Looking over this year, myself and uSports have been on a monumental journey.
I began my uSports journey at the end of 2017. Having worked towards building up my coaching experience and qualifications for several years, I wondered what was missing from my coaching journey. The answer I came to was personalisation. I wanted to create a sports coaching company which was tailored to my own sporting ethos of putting every individual at the forefront of what we do. Driving to my accountant's office in 2017 to start my journey with a multitude of names in my head I kept thinking of this ethos, never quite finding the right fit. This is when I made the decision to change to uSports. Putting 'you' in front of everything which we do. From that initial step in the business to the decisions we make on an everyday basis one year later. This continues to remain our priority as we continue to expand in ways which benefit yourselves as our parents, carers, schools or young people.
A Year Of...
Schools
At the start of 2018 we were working in 3 schools with myself and a small number of other coaches. As we look forward now to 2019 uSports are now providing sports coaching in 26 different schools. Our coaches are helping to promote active and healthy lifestyles in schools through before/after school clubs, lunchtime clubs, PPA and CPD programmes. Our schools programme is now lead by Jemma Mackie who is supported by our 25 uSports coaches. We are continuing to meet and discuss with more and more schools to expand our coverage and involve more of you in our coaching journey.
Holidays
Why stop the sporting fun when term ends? We have also grown our holiday camps over the year and have seen over 300 different young people across our camps. As we grow, we want to continue to provide a personal and enjoyable experience so have increased the number of coaches and have had to introduce waiting lists on our camps to maximise the fun for every child who attends. Our plans for 2019 include expanding our holiday programme with new venues and a variety of sports.
Academies
We pride ourselves on providing sports coaching to all who desire to develop their sporting excellence or who just want to have some more fun! Our Bracknell Football Academy has grown alongside our other ventures this year. From our first chilly sessions at Garth Hill with a handful of young footballers, we have now seen over 120 players across our two football academies. Mo Sampat, Head of Football, has helped us to expand our numbers and to introduce new venues.
We also run a Gymnastics Academy for all of our budding gymnasts. We have loved being able to offer a new sport into our academy programme and are looking forward to creating new opportunities in this coming year.
A Year of You...
None of this would have been possible without yourselves, believing in and supporting uSports as we began our journey. We want to continue thinking of you as we move forward and continue to expand.
As I look back on the year I am very proud of the journey which we have all been on together. The uSports team has grown to include four full time coaches and a full time administrator, as well as our invaluable part-time coaches who have all helped me to make my ideas and ambitions into everyday realities.
So, in the spirit of making some resolutions here are some of my own for uSports in 2019
Create more opportunities for adults to get active with new adult classes
Become more accessible by registering for childcare vouchers
Continue to develop our coaches by mentoring and offering opportunities for development.
From myself and all of the team at uSports, we wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to continue working with you all in 2019.
Charlie Hiscox
uSports Director