Sports centre in memory of Ian

PUPILS at Brinsworth Academy could be enjoying new sports facilities in a centre built in memory of a former teacher as soon as next year.

Plans to replace the existing sports hall and replace it with a multi-million pound facility have been submitted to Rotherham Borough Council.

The centre will be named after Ian Burton (pictured) who taught at the school for 36 years before he lost his battle with cancer in 2014 at the age of 59.

Co-head teacher Andrew Riches said: “The new sports centre will be a fantastic testimony for the work that Ian did and it will secure state-of-the-art sports facilities for our youngsters.

“Ian dedicated his life to the promotion of sport to young people and as a school we are very excited about the opportunities it will bring our pupils and the community.”

The Ian Burton Sports Centre will include a multi-use sports hall, trampolines, a dance studio, changing rooms and a classroom.

Mr Riches said the school hoped students would be enjoying the facilities “by this time next year”.

He added: “I think the centre will be the jewel in our crown and give us the opportunity to develop physical education and sport in our academy.

“Ian taught PE and we feel it will be a fitting tribute to a colleague who gave this school so much.”

Mr Burton took early retirement in July 2014 to spend more time with wife Jean and daughters Vicky and Hannah.

He died after a short battle with cancer just five months later and dozens of floral tributes covered the school’s gates.

He used to run outdoor education trips and took students rock climbing and orienteering.

Mr Burton was told about the school renaming the sports hall in his honour before his death and said he was “very humbled by it”.