Who is our guest?

Ryan Harris is a charismatic leader in the children's sports coaching and activity sector. Beginning his career at 17 years old, as a kids' activity club provider at David Lloyd's leisure centre, Ryan has demonstrated a natural flair for sports and leadership. His early involvement in tennis, where he excelled to become the number one player in Lancashire for his age group, laid the foundation for his passion for sports and its development.

Despite leaving university early, Ryan's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to sports led him to recognise the transformative power of physical activity in children's lives. He leveraged his experience and skills to establish the School of Sport in 2016, later diversifying its offerings and rebranding to meet the needs of children and parents better. Under Ryan's leadership, the organisation has flourished, driven by his commitment to high standards, organisational excellence, and community impact. Ryan's journey from a sports enthusiast to a successful business owner reflects his belief in the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in combating physical inactivity among youth. His story is a testament to the impact of perseverance, dedication, and a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of young people through sports.​

What do we discuss?

· The importance of leadership in combating physical inactivity

· Introducing Ryan Harris: From tennis prodigy to business owner

· Ryan's professional journey: The early years

· Expanding beyond tennis: The growth of a business

· Navigating business growth and the pandemic

· Ryan's personal fitness journey and its impact

· Engaging children in physical activity: Strategies and Challenges

· The evolution of wraparound services

· Offering free sessions: A strategy for growth

· Leadership insights and inspirations

· Building a culture of continuous improvement

· Cracking the Active Code

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