Sporting Influence was founded in 2012 with two key aims:
At Sporting Influence, we firmly believe that teaching sport correctly gives children the best chance in school to develop a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle and the potential to move into secondary school with those important social skills.
Our drive to develop well rounded and healthy children is at the core of everything that we do, in every lesson, after-school club, competition or day at our holiday camps.
Since the business started we have recruited and invested in our team of teachers and I can confidently say that we have one of the strongest most dedicated teams of experienced professionals across Yorkshire.
We are excited to launch our Sporting Influence CIC Foundation fully in 2022 and look forward to making a big difference in the community to children and families in need of extra support.
We are proud to say that we now work with:
David Moss - Director of Sporting Influence
At Sporting Influence we believe in the power of Sport to develop the 'whole child'. Our highly skilled team use the power of sport to improve whole school targets through cross-curricular disguised learning programmes in Numeracy, Literacy and Wellness as well as work through school holidays at our activity camps. Every session we deliver has an underlying objective of developing opportunities to improve key social skills; striving to encourage healthy, active and well-rounded young children.
What you didn't know...
In his spare time Mr Moss is a taxi driver for his children's sport! However he does love watching them so this is not a chore.
He enjoys keeping fit, playing a bit of golf and socialising with friends and family when at all possible.
What you didn't know...
Mr Whitford is a qualified Secondary PE teacher and worked in schools for over 10 years. He started working for Sporting Influence in 2018 as he always enjoyed working with younger children and is passionate about helping to develop and up-skill others.
Outside of work Mr Whitford is a keen runner and cyclist. In his home life his 3 young children keep him busy and if it isn’t the children he is worrying about it is most likely the current form of Sheffield Wednesday!
What you didn't know...
When he isn't teaching Mr Doey loves to be kept busy. If he isn't changing his sons nappy or playing peek-a-boo you will find him in the garden working on a project.
In his spare time Mr Doey likes to play cricket and is heavily involved with the cricket club off the field too.
What you didn't know...
If Mrs Wilcox isn’t delivering her outstanding First Aid or Wellness programmes she will be tending to her busy home life. If she isn’t ferrying one child to the golf course, she will most certainly be taking the other to the stables. If Mrs Wilcox is in the car by herself it is normally because she’s on her way to take part in her favourite sport – hockey.
What you didn't know...
Mr Atkinson loves to be busy. When he isn’t working for Sporting Influence he will be doing one of the following:
What you didn't know...
Known as the Bilton Bielsa, Mr Crooks lives and breathes grassroots football. Over the weekend, he will spend his Saturdays playing for his local team at Harlow Hill Football Club. On Sundays, you will find Mr Crooks coaching the U16’s team at Pannal Sports Football Club. If you see him down at the Pannal Community Park, then come say hello!
Mr Crooks’ secret hobby is that he loves anything to do with films and TV shows. If there is one you have in mind, it is very likely that he has seen it!
What you didn't know...
Mr Colley is a real family man, when not teaching PE lessons for Sporting Influence he enjoys watching his two sons play football and cricket for their local clubs. However, he normally ends up running the line at football matches and scoring at the cricket.
In his own time, he can be found out on one of his bikes, either cruising the roads in lycra or wearing his baggies in the middle of nowhere covered in mud. He also puts in the miles running the local tracks and trails, all in an attempt to keep fit, healthy and stay youthful which is a losing battle.
For his mental health Mr Colley loves to venture out on hiking and bikepacking adventures camping out under the stars in all weathers, helping him to reconnect with his environment.
What you didn't know...
Mr Sherwood has been with Sporting Influence since May 2021. When he's not taking PE lessons he can be found either walking his dog Cassy or on the sidelines of Easingwold Town's football pitch shouting at his players! Mr Sherwood has been the manager of the North Riding ladies team and has also worked for Manchester United as a coach for their international Soccer Schools.
In 2016 and 2017 he travelled to Ghana with the Learning for Life Ghana charity delivering football coaching sessions for children along with 'coaching the coaches' workshops, including some representatives from the Ghanian FA.
His other passion is music, he regularly watches live bands around the country.
What you didn't know...
Mr Banks has been teaching for 7 years now. He loves all sports and if he hasn’t heard of it he will certainly give it a go. A lover of the outdoors, Mr Banks loves being outside and seeing those children who develop their physical skills and love for PE throughout the school year.
Outside of work Mr Banks spends his time bringing up his little boy, teaching him the ways of the world whilst also learning all things Paw Patrol as he goes!
What you didn't know...
Miss Bruce started working for Sporting Influence in 2023, combining her love of teaching and sports.
In her spare time, she can usually be found powering through a HIIT class or planning her next interiors project!
What you didn't know...
I have been a primary and secondary school PE teacher for the past 7 years. I have moved over from South Africa for a new challenge. I am all about sports and love helping children develop their skills and reach.
When I am not working I love playing and watching football. I also like the outdoors, taking walks as well as travelling when the opportunity arises.
What you didn't know...
Mrs McGeechan has years of experience in secondary school PE. Now looking to dip her toes into Primary PE, Kerry has joined the Sporting Influence team on a part-time basis.
What you didn't know...
Louise is our behind the scenes Book Keeper and Office Administrator. Who actually enjoys crunching numbers on Excel spreadsheets!
In between ferrying her 2 children here, there and everywhere Louise practices yoga as much as possible but she likes nothing more than autumnal walks with her cockapoo puppy, then relaxing with a good book and a coffee.
Before working in offices Louise used to be a chef, whilst not up to cheffing standards anymore, cooks up a mean sunday lunch. Louise is also the resident family baker and can often be found baking and decorating birthday and Christmas cakes.
