Evolve’ s journey from alternative education to community transformation is serving up exciting opportunities for young people
FEATURE
Expansion – Evolve began in Michael’ s parents’ house and now employs 23 people, with offices in Middlesbrough’ s historic Exchange Square.
Evolve’ s journey from alternative education to community transformation is serving up exciting opportunities for young people
A sporting chance
Enthusiasm – more than 36 children turned up for the first community boxing session in Hardwick.
From a modest classroom in Teesside to a powerful force for change across the North-East, Evolve Sports Academy has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people who have been excluded or at risk of exclusion from school.
In 2017, at the age of 25, Michael Snaith took out a £ 3,000 loan to set up the company from his parents’ house in Longlands, Middlesbrough. The company now employs 23 people across eight different locations and remains rooted in its mission to support and inspire young people across the communities it serves.
The first Evolve Sports Academy centre opened its doors at Middlesbrough Sports Village, welcoming a small group of students who had become disengaged from traditional schooling. Recognising the immediate positive impact, further centres soon followed in Sunderland and York.
Since then, Evolve has operated in a range of locations, providing an alternative pathway for students who may not thrive in a classroom setting but excel when learning is delivered in a more practical, sport-focused way.
At the heart of Evolve Sports Academy is a tailored curriculum, designed to improve core maths and English skills through the medium of sport. Lessons are carefully structured to ensure learning is both meaningful and engaging, allowing students to develop essential academic skills while remaining motivated.
Alongside this, students have opportunities to take part in a wide range of sports and work towards a recognised sports leadership qualification, helping them build confidence, teamwork and key life skills.
The academy’ s success is also driven by the importance of providing sporting opportunities and pathways for young people. Michael explains:“ Growing up, I had so many opportunities through sport, which helped me in countless ways.
“ Since starting Evolve Sports Academy, I’ ve recognised that there are limited opportunities available to young people who have been excluded from school.
116 | Tees Business