I started Sport 2 Aspire because, after more than 20 years working in education, I could see that some young people needed a different way to reconnect with learning. In roles including Head of Sport, Head of Year and Senior Leadership in special needs schools, I met young people with real strengths who were struggling to show them in a classroom.

I saw how quickly confidence could fall when a young person felt that school was not working for them. The move from primary to secondary school could be particularly difficult, while for others anxiety, additional needs or challenges with managing emotions made each school day feel overwhelming. I wanted to create a place where we had time to get to know the young person, understand what was getting in their way and help them take manageable steps forward.

Sport felt like the right starting point. An activity can take the pressure off a difficult conversation. It gives a young person a chance to try something new, practise a skill, spend time alongside a mentor and experience success. At Sport 2 Aspire, our 1:1 mentoring starts with each young person’s interests. Some love a particular sport; others begin by exploring the grounds, being active or simply getting comfortable with someone they can trust.

My belief in the power of sport is personal, too. In 2002, I injured my leg while playing rugby and developed foot drop. The injury affected my mobility and confidence, and for a time I thought I might not be able to take part in the sports I loved. With the right support, I found my way back to being active. That journey eventually led me to Para Badminton, and I now compete internationally for Ireland.

I know that my experience is different from those of the young people we support. It has taught me, though, how valuable it is to have people who listen, adapt and help you see possibilities when you are finding things difficult. That is the kind of support I wanted Sport 2 Aspire to provide.

Our aim is to help young people build confidence and positive relationships, reconnect with education and develop skills they can use beyond school. We work closely with parents, carers, schools and other professionals so that each young person has support around their next steps, whether that means returning to a school setting, preparing for a new placement or growing towards adult life.