Who is our guest?

Adam Holland is a visionary leader in the children's physical activity sector, having devoted over nine years to managing Progressive Sports in Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Chesterfield. His journey, unconventional in the beginning, started right after high school when he dived into a sports coaching apprenticeship with Port Vale. Despite the early end of his tenure due to financial constraints, Adam’s passion never wavered. He quickly found a new beginning with Progressive Sports, where through dedication, learning, and genuine care for community wellbeing, he has significantly expanded the organisation's reach across the East Midlands. With a focus on making sports accessible and enjoyable for children, Adam has introduced innovative methods such as glow-in-the-dark activities to engage young people and has tirelessly worked towards breaking down barriers to physical activity. His leadership is not only transformative but also inclusive, pushing for high-quality services that raise enjoyment levels and physical activity among children. His efforts extend beyond the field; his strategic use of PR and marketing has notably increased Progressive Sports' visibility and impact. Adam's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the importance of leadership at all levels of an organisation.

What do we discuss?

· A Journey in activating community activity

· Adam's early career and the path to Progressive Sports

· The power of physical activity: Adam's insights

· Innovative approaches to engaging children in physical activity

· Adam's proudest moments and inspirational leaders

· Leadership insights and business coaching

· The power of measurement in business improvement

· Personal leadership style and team management

· Developing leaders within the organisation

· Challenges and strategies in leadership development

· Addressing leadership perceptions in the sports sector

· Recommendations for enhancing leadership skills

· Creating opportunities and overcoming barriers

· The importance of reflection and continuous improvement

Who is our guest?

Andrea Springthorpe is an inspiring figure with a multifaceted professional journey deeply rooted in physical activity and fitness. Starting her career in sales and marketing, Andrea found herself unfulfilled and longing for a change. At 28, she took a bold step by quitting her job to pursue a degree in Exercise, Physical Activity, and Health as a mature student at the University of Huddersfield. This decision was a turning point, leading her to explore various domains of physical fitness but ultimately recognising that her heart was not in becoming a PE teacher. Instead, Andrea embarked on an entrepreneurial path and established 'Fit for Force,' a boot camp business aimed at preparing individuals for the physical assessments required in the forces. Her venture was born out of a desire to fill a gap in the fitness preparation for those entering the forces, and it has been successful and ongoing since 2011.

Beyond running boot camps, Andrea's journey took another significant turn when she joined Legacy Sport, where she climbed up to become one of the directors. In her role at Legacy, she handles a mix of finance, operations, sales, and marketing, drawing from her rich background to bring value to the organisation. On a personal level, Andrea places immense value on physical activity, not just for its physical benefits but for its mental health benefits as well. As a mother, she views herself as a role model to her daughter, Sophia, emphasising the importance of being active and healthy. Through her journey, Andrea exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion, making her a compelling character in the narrative of fitness and personal growth.

What do we discuss?

· Andrea's Unique Journey into Fitness

· The Birth of Fit for Force and Transition to Legacy Sport

· A Day in the Life at Legacy: Roles and Responsibilities

· Leveraging Sales and Marketing Skills in the Fitness Sector

· Challenges and Changes in the School Fitness Sector

· The Personal Significance of Physical Activity

· Promoting Physical Activity Among Children and Parents

· Inspirational Role Models and Leadership in the Sector

· The Power of Collaboration and Networking

· Leadership Style and Development at Legacy

· Challenges and Achievements: A Reflection

· Improving Activity Levels: Insights and Recommendations

Who are our guests?

With over 25 years of experience in fostering a culture of inclusivity and engagement in sports, Louise Assioun and Sue Morrison stand out as true champions of making physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Louise, with her rich background in physical education and a level 4 tennis coaching accreditation, spearheads the Team GB Visually Impaired Tennis team, offers invaluable expertise to the Battle Back program, and consults on various projects, including content creation for the LTA’s Coach Education department. Her dedication shines in her work to inspire and develop skills in others, ensuring physical activities are a source of joy and camaraderie for all. Similarly, Sue Morrison’s journey in coaching across a plethora of sports, from tennis to multisport, especially for children and those with disabilities, reflects her deep-seated commitment to nurturing a lifelong love for sports. Her innovative approach in creating activity programs and designing equipment highlights her dedication to broadening the reach of sports, making it possible for individuals from different backgrounds and abilities to find delight and fulfilment in being active. Together, Louise and Sue embody the spirit of inclusivity and passion for sports, making significant strides in bringing the joy and benefits of physical activity to everyone.

What do we discuss?

· Louise's Journey: From PE Teacher to Disability Sports Coach

· Sue's Path: 40 Years of Coaching and Inclusion

· The Power of Sport: Personal Stories of Impact

· Championing Activity: Strategies for Inclusion and Engagement

· Overcoming Barriers: Ensuring Access to Physical Activity for All

· The Journey to Support and Innovation in Inclusive Sports

· Introducing Innovative Training Workshops for Schools

· Creative Solutions for Inclusive Physical Education

· Adapting to Lockdown: Virtual Support and Community Engagement

· LUSU TV: A Resource Hub for Inclusive Activities

· Harnessing Creativity for Inclusive Sports Activities

· Empowering Educators with Inclusive Training Techniques

· Recommendations for Further Learning and Inclusion