and then evolved into membership, data systems, business intelligence, customer engagement and ultimately oversight of the entire department. I am really looking forward to the new role at the RYA and believe the knowledge and experience I bring will help to further develop a highly tailored, personalised, service and experience for our members.”
