A sports education technology start-up based in Huddersfield has secured a significant investment to expand its reach across the UK.
The five-figure funding boost will aid the company in its mission to improve physical education in primary schools.
Securing Essential Funding
Sporting Age, based in Huddersfield, has received a £75,000 investment from Sporting Capital’s £3 million social investment loan fund. This funding provides essential support for the start-up’s growth plans throughout 2019.
Sporting Capital is a fund that aims to bridge the gap between charities and social enterprises by providing financial support. This funding round enables Sporting Age to expand its operations and increase its impact on primary school physical education across Yorkshire.
Government Support for Educational Technology
The funding announcement coincides with a governmental initiative led by the education secretary, promoting a £10 million investment fund to streamline educational technology procurement.
The initiative aims to create a trusted edtech marketplace, benefiting both education buyers and sellers by providing a reliable platform for products and services.
Impact on Childhood Obesity
Founder and director Shaun Fox explained the importance of the funding for addressing childhood obesity.
“This investment will kick-start the second stage of business growth, following our platform’s launch and campaign last October,” Fox stated.
The platform’s goal is to help primary schools tackle obesity by increasing children’s participation in physical activities.
Plans for Expansion
Co-director Andrea Springthorpe highlighted the opportunities this funding presents for business expansion.
“Sporting Capital’s investment will enable us to scale the business over the next 12 months by increasing our marketing efforts and further developing our software platform,” Springthorpe said.
With additional resources, the company can better support schools and teachers in delivering effective PE lessons.
Creating Job Opportunities
Co-director Jonny Nolan emphasised the potential for job creation as the company grows.
“The funding boost will help us take the business to the next level, with aims to create further job opportunities across Yorkshire and the wider UK,” Nolan remarked.
Nolan also noted the concerning statistics on childhood obesity, emphasising the importance of Sporting Age’s mission.
Utilising Data for Effective PE Lessons
Sporting Age uses data from pupil benchmarking tests to develop stage-appropriate PE lesson plans.
These plans ensure that schoolchildren receive physical education tailored to their ability levels, promoting better health outcomes.
By leveraging data, the platform supports teachers in providing effective and engaging PE lessons.
Support from Sporting Capital
Investment Manager Jemma Leathley expressed Sporting Capital’s enthusiasm for the project.
“Sporting Capital is delighted to invest in a growing business aiming to reduce childhood obesity,” Leathley said.
She highlighted the importance of collaborating with community sports businesses to drive growth and development.
The funding boost from Sporting Capital marks a pivotal moment for Sporting Age, enabling significant growth and development.
With government support and a clear mission to tackle childhood obesity, Sporting Age is poised for a transformative year.
