Moynihan said earlier this week that the entire structure of school sport in Britain needs a complete reform to capitalise on the inspiration created by London 2012.

He highlighted a major investment in facilities as one of the key ways to improve the system.

"It is at schools that we can translate inspiration into participation with better facilities, more access to facilities, and giving the young people of this country the opportunity to take the inspiration and turn that into greater participation up and down the country," said the BOA chief.

However, Steele has countered Moynihan's claims by saying that investment in people, rather than just "bricks and mortar", sits at the heart of creating a sustainable legacy from the Games.

"Following the hugely successful and inspirational Games we are witnessing, we now find ourselves at a crossroads," Steele told insidethegames.

"One route would be to follow what many previous host nations have done and base their legacy plans around bricks and mortar.

Youth Sport Trusth chief executive John Steele believes investment in top-quality sports coaches and leaders will inspire youngsters

"But at the Youth Sport Trust we believe the right choice is the harder option, which is to invest in young people – especially at primary school age.

"If we are really serious about building on the 'Inspire a generation' vision then we should look to invest in teachers, school sport professionals and young leaders who will turn an inspired generation into an active generation for life."

Steele also rejected claims that urgent reform is needed.

"I don't think a step change is needed because this is not a system that needs a complete overhaul," he declared.

"We are doing some very good things, not least with the School Games (pictured top).

"Anyone who was there [at this year's School Games] could not doubt the power of the event to get people into sport and it is now a nationwide event.

"We would obviously like further investment and we were undoubtedly hurt by the major cuts to the school sport budget in 2010, but what we have in place is a system that works."

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