Here’s a chance to find out a little bit more about the staff members that work here at Sporting Chance
NICOLA WALKER
Head Teacher
MARC INGLES
Head of Sport
LYDIA REES
Teacher
DEON SMITH
Pastoral Lead
CALLAM MORRIS
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Nic joined Sporting Chance in 2021 and is our Headteacher. She has been a teacher for just over 2 decades and worked in a range of environments. Nic graduated from the University of Wales, College Newport with a BEd (Hons) in 1999, completed her NPQH in 2019 and is currently undertaking her MA at the University of South WalesNic has taught students between the ages of 2-18, both in Wales and Internationally. Prior to joining Sporting Chance, Nic has been a mainstream teacher, SEN and ALN teacher, EAL teacher, Head of Department, Key Stage Co-ordinator and a Vice Principal. Nic is also a qualified counsellor which helps support the emotional needs of our young people. Nic prides herself in being a student-focused and student-centered educational leader and has a proven track record of successfully inspiring and motivating staff and managing resources to improve educational services, therefore providing students and teachers with the best environment to achieve their full potential. Part of her role is to support parents, teachers, and students in aiding students to understand themselves as learners and to help them be successful in life.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- GDPR
- Positive Handling
- Safer Recruitment
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Autism Awareness
- PREVENT Awareness Course
Marc is a hard working passionate coach who has worked with a wide variety of age groups and strive to develop individuals . He has managed teams of 20 players ensuring each player has the opportunity to develop and fulfil their sporting and life ambitions. A highly motivated individual who strives to continually improve by regularly furthering his knowledge in different areas of sport.
Marc regularly supports Newport County across all age groups through their academy and shadow squads picking up sessions where needed as well as working with the dedicated age groups he is responsible in overseeing.
Marc brings experience, enthusiasm, structure and creativity and an appetite to succeed. He possess excellent communication and man-management skills which is evident to see in all sessions.
Marc’s personal experiences in sport enable him to engage with participants whatever their age and ability and give them the skills and opportunities to develop and fulfil their playing and coaching ambitions.
He is committed, passionate and driven to ensure all his work is to a high standard and people have the best sporting and high quality experiences that are available for them.
Marc has had the opportunity to apply his learning gained on the UEFA courses and experience from the various academies coached at.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Sports Leader Qualified Tutor
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- First Aid In The Work Place
- GDPR
- ADHD Awareness
- Special Educational Needs Advanced Diploma
- Legionella Awareness
- Interview Skills and CV writing
- School Trips for Organisers Support
Lydia is a qualified teacher, although only into the early years of her career Lydia has vast experience teaching KS2-KS5 in a variety of subjects.
Lydia’s journey began after graduating as a professional musician from the Academy of Contemporary Music (London) in 2019, and it was during the first lockdown of 2020 she decided to take the plunge into teaching.
Lydia completed her training in Essex as a music teacher and secured her first full-time teaching position in a secondary school in Kent.
More recently, Lydia has returned to her hometown of Newport and sought more of a specialist and rewarding route, finding her knack for working with children with additional needs as a teacher in a local PRU. She is a passionate and enthusiastic member of the team and will always strive to be the best for our learners; she believes that every child deserves an equal chance of an excellent education.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- GDPR
Deon has previously played rugby at a professional level and has also represented Wales at u18 and u20 level. It is his motivation and drive that enables him to successfully empathise and support our young learners.
Deon has worked with young people for the past 5 years in a range of different environments. This includes coaching, mentoring and working as a teaching assistant
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 3 & 4
- Counselling Children and Adolescents Diploma
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Child Anxiety and Confidence Level 2
- Positive Handling
- Covid 19 Safety Training
- GDPR
- Bullying & Harassment
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Autism Awareness
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
Callam has represented Wales at u16 & u18 level as an elite amateur golfer. As well as this Callam has coached young people to a high level motivating them to love sport.
Callam has the drive to succeed in everything he does to help others along the way.
Prior to joining the Sporting Chance team, Callam was a PE assistant in a secondary school combining this role as well as being a self-employed personal trainer.
Callam has a huge passion for sport and educating young people to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Sports Coaching Diploma
- Sports Leader Qualified Tutor
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 3 & 4
- Bullying and Harassment Diploma
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- GDPR
- Paediatric First Aid
- Autism Awareness
- ADHD
NICOLA WALKER
Head Teacher
Nic joined Sporting Chance in 2021 and is our Headteacher. She has been a teacher for just over 2 decades and worked in a range of environments. Nic graduated from the University of Wales, College Newport with a BEd (Hons) in 1999, completed her NPQH in 2019 and is currently undertaking her MA at the University of South WalesNic has taught students between the ages of 2-18, both in Wales and Internationally. Prior to joining Sporting Chance, Nic has been a mainstream teacher, SEN and ALN teacher, EAL teacher, Head of Department, Key Stage Co-ordinator and a Vice Principal. Nic is also a qualified counsellor which helps support the emotional needs of our young people. Nic prides herself in being a student-focused and student-centered educational leader and has a proven track record of successfully inspiring and motivating staff and managing resources to improve educational services, therefore providing students and teachers with the best environment to achieve their full potential. Part of her role is to support parents, teachers, and students in aiding students to understand themselves as learners and to help them be successful in life.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- GDPR
- Positive Handling
- Safer Recruitment
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Autism Awareness
- PREVENT Awareness Course
MARC INGLES
Head of Sport
Marc is a hard working passionate coach who has worked with a wide variety of age groups and strive to develop individuals . He has managed teams of 20 players ensuring each player has the opportunity to develop and fulfil their sporting and life ambitions. A highly motivated individual who strives to continually improve by regularly furthering his knowledge in different areas of sport.
Marc regularly supports Newport County across all age groups through their academy and shadow squads picking up sessions where needed as well as working with the dedicated age groups he is responsible in overseeing.
Marc brings experience, enthusiasm, structure and creativity and an appetite to succeed. He possess excellent communication and man-management skills which is evident to see in all sessions.
Marc’s personal experiences in sport enable him to engage with participants whatever their age and ability and give them the skills and opportunities to develop and fulfil their playing and coaching ambitions.
He is committed, passionate and driven to ensure all his work is to a high standard and people have the best sporting and high quality experiences that are available for them.
Marc has had the opportunity to apply his learning gained on the UEFA courses and experience from the various academies coached at.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Sports Leader Qualified Tutor
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- First Aid In The Work Place
- GDPR
- Special Educational Needs Advanced Diploma
- Legionella Awareness
- Interview Skills and CV Writing
- School Trips and Organisers Support
LYDIA REES
Teacher
Lydia is a qualified teacher, although only into the early years of her career Lydia has vast experience teaching KS2-KS5 in a variety of subjects.
Lydia’s journey began after graduating as a professional musician from the Academy of Contemporary Music (London) in 2019, and it was during the first lockdown of 2020 she decided to take the plunge into teaching.
Lydia completed her training in Essex as a music teacher and secured her first full-time teaching position in a secondary school in Kent.
More recently, Lydia has returned to her hometown of Newport and sought more of a specialist and rewarding route, finding her knack for working with children with additional needs as a teacher in a local PRU. She is a passionate and enthusiastic member of the team and will always strive to be the best for our learners; she believes that every child deserves an equal chance of an excellent education.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- GDPR
DEON SMITH
Pastoral Lead
Deon has previously played rugby at a professional level and has also represented Wales at u18 and u20 level. It is his motivation and drive that enables him to successfully empathise and support our young learners.
Deon has worked with young people for the past 5 years in a range of different environments. This includes coaching, mentoring and working as a teaching assistant
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 3 & 4
- Counselling Children and Adolescents Diploma
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Child Anxiety and Confidence Level 2
- Positive Handling
- Covid 19 Safety Training
- GDPR
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Bullying and Harassment
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Autism Awareness
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
CALLAM MORRIS
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Callam has represented Wales at u16 & u18 level as an elite amateur golfer. As well as this Callam has coached young people to a high level motivating them to love sport.
Callam has the drive to succeed in everything he does to help others along the way.
Prior to joining the Sporting Chance team, Callam was a PE assistant in a secondary school combining this role as well as being a self-employed personal trainer.
Callam has a huge passion for sport and educating young people to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Sports Coaching Diploma
- Sports Leader Qualified Tutor
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant Level 3 & 4
- Bullying and Harassment Diploma
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- GDPR
- Paediatric First Aid
- ADHD
- Autism Awareness
MIKE FORMSTON
Learning Support Assistant
SONNY LEWIS
Learning Support Assistant
CHLOE JONES
Administrative Assistant
REBECCA SKINNER
Learning Support Assistant
Mike has accumulated experience in numerous different fields before beginning his journey at Sporting Chance.
Having worked professionally in the fields of TV, Film, Theatre, Youth Work, Catering, Fitness and Nutrition.
Mike is looking forward to helping the pupils advance their learning experience, with a calm, laidback professional quality, whilst enjoying the challenges and unique personalities that working with young people brings.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- Challenging Behaviour
- GDPR
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Sonny has played professional football at a high level representing Newport County at Club level, whilst also representing Wales at U15 / U16 & U17 youth level.
As well as playing, Sonny also has his ‘C’ Coaching License with experience of coaching at youth level, utilising his skills to support, encourage and develop young learners, which he hopes will provide a strong platform with the learners at Sporting Chance.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding (Level 2)
- GDPR
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant
Chloe has 3 years of administrative experience, she has worked in multiple sectors, taking time out from her trained profession during the pandemic to give back, Chloe took a job in the care sector which opened her eyes and gave her new confidence and skills. Now working at Sporting Chance Chloe can combine her love for helping others with her trained profession. Chloe brings a bubbly personality and a can-do attitude to Sporting chance as a central cog to the team.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Minute Taking Course
- Shorthand Writing Course
- GDPR
- Challenging Behaviour
- Autism Awareness
- School Trips for Organisers Support
- First Aid in the Work Place
Rebecca has represented Wales in trampolining and is now working towards her UKCC Level 1 coaching.
Alongside this, Rebecca is a qualified Level 2 Sports and Leadership coach and has volunteered for Newport Live for a number of years having completed her Level 4 Occupational Therapy course.
Prior to joining the Sporting Chance team, Rebecca was a SEN Teaching Assistant in a primary school, a supervisor for Sparkle and a personal assistant for Newport City Council.
Rebecca has a huge passion in educating young people to lead a happy and healthy life and to always be themselves
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Challenging Behaviour
- Autism Awareness
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant
MIKE FORMSTON
Learning Support Assistant
Mike has accumulated experience in numerous different fields before beginning his journey at Sporting Chance.
Having worked professionally in the fields of TV, Film, Theatre, Youth Work, Catering, Fitness and Nutrition.
Mike is looking forward to helping the pupils advance their learning experience, with a calm, laidback professional quality, whilst enjoying the challenges and unique personalities that working with young people brings.
Professional Development at Sporting Chanc
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Positive Handling
- Challenging Behaviour
- GDPR
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
SONNY LEWIS
Learning Support Assistant
Sonny has played professional football at a high level representing Newport County at Club level, whilst also representing Wales at U15 / U16 & U17 youth level.
As well as playing, Sonny also has his ‘C’ Coaching License with experience of coaching at youth level, utilising his skills to support, encourage and develop young learners, which he hopes will provide a strong platform with the learners at Sporting Chance.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding (Level 2)
- GDPR
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant
CHLOE JONES
Administrative Assistant
Chloe has 3 years of administrative experience, she has worked in multiple sectors, taking time out from her trained profession during the pandemic to give back, Chloe took a job in the care sector which opened her eyes and gave her new confidence and skills. Now working at Sporting Chance Chloe can combine her love for helping others with her trained profession. Chloe brings a bubbly personality and a can-do attitude to Sporting chance as a central cog to the team.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Minute Taking Course
- Shorthand Writing Course
- GDPR
- Challenging Behaviour
- Autism Awareness
- School Trips and Organisers Support
- First Aid in the Work Place
REBECCA SKINNER
Learning Support Assistant
Rebecca has represented Wales in trampolining and is now working towards her UKCC Level 1 coaching.
Alongside this, Rebecca is a qualified Level 2 Sports and Leadership coach and has volunteered for Newport Live for a number of years having completed her Level 4 Occupational Therapy course.
Prior to joining the Sporting Chance team, Rebecca was a SEN Teaching Assistant in a primary school, a supervisor for Sparkle and a personal assistant for Newport City Council.
Rebecca has a huge passion in educating young people to lead a happy and healthy life and to always be themselves
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Advanced Safeguarding Level 2
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Challenging Behaviour
- Autism Awareness
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant
MANAGEMENT BOARD
We know that great schools need great teachers, and great teachers in turn need skilled school leaders who can create the conditions within a school that enable teachers to help their students learn and achieve.
MARK SMITH
Acting Chairperson
PAUL PARRY
Proprietor & Founder
CLARE ROBERTS
Management Board
SAMANTHA PARRY
Managing Director & D.S.L
MARTINE SMITH
Coming soon...
What drew me to Sporting Chance is its mission and strategy, which states every young person should have the opportunity to achieve and succeed no matter what life circumstances surround them.
I have been in Education for 22 years and I am passionate about how education can transform the lives of young people. It is a privilege to work with young people and see them develop and succeed. I also, like sporting chance, believe that every young person should be supported to achieve their own success and acquire the knowledge and skills to become successful contributing members of the community. Every young person needs a champion or champions behind them to unlock the potential they have.
Chair Contact Details
chairperson@asportingchance.org.uk
Paul is the Founder of Sporting Chance.
A former Cardiff City and Wales international, having made over 490 professional appearances. Paul’s career started at Hereford United, by the time Paul was 23 he had made the big step up to Championship level with Cardiff City. Here Paul enjoyed his best years which saw him play in the 2008 FA Cup Final and gain 12 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Paul also had spells at Preston North End and Shrewsbury Town, before calling time on a 17 year playing career.
Having created the facility that is the Sporting Chance school, Paul acts in an Ambassador role for the pupils. With sport being an integral part in his life, this passion allows him to reinforce how sport can play a huge part with the pupils to engage in their education.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Safer Recruitment in Education
- Paediatric First Aid
- Positive Handling
- RIDDOR
- GDPR
Clare Roberts is an experienced primary and secondary teacher and member of the senior leadership team. With a specialism in Physical Education (P.E), Religious Education, Expressive Arts, Physical Literacy, Health and Wellbeing and Wider Curriculum partnerships, Clare has a proven record of raising educational attainment.
In addition to teaching, Clare offers consultancy support to schools and educational establishments, providing a range of bespoke and innovative professional learning opportunities, to enhance leadership and learning to support children to become the best they can be. She is a qualified tutor and assessor for several organisations including Sport Wales and 1st4Sport.
Clare has vast experience in mentoring teachers and support staff in her former roles as P.E. and School Sport School Mentor and as a Physical Literacy Programme for Schools Manager for the Education Achievement Service (EAS). This work involved supporting schools in receipt of School Challenge Cymru funding to focus upon closing the attainment gap between Free School Meal pupils and their non-free school meal peers, working in conjunction with Senior Leadership Teams to utilise data and plan bespoke interventions. Clare is passionate about using her expertise to close the poverty gap by working with young people living in deprivation and poverty.
Samantha left university with a BSc (hons) Science, health, exercise and Sport. Sport and fitness has always been a passion and a huge part of life, she was lucky to be able to reach a good level whilst young in Gymnastics, kickboxing and netball.
After finishing university Samantha went on to work within the physiotherapy department at Cardiff City Football Club assisting their first team. Whilst doing this , as a British Gymnastics qualified artistic coach, she also taught and organised gymnastics across many different schools across Cardiff and Newport.
This was when Samantha realised her passion was for working in schools enhancing the wellbeing and mental health of children using sport as a tool. Samantha went on to gain qualifications in education but focused her time on safeguarding , wellbeing and counselling. Samantha is now the safeguarding and child protection officer at Sporting Chance where she works closely with both pupils and their families to enhance their wellbeing and emotional needs, giving them every opportunity to get the best they can out of life. Samantha believes every child deserves the best chance in life without discrimination. Education should be a safe place, a place to be yourself. Every child deserves to be heard and to be happy.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Child Protection in Education (Level 2)
- Paediatric First Aid
- Positive Handling
- PREVENT Awareness Course
- GDPR
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
- LIBF Qualified Tutor
Coming soon…
MARK SMITH
Acting Chairperson
What drew me to Sporting Chance is its mission and strategy, which states every young person should have the opportunity to achieve and succeed no matter what life circumstances surround them.
I have been in Education for 22 years and I am passionate about how education can transform the lives of young people. It is a privilege to work with young people and see them develop and succeed. I also, like sporting chance, believe that every young person should be supported to achieve their own success and acquire the knowledge and skills to become successful contributing members of the community. Every young person needs a champion or champions behind them to unlock the potential they have.
Chair Contact Details
chairperson@asportingchance.org.uk
PAUL PARRY
Proprietor & Founder
Paul is the Founder of Sporting Chance.
A former Cardiff City and Wales international, having made over 490 professional appearances. Paul’s career started at Hereford United, by the time Paul was 23 he had made the big step up to Championship level with Cardiff City. Here Paul enjoyed his best years which saw him play in the 2008 FA Cup Final and gain 12 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Paul also had spells at Preston North End and Shrewsbury Town, before calling time on a 17 year playing career.
Having created the facility that is the Sporting Chance school, Paul acts in an Ambassador role for the pupils. With sport being an integral part in his life, this passion allows him to reinforce how sport can play a huge part with the pupils to engage in their education.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Safer Recruitment in Education
- Paediatric First Aid
- Positive Handling
- RIDDOR
- GDPR
CLARE ROBERTS
Management Board
Clare Roberts is an experienced primary and secondary teacher and member of the senior leadership team. With a specialism in Physical Education (P.E), Religious Education, Expressive Arts, Physical Literacy, Health and Wellbeing and Wider Curriculum partnerships, Clare has a proven record of raising educational attainment.
In addition to teaching, Clare offers consultancy support to schools and educational establishments, providing a range of bespoke and innovative professional learning opportunities, to enhance leadership and learning to support children to become the best they can be. She is a qualified tutor and assessor for several organisations including Sport Wales and 1st4Sport.
Clare has vast experience in mentoring teachers and support staff in her former roles as P.E. and School Sport School Mentor and as a Physical Literacy Programme for Schools Manager for the Education Achievement Service (EAS). This work involved supporting schools in receipt of School Challenge Cymru funding to focus upon closing the attainment gap between Free School Meal pupils and their non-free school meal peers, working in conjunction with Senior Leadership Teams to utilise data and plan bespoke interventions. Clare is passionate about using her expertise to close the poverty gap by working with young people living in deprivation and poverty.
SAMANTHA PARRY
Managing Director & D.S.L
Samantha left university with a BSc (hons) Science, health, exercise and Sport. Sport and fitness has always been a passion and a huge part of life, she was lucky to be able to reach a good level whilst young in Gymnastics, kickboxing and netball.
After finishing university Samantha went on to work within the physiotherapy department at Cardiff City Football Club assisting their first team. Whilst doing this , as a British Gymnastics qualified artistic coach, she also taught and organised gymnastics across many different schools across Cardiff and Newport.
This was when Samantha realised her passion was for working in schools enhancing the wellbeing and mental health of children using sport as a tool. Samantha went on to gain qualifications in education but focused her time on safeguarding , wellbeing and counselling. Samantha is now the safeguarding and child protection officer at Sporting Chance where she works closely with both pupils and their families to enhance their wellbeing and emotional needs, giving them every opportunity to get the best they can out of life. Samantha believes every child deserves the best chance in life without discrimination. Education should be a safe place, a place to be yourself. Every child deserves to be heard and to be happy.
Professional Development at Sporting Chance
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3)
- Child Protection in Education (Level 2)
- Paediatric First Aid
- Positive Handling
- PREVENT Awareness Course
- SWEET Qualified Tutor
- LIBF Qualified Tutor