AspireED
1st4sport Level 2 certificate
The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport qualifies learners to work as independent multi-skills development...
We started training week by grounding ourselves in what matters most our mission, our vision, our values, and our people. With powerful updates, collaborative sessions, and space to share ideas, the team came together to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the future of Aspire. This blog captures the key moments from a week designed to inspire action and shape what’s next.
Monday 1st September | Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club
Our Co-Director, Paul Griffiths, opened the week with a powerful welcome and a video that celebrated Aspire’s journey shining a spotlight on the progress we’ve made and the people driving it forward. We took time to revisit our vision, mission, and values, aligning around a shared purpose and setting a clear course for the week ahead. A high energy team bingo icebreaker got everyone moving, laughing, and connecting before we submitted our nominations for this year’s Wow Factor awards.
The morning then moved into powerful updates and insights:
- Andrew Stanton, Quality and Education Manager, shared exciting progress from Bikeability and Swim:ED.
- Steph Donovan, Programme and Content Lead, celebrated highlights from our Active Camps, showing the incredible reach and impact over the summer.
- James Trowman, Co-Director, provided updates on Training Solutions and setting up the next generation for a better future.
- Luke Johnson, Active Partnerships Manager, highlighted the dedication of our national partners, whose local expertise and passion continue to bring Aspire’s programmes to life in communities across the country.
The afternoon focused on shaping Aspire’s future. Paul introduced the session, “Designing the Next Chapter”, where we worked in teams to co-create ideas for Aspire’s evolving vision. This collaborative session sparked real energy, innovation, and ownership.
We closed the day with insights from Oli Burton, Business Development Executive, on our current and new school partnerships, followed by team updates and awards to recognise the standout contributions across the organisation.
It was a strong first step into the week, honest conversations, meaningful insights, and a powerful sense of direction.
What’s On This Week at Aspire:
- Tuesday is all about targeted development, with teams splitting into Swim:ED, Bikeability, Training Solutions, and Education Delivery for tailored, hands-on learning.
- Wednesday, teams continue their specialist training within groups, deepening their expertise and preparing for a strong start to the autumn term.
- Thursday, our Aspire team steps out together for a meaningful challenge centred on connection, reflection, and giving back. We’ll take on a 20km walk through the stunning Malvern Hills, raising vital funds for three incredible causes: British Heart Foundation, Tommy’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
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- Friday, our team will take part in directed learning sessions, an opportunity to consolidate the week’s training, reflect on key takeaways, and focus on individual development.