As I sit down to reflect on the past year, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Just over 12 months ago, I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I decided to leave my teaching job. I had a secure job as a primary school teacher and I was at the top of the main pay scale. I had always wanted to get back into the sports coaching industry, but only for the right company. By joining uSports as a partner, my salary more than halved.
With a new baby and a wedding to plan, people were telling me that this wasn’t the right time to take that leap of faith. I disagreed. There is never a “right” time and in life you need to take these opportunities when they arise.
One year on, I am delighted with the progress we have made with uSports in the Bristol area. For me personally, I am back up to earning almost what I was earning as a teacher, but my job satisfaction is so much higher. I am working every day in an industry that I am truly passionate about. But it’s not about that. What gives me more fulfillment is knowing that I am providing opportunities for more and more children to access high-quality sports coaching, and that is what really drives me. From the outset, I was determined to make a meaningful impact in my community through sports. With uSports, I found the perfect platform to turn this vision into reality.
One of our most significant achievements has been the expansion of our reach. We started with just myself doing one after-school club a week, but now we have a team of 12 passionate sports coaches working tirelessly to inspire young minds. We have been able to establish partnerships with 12 schools, 5 nurseries, 2 holiday camp venues, and 2 community venues. This has allowed us to bring the joy of sports to hundreds of children, providing them with invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and
sportsmanship. We now have contracts
totalling around 50 hours of coaching work
every week.
What I've come to realise over the past year is that the greatest rewards often come from the greatest challenges.
Every obstacle we've encountered has been an opportunity for growth and learning. Initially, it was getting known and driving sales. Then it was recruitment and getting sessions covered. Then managing staff and contracts. Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons on how to ensure we continue to be successful.
But probably the best thing about being a uSports Partner is seeing the positive impact we can have on children’s lives. Seeing the smiles on children's faces as they master a new skill or the sense of pride they feel when they accomplish a goal – that's what makes it all worthwhile.
Looking back on the past year, I can say with certainty that joining uSports was the best decision I ever made. It's been a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. And as I look ahead to the future, I am filled with excitement for the journey that lies ahead. With the support of the team in the core area, I know that the best is yet to come.
Ben Brown
uSports Partner
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