Episode 117: Rebecca Hopkins - The STA Group
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Rebecca Hopkins, the founder, and CEO of The STA Group, a sports tech entrepreneur, award-winning ENS Sports PR, and co-founder of Women's Sports Week. At a time when everybody seemed oblivious to the tech revolution in the sports sector, Rebecca, to shine a spotlight on this unheralded contribution, launched the now leading global tech-led innovation in sports, The STA Group. The STA Group (Sports Technology Awards Group), is a constellation of companies which includes ENS, the UK’s longest-standing independent sports PR agency, and The Sports...
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Episode 116: Paul Gately - Obesity UK
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Paul Gately, a professor in exercise and obesity at Leeds Beckett University, the Director of MoreLife at Leeds Metropolitan University, and the interim CEO of Obesity UK. He is one of the foremost experts in the area, consistently called upon as a keynote speaker and author in the obesity and physical activity field. Paul's drive to assist people in tackling obesity was sparked by his observations at an American weight loss camp. He established a singular weight loss camp specifically for young individuals as a result. With a professional journey spanning...
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Episode 115: Gabrielle Lixton and Caroline Sparks - Turtle Tots
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Gabrielle Lixton and Caroline Sparks, the Co-founders, and directors of Turtle Tots. Gaby, who had previously introduced Turtle Tots in two Bristol-based pools, recognized a growing need for swim programmes tailored to children. Both having pursued separate corporate careers before becoming parents, the two entrepreneurs joined forces after having their own children to transform Turtle Tots into a franchise business. Today, it has blossomed into a network comprising more than 50 family-owned Turtle Tots businesses spanning the UK and Ireland. Founded in...
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Episode 114 - Andy Evans - QPR in the Community Trust
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Andy Evans, the CEO of QPR in the Community Trust and chair of YoungKandC. Andy, a lifelong fan, and dedicated supporter of QPR, embarked on this remarkable journey 25 years ago when he volunteered at Brentford FC, in the hopes of securing a job in sport. Since then, his trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, having begun a community initiative football programme known as the Trust. QPR in the Community is the charitable division of QPR, illustrating the profound impact that local football teams can have on addressing needs and producing...
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Episode 113 - Anna Kenrick - YDANCE
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James interviews Anna Kenrick, a remarkable individual who wears many hats - teacher, choreographer, and Artistic Director at YDANCE. Anna's artistic prowess shines through her creations and choreography for the prestigious National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. Her mesmerizing pieces have not only toured extensively across the UK but have also captivated international audiences. Moreover, Anna's expertise extends beyond the realm of dance as she is a certified life coach and has dedicated seven years to mentoring for the Federation of Scottish Theatre. YDANCE,...
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Episode 112: Barry Squires - English Universities Sport
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James interviews Barry Squires, the Head of Sports at the University of Brighton and Chair of the English Universities Sport (EUS). Excelling at sport as a young man he became an EUS footballer himself before successfully trialling to represent Great Britain. Following that, he served as an assistant coach for the EUS women's team for several years before eventually ascending to the position of Chairman of EUS. EUS is the official association in England, responsible for overseeing representative student sports and competitions in higher education. They play a vital...
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Episode 111: Seif Tawfik - Stryx Sports
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James interviews Seif Tawfik, a former first-division footballer in the Egyptian League and the founder/CEO of Stryx Sports. After experiencing a career-ending knee injury, Seif transitioned into the corporate world but later returned to the sports industry as a manager, ultimately launching Stryx Sports. Stryx Sports has long established itself as Dubai's premier sports provider, renowned for its unparalleled offerings. Catering to schools, sports academies, and holiday camps, Stryx Sports delivers unique and high-quality sports programs, prioritizing excellent...
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Episode 110: Athlete Transition - Laura Gallagher & Conrad Balatoni
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today’s episode, James speaks to Conrad Balatoni and Laura Gallagher. Laura is an athlete mentor at the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and a British trampoline gymnast. After an extraordinary career as one of the UK’s most accomplished trampolinists, Laura is guiding young people paths using sport and physical activity as a development tool. Conrad Balatoni, a former professional Scottish footballer, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with playfully diving to save a balloon on a sofa. This passion for the game propelled him towards an illustrious 11-year career as an international...
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Episode 109: Mitchell Harvie - MBA Sports Coaching
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Mitchell Harvie, the General Manager at MBA Sports Coaching. Mitchell’s love for sports and passion for HPE and leadership is worth noting. He has held many positions in the physical education sphere and has won several awards that recognize his contribution to Health and Physical Education in Australia before joining MBA Sports Coaching. Founded by Director Mark Bailey, MBA Sports Coaching is passionate about providing a fun, healthy and inclusive environment in which to develop both the physical and mental health of children. Working closely...
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Episode 108: Guin Batten - Volleyball England
The Drive Phase Podcast
In today's episode, James speaks to Guin Batten, a British rower, consultant for British Rowing & World Rowing, international speaker, and the deputy CEO of Volleyball England. Guin has over 20 years of experience within the sports and talent development sectors having worked with Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust, British Canoeing, and now Volleyball England. Volleyball England is the home of English Indoor, Beach, and Sitting. With the zeal to help players and volunteers feel more engaged. Guin is working within the sport to build a People Plan that will guide how they recruit,...
info_outlineIn today's episode, James speaks to Max Webb, the founder and CEO of Rugbytots. Rugbytots is a global play program that was born out of the need for a children's Rugby class. 16 years ago, as Max was looking for engaging activities for his three young sons in a park, he and other dads mused on why there wasn’t a rugby equivalent of the popular soccer programs.
Based on the need to fill this gap, Max founded a play program that has impacted the lives of so many children and toddlers across the world. Rugbytots is now the world's favorite rugby play program that is driven by the company's ethos ‘to make everything more fun'. The program delivers fun and exciting classes to over 85,000 children in 22 countries across 5 continents.
In a nutshell, James and Max speak about:
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The amazing story behind the founding of Rugbytots
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How he moved from one informal class to a global franchise
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Rugbytots operations in terms of recruitment, training, team building, and figures of their growth since inception
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The impact Rugbytots has on children and toddlers around the world
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Max's thought process for the franchising route and the beauty in it
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How they standardize the passion for their programs and the content that comes with it
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The day-to-day challenges and how they overcame them
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The importance of developing a thick skin around rejection and failure
… and so much more!
Check out Rugbytots:
Website: www.rugbytots.co.uk
LinkedIn: Rugbytots Ltd
Instagram: @rugbytotsuk
Connect with Max:
LinkedIn: Max Webb
Twitter: @webbooldcat
Connect with James:
Instagram: @james_ventures
Facebook: Coordinate Sports FB Page
LinkedIn: James Moore
Coordinate cloud: The Drive Phase Podcast