Sports For Champions UK CIC was founded in 2009 by Darren Emmanuel, a man who wished to inspire the next generation to get more active, live a healthier lifestyle and believe that every child, no matter what background they came from, could achieve their dreams.
Whilst attending a gymnasium in London, Darren noticed that their was two types of children, those from a more privileged background and who were more interested in phones and technology and those from an under privileged background who had the drive to get involved but didn’t have the financial support to make this happen. With this in mind, Darren began setting up our company.
Darren wanted to inspire young young people to be more active, healthier and be involved in more sports. At the same time, he wanted to be able to help professional athletes with their funding. Our athletes range from grass-root level to Olympic status, we help those who are starting out and who do not have the credentials needed for sponsorship or the likes of Paralympic athletes who have lost their lottery funding or sponsorship’s.
We like to think of ourselves as a family, helping each other and the wider communities to achieve their goals, be this helping to raise funds for a school looking to acquire new equipment, or helping an athlete to raise the funds to attend a prestigious competition and represent their country. Whilst doing this, our athletes visit schools, businesses and sports clubs telling their individual stories of how they have overcome adversity to get to where they are today, providing positive role models and hope to people of all ages.
Our Office
We have a small, fun and dedicated team of staff that are based in our office in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who work round the clock to spread our message of a healthier lifestyle by contacting schools, clubs and businesses throughout the UK to see if they would be interested in being inspired by one of our elite athletes.
Our Team
Below, meet some of the team that make everything we do possible…
Emma – Office Manager
Hobby: Knitting
Favourite sport: Aerial Fitness
Quote: Hakuna Matata
Hi, I’m Ems. I’m known as “Nana” in the office. I’d like to think that’s because I drink lots of tea & look after everyone, but it’s probably because I’m the oldest! The thing I like most in the world is pizza & the thing I like least is getting up in the mornings. On that note….this is not how I usually look after dragging myself out of bed, but I thought I’d make an effort for picture day!
Hayley – Head of Admin
Hobby: Going out to nice restaurants, if anyone’s offering?
Favourite Sport: Tiddlywinks
Motivational Quote: Kindness is free, sprinkle that stuff everywhere!
Hi, my name is Hayley and I am the Postman Pat of the office. I make sure that everyone’s welcome packs arrive on time and that everyone is having a lovely experience in their Sports for Champions journey! I love festivals, holiday adventures and a good cup of tea.
Lauren – Events Organiser
Hobby:Binge-watching different series on Netflix.
Favourite sport:football.
Motivational quote:“It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up.” – Vince Lombardi
I started coaching sports in high school as a Sports Leader and have never looked back. Gained a degree in Sports Coaching and have coached in USA and Spain. I am a crazy dog lady at heart and take great pleasure in spending hours watching dog and cat videos. Strangest thing I have ever eating is a scorpion on a stick in Thailand (100 Thai baht – bargain!) and I am absolutely terrified of spiders.
Rich – School Liaison Representative Team Leader
Hobby: Drawing
Favourite sport: Football and Rugby League
Quote: Who’s making a brew?
Hiya, I’m Rich one of the newest members of the team. Outside of work I am an avid follower of Rugby League and have a Warrington Wolves season ticket. I also enjoy spending time with my lovely wife Roisin and taking our three nephews on days out, the best part obviously is giving them back! I love listening to Tom’s singing in the office, it keeps us all motivated and happy!
Rachael – Business Development Manager
Hobby:Eating
Favourite Sport:Boxing
Quote: ‘You have to let go of who you were, to become who you will be’
I’m Rach, I love to laugh, have fun and generally, have a good time! I like to have a positive attitude to everything, as the only one who can keep you sad is yourself. I like to go for walks, explore new places and am partial to a city break, so if anyone needs a travelling partner, count me in!
Jay – School Liaison Representative
Hobby: Football
Favourite Sport: Football and Rugby
Quote: The past can hurt, but run from it, or learn from it!
I’m Jay, love the banter. Outside of work I am a goalkeeper for my local football team! I love spending time with my fiance and my little boys. As much as I love to promote a healthy lifestyle, I do believe in balance and am partial to bacon, sausage and egg butty and love a cup of coffee, so whose getting the kettle on!?
Tom – School Liaison Representative
Hobby: Football, playing the guitar
Favourite Sport: Football
Quote: The end of a bad day, just means that you are closer to a better day!
I’m Tom, love where I work as its very rewarding to give children the opportunity to meet elite athletes and be inspired! Outside of work, I like to play football with my friends and spend time with my friends and family in general. I also watch football religiously and keep the office in good spirits with my world class singing! My best friend in the office is Rich, he just brightens my day!
Lauren B – School Liaison Representative
Hobby: Going the gym
Favourite Sport: Athletics
Quote: The stories we love best, live with us forever.
My names Lauren and I love socialising and travelling across the globe to see all the amazing sights of the world! I love anything with cheese on and you always fine me with snacks in my car.
As well as our fun and friendly office staff we also have a fabulous and dedicated team of athletes who make what we do possible…
Each week there will be a new Splog dedicated to getting to know one of our athlete’s a little better. They will talk about their sport, life and career, truly inspiring others to believe that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve!