Who are our guests?

Dan Wilson and Alex Ogden are pioneering spirits in the realm of physical education (PE), each illustrating the transformative journey from teaching in schools to spearheading community-wide initiatives for active living. Dan’s evolution from a PE specialist to a director at Yorkshire Sport Foundation is a testament to his leadership in melding education with broader community goals. His personal experiences highlight a strong belief in the value of sports for social and development benefits. Similarly, Alex’s path from a passionate PE teacher to a role at Yorkshire Sport Foundation under Dan's guidance showcases his dedication to promoting physical activity in schools and beyond. His career transitions, driven by a commitment to physically active learning, mirror his belief in the power of sports to enhance well-being and community engagement.

Dan and Alex embody the mission to make sports accessible, enjoyable, and life-enhancing for all children. They remind us of sports' powerful role in building life skills, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing physical and mental health.

What did we discuss?

· Dan's Professional Journey

· Alex's Professional Journey

· Personal Reflections on Physical Activity

· Creating Active Schools Framework

· Research Foundations and Early Implementation

· Regional Pilot Projects and Key Learnings

· Quick Wins and Active Curriculum Strategies

· Behaviour Change and Teacher Engagement

· Future vision of the education sector

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