Today’s episode sees Andrew Hicks stepping in for James to welcome back a special guest, Gary Laybourne, the CEO of Coach Core. Known for his signature mix of humor, insight, and a true passion for social change, Gary shares his journey and his vision for transforming communities through sport. His dedication goes beyond building careers; he’s redefining what it means to make a difference and reshaping communities across the UK.

Founded in 2012, Coach Core isn’t an average apprenticeship program. It’s a groundbreaking charity focused on providing young people from challenging backgrounds with a pathway to employment through sports, mentorship, and community leadership. Unlike traditional apprenticeships, Coach Core emphasizes personal development, pairing skill-building with mentorship and connecting apprentices with their communities as role models. What began with 20 young Londoners has grown to a national movement with over a thousand apprentices, changing lives and inspiring communities alongside local partners who believe in the power of sports to drive positive change.

In this episode, Gary discusses Coach Core’s ambitious vision for growth and invites listeners to explore how they can help shape the future with him. Don’t miss this must-listen episode if you’re passionate about social impact, sports, and youth development!

Tune in to learn more about:

- The art of building socially impactful ventures that balance purpose with financial sustainability.

- Coach Core’s inspiring journey and evolution from a local initiative to a national movement, impacted thousands of apprentices and millions in communities.

- How Coach Core marries business insight with a deep commitment to social change, offering young people vital tools for resilience and community connection.

- Why apprenticeships are crucial pathways for youth from marginalized backgrounds, and how Coach Core’s unique model of support, training, and mentorship sets them up for success.

- Gary’s challenge to conventional views of “a good job,” advocating for careers rooted in purpose and fulfillment.

- Key insights on leveraging sports as a powerful vehicle for social transformation.

…and so much more!

Connect with Gary:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-laybourne

Gary Laybourne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-laybourne-

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gazlaybourne?igsh

Check Out Coach Core:

Website: https://www.coachcore.org.uk

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wearecoachcoreuk?igsh

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-core-foundation/

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In this episode, James Moore is joined by Anne-Marie Martin, the founder and franchisor of diddi dance, a revolutionary preschool dance franchise that’s captured the imaginations of babies and toddlers across the UK. Drawing from her experience as a professional dancer, Anne-Marie transformed her passion for movement into a thriving business. Through her innovative and fun approach, diddi dance has introduced toddlers to the joys of dance, inspiring a love of movement that lasts a lifetime.

As a board member of the CAA, she is a focal member of an organisation, offering activity providers the opportunity to raise standards and support them with business operations and accreditation. She has a wealth of experience in the activities sector, starting off as a single funky preschool dance class that has blossomed into a movement, with over 40 franchises nationwide.

In a nutshell James and Anne-Marie talk about:

- Her transition from professional dancer to entrepreneur, and how diddi dance was born from a gap in the toddler activity market.
-How a gap in the market for non-traditional toddler dance classes sparked the creation of a national franchise that has now introduced thousands of children to the joys of movement.
-The rise of diddi dance, from local classes to a national franchise while staying true to its joyful, inclusive ethos.
-The importance of fostering early childhood movement in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
-Insight into the Children’s Activities Association and how Anne-Marie’s leadership is shaping the children’s activities sector.
-Tips for business owners on trusting the process and focusing on strengths.
-The highs and lows of her journey and how she danced through the challenges in the children’s activities sector.…and so much more!

Connect with Anne-Marie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-martin-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originaldiddidancer?

Check out diddi dance:
Website: https://www.diddidance.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diddidancecrew

Connect with James:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk
Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/

In this episode, James invites Joe Lowther, the CEO of KICK, a man whose faith and passion have driven him to transform the lives of countless children, regardless of their background or faith. A decade ago, Joe made a life-changing decision to quit his job and join a team of seven at Kick London. Since then, he has steered the organization into a thriving national non-profit dedicated to offering hope and a future to young people.

KICK, originally founded by a small church in Richmond, is no ordinary organization. It’s a movement that blends sports with support, fuelled by God’s love, to uplift and empower children and young people. They achieve this through values-driven physical education, street dance, mentoring, chaplaincy in schools, and community KICK Academies.

Tune in to learn more about:

- The unwavering support of his family during his formative years

- The intersection of faith, career trajectory, and calling that led him to Kick London

- The initial struggles of running Kick, including a £50K deficit and lack of resources, and the pivotal moments that defined their mission, vision, and values

- Kick’s incredible growth from a regional to a national powerhouse, serving thousands of children across the UK

- A sneak peek into the various impactful programs Kick offers, from sports coaching and mentoring to chaplaincy services

- Joe’s unique leadership philosophy that emphasizes the power of authenticity, core values, and self-care

… and so much more!

Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lowther-

X: https://x.com/JoeLowther5

Check Out:

Website: www.kick.org.uk

X: https://x.com/KICK_GB

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_ventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coordinatesport/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-moore-uk

Coordinate Sport: https://coordinate.cloud/