LEISURE chiefs will make a bold bid to set up a National Academy for Sport in the Bolton area.

They are hoping to have talks with Bolton Wanderers to see if it could be based at their "sports village" at Red Moss, Horwich.

The Government's Department of National Heritage has announced that it wants to set up one national and a number of regional centres of excellence for sport.

It would be funded, at least in part, by national lottery cash and leisure chiefs feel that the multi-million pound Horwich development would be an ideal venue.

Mr Peter Stybelski, director of leisure services, said at last night's leisure services committee meeting: "I think we should go for this.

"It is a major opportunity for Bolton and we are well suited to meet the criteria which has been set out.

"I think we should go for the national bid and if we are not successful, then look at the regional centre."

Labour Cllr Gerry Riley, chairman, added: "We have to be ambitious. We are well-placed for both schemes."

A report presented to councillors said that the academy would have to be somewhere close to a good road network.

It would provide top-class training facilities and coaching and also have specialist medical advice available.

But vice chairman Labour Cllr Steve Hynes said he hoped it would not just be geared towards football and other professional sports.

"We should also be encouraging youngsters who have a talent for minority sports."

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