Who are SportWorks
About us
SportWorks is an award winning social enterprise which, in 2023, supported over 32,000 individuals aged between 7 and 102 years, to improve health, gain qualifications and move into sustainable employment or further training. Our team passionately believes in the power sport has to effect positive social change, and in its ability to enrich the lives of individuals and entire communities.
Since 2009 we’ve been designing and delivering award winning programmes which change lives. Through our diverse programmes, our work addresses health inequalities and contributes towards a healthier, more active nation.
Our Education & Skills programmes equip learners to gain skills, nationally recognised qualifications and discipline to achieve success.
Our Volunteer Academy provides ‘real life’ opportunities for learners to develop the skills, experiences and attitudes which employers require.
Whilst we are motivated to “do more” we will only ever report evidence which is verified. We never claim to get 100% success rates, as that would mean we are not working with the right people. We firmly believe in the importance of balancing ‘good news’ stories with ‘hard evidence’.
Who we work with
Sport Clubs, Community Groups & Charitable organisations
SportWorks supports over 600 community organisations to enhance health and social outcomes in their locality. Our Community programmes use the power of sport to tackle a range of issues such as low physical activity levels, diabetes and low skill and education levels. Our work is targeted in the cities, towns and villages needing the greatest support. Our partners range from grassroots sport clubs, community centres and national charities, all with the aim of providing health and well-being opportunities.
Central Government and Public Sector bodies
We are proud to work alongside both Central Government and over 30 local authorities to deliver the Levelling Up agenda at regional and sub regional levels. This s delivered through our multi-purpose and diverse health and well-being programmes.
Corporate partners, Trusts and Foundations
SportWorks’ partnerships with corporates, Charitable Trusts and Foundations enable us to develop mutually beneficially national and regional projects and campaigns.
Some of our partners over the past 12 months have been:
Meet the team
Neil Cameron
Founder & Group Director
Neil is a respected leader in the worlds of social enterprise and wellbeing. He founded SportWorks in 2009 having previously worked as a Sport Science lecturer and Performance Manager in a sports NGB.
A former long jumper (before retiring at the grand age of 24!), Neil’s role is to oversee our programmes and ensure the SportWorks team continually provide the highest quality of service throughout the UK.
Neil has driven growth of bewtween 18-35% year-on-year, enabling SportWorks to support over 60,000 people since our launch. SportWorks has also diversified revenue streams meaning that no more than 25% of our income comes from any one sector.
Outside of SportWorks, Neil is on the board of an international leadership charity, acts as a NED to several social enterprises and (occasionally) has been seen pounding the streets attempting to keep fit!
Gill Brereton
Finance Director
Gill is responsible for finance across SportWorks, taking a leading role in financial monitoring and management nationally.
Gill previously worked in the ‘Welfare to Work’ and ‘Further Education’ sectors before retraining as an Accountant. Her previous life means she brings a wealth of experience of financial performance management across Government funded provision. She is a Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management and MAAT. Outside of work Gill relaxes by walking her Cockerpoo on the beaches of Northumberland.
Matt Hill
Managing Director
Matt joined SportWorks in 2018 having worked for a leading sports charity for ten years. Matt oversees our Regional Hubs on a national scale, developing new partnerships and business relationships to support more people to become physically active.
Matt has a strong background in both strategic planning and management of large projects within the sports and education sectors. A qualified teacher, Matt has extensive experience of designing, managing and delivering impactful programmes to young people, families and adults within a range of community settings.
Outside of work, Matt is a keen in sport and fitness fan and enjoys spending time with his young family.
John Newton
Operations Director
John is responsible for everything quality related at SportWorks, including delivery, staff development and training throughout the country. He liaises directly with Regional Managers to ensure the standardisation of delivery and customer service are conducted to the highest possible standard.
John joined SportWorks in 2018 and before this he enjoyed ten-years of success within charitable foundations of both professional Football and Rugby Union clubs. John is highly qualified with a BSc Hons Applied Sports Coaching and recently obtained an International Diploma in Project Management. His knowledge of the sport and health and well-being sector makes John a great mentor for the development and training of our national staff, providing logistical and strategic support.
Away from work, John is a big sports fan and enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Get involved
If you are inspired by our community and inclusive programs, we would love to explore if/how we could work together to improve more lives. Please contact us here
Contact usRead our case studies
Understand a bit more about our work and the impact it has on local communities.
Case Studies