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/