New general manager to create “buzz” at leisure centre

Dean Ainsworth has taken on his new role at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, which is managed by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust and based in Mexborough.

The 27-year-old from Wombwell began his career in the leisure industry working as a lifeguard at Barnsley Metrodome before taking on a leisure and fitness supervisor role at Your Space Dearneside.

He said: “It’s a great move for my personal career progression as I have always had ambitions to run my own site and this is the perfect opportunity for me to develop myself but also help grow the centre and create a real buzz about it.

“I have dealt with many different challenges throughout my time in the industry, including recovering from the pandemic, so I feel I can bring this wealth of experience into Dearne Valley and be a positive and upbeat influence on the team.

“All of the staff have been very helpful and welcomed me with open arms and I’m really looking forward to helping get Dearne Valley Leisure Centre on the map as a key health and fitness hub in the local community.”

Chris Wright, head of leisure at DCLT, said Dean was joining at an “exciting time,” adding: “His enthusiasm and fresh approach is a real asset to us as we look to develop and enhance what Dearne Leisure Centre provides to the local community.”