Where we work North East
The North East region is where SportWorks was first launched back in 2009. From our Head Office in Newcastle Upon Tyne, our programmes extend from Northumberland in the north to Redcar and Cleveland in the south – and almost every region in between.
Current Programmes
NORTH EAST SHORT BREAKS
Our Short Breaks inclusion programme gives children and young people with disabilities and additional needs the opportunity to try new...
Inclusive Disability Sport
SportWorks has extensive expertise in providing sport and exercise services for children and young adults with disabilities. Our sessions are...
Skills & Education
Our education programmes harness the power of sport to support learners who may be at risk of disengaging with education or who...
Sports Clubs, Community Groups & Charitable organisations
We are proud to work in partnership with over 600 small and micro organisations, creating change at a local level.
Community & Inclusive sport
Through the power of sport. We inspire individuals and engage communities.
Our sports programmes use the ‘power of sport’ to tackle a range of issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour, community cohesion and social mobility. We deliver diversionary activities and work with partners such as the Police and Youth Offending Teams to provide positive pathways for participants.
We also focus on developing life and social skills whilst raising aspirations. We have a solid track record of supporting participants to excel and be the best they can be ensuring they benefit from fun, friendships and fitness.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant to have SportWorks’ support and assistance with this group who love their football now.
Working with SportWorks to develop this programme has been a great experience. Historically we have done good work with limited resources, mainly due to us being a voluntary organisation. But by working with professionals who are not only really good at what they do, but who really care about making a difference in the local community, we have we seen a huge increase in participation levels and individual outcomes. What’s more, we have witnessed diverse members of the community coming together and interacting like never before”.
Meet the team
Martyn Clark
Project Coordinator
Martyn Clark
Project Coordinator
Martyn is responsible for the smooth running and coordination of our various health, wellbeing and education programmes throughout the North East, including delivering on several ongoing projects. Part of Martyn’s role is to ensure the needs of both participants and partners are being consistently met.
Before joining SportWorks in 2020, Martyn worked in a local FE College gaining experience teaching sport whilst completing his PGCE . Martyn has a strong background in sports coaching where he has studied a degree in Sports Coaching & worked for several organisations delivering in school and community-based sport sessions. Martyn’s background in sport, specifically football coaching has seen him complete his UEFA B Licence & FA Youth Award. Martyn is currently Northumberland Schools Football Association County U18s Manager, as well as holding roles in local grassroots clubs at both Junior and Senior level.
Outside of work, Martyn is a keen sports fan and enjoys socialising with his friends and spending time with family.
Katie
Barker
Katie
Barker
Katie joined our training academy through her placement at Northumbria University. After a successful placement, Katie was offered casual hours where she delivered our HAF and Short Breaks programmes, excelling and receiving outstanding feedback from stakeholders and parents.
Katie has now become the newest member of the North East team, as a Health and Well-being Activitor. Katie also plays for Newcastle United Women, inspring so many people through her hard work and dedication.
Matt Hill
Managing Director
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
National Operations Manager
John Newton
National Operations Manager
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 in the 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 wife, daughter and son.
Tom Leeming
Business Development Manager - North
Tom Leeming
Business Development Manager - North
Tom is responsible for business development across the North of England which includes creating partnerships with local authorities, schools, community clubs and charitable organisations.
Tom has as strong background in sales and business development within the sports and education sector. Before joining SportWorks in 2023, he spent 10 years building his own sports coaching company in Yorkshire. Following this, he then moved into various sales leadership roles supporting businesses to grow and scale quickly.
Outside of work, Tom is a big Leeds United fan and bang average golfer!
Who we work with
Through the power of sport, education and wellbeing, we make a positive impact on the nation’s wellbeing.
Community Organisations
We work closely with sport clubs and community centres to design impactful programmes which benefit local people.
Charities
Our partnerships with local charities include Age UK North Tyneside, Tyneside Women's Health, Sunderland Bangladeshi Centre and Quadrant Leisure.
Schools and Colleges
We work with over 25 schools and colleges to host our education and skills programmes.
Local Authorities
Our work has been continuously supported by over local authorities in the North East.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant to have SportWorks’ support and assistance with this group who love their football now.
Working with SportWorks to develop this programme has been a great experience. Historically we have done good work with limited resources, mainly due to us being a voluntary organisation. But by working with professionals who are not only really good at what they do, but who really care about making a difference in the local community, we have we seen a huge increase in participation levels and individual outcomes. What’s more, we have witnessed diverse members of the community coming together and interacting like never before”.
Our programs & services
Inclusive Sport
Using our extensive expertise to develop programmes for those with special educational needs or disabilities.
Alternative Education - Aspire Programme
Aspire is an educational programme designed to engage disaffected young people in a positive learning environment using the power of sport.
Community sport and well-being programmes
Supporting local projects to overcome issues, be inactivity, social engagement or lack of provision.
School Holiday Sports Camps
Our cost-effective multi sports activity camps offer young people a fun way to get active during the school holidays.
Short Breaks
Giving parents and carers some respite and allowing the children an opportunity to try sporting activities whilst socialising with new friends.
Holiday Activity with Food (HAF) Programme
Supporting the national effort to make sure children stay active, gain nutritional knowledge and have at least one meal a day throughout the school holidays.
Case Studies
Tackling Inactivity – Newcastle East FC
SportWorks were commissioned by Sport England to address physical inactivity levels within economically disadvantaged regions of England.
Youth Endowment Fund
Teenagers with Learning Difficulties
SportWorks were engaged by Southlands School to design and deliver an innovative course for their Year 10 & 11 students...
Get involved
If you are in the public sector or a community organisation, this is the route for you...
Contact us