Sheffield has been chosen to house the national sports institute to replace the Pounds 1 billion academy planned by the last government.
Chris Smith, Culture and Sport Secretary, pledged that Pounds 160 million would finance the central headquarters and a network of facilities throughout the country. There will be about eight bases in England, several in Scotland and one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The institute will provide information on sports science, medicine, nutrition and coaching for Olympic and minority sports. Spectator sports like football, cricket and rugby will be able to use the facilities.
