A growing number of schools are searching for tailored support for pupils who struggle to thrive in traditional education settings.
Sports Coaching Group is responding with the expansion of its Alternative Provision services under the EMPHASIS Community Interest Company umbrella.
The move marks another major step forward for Sports Coaching Group, which became part of EMPHASIS CIC as part of a wider vision to strengthen education, mentoring, wellbeing and inclusive sports participation across Cheshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Shropshire.
The expanded Alternative Provision (AP) model combines structured sport, mentoring and functional skills education to support young people who require a more personalised approach to learning.
Designed for pupils with behavioural challenges, SEMH needs or those at risk of disengaging from education, the programme creates a safe and supportive environment where children can rebuild confidence and develop essential life skills.
Sports Coaching Group has built a strong reputation since launching in 2011, growing from two coaches into an organisation employing more than 80 professionals delivering services in more than 100 schools.
Now, with the support of EMPHASIS CIC, the organisation is expanding its reach and strengthening the impact of its Alternative Provision services.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding work of the Sports Coaching Group. Throughout their time supporting a young man with significant mental health needs and SEND, they have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, sensitivity, and dedication. The mentors and coaches have consistently acted as fantastic role models, providing warm, patient, and supportive guidance. Their commitment to building positive relationships has been evident in the young man’s engagement and wellbeing. They delivered a dynamic and thoughtfully designed curriculum that not only captured his interest but supported him to attend 100% all of the time, an achievement that speaks volumes about the quality of their approach. Their detailed and timely reporting has also been invaluable, giving clear insight into progress, challenges, and strategies. This level of communication reflects their thoroughness and genuine commitment to the young person’s development.“
Ashley Toner, Virtual School
The provision uses sport and physical activity as a vehicle to improve engagement, discipline, teamwork and resilience, while also offering mentoring, one-to-one support and opportunities for vocational development.
Older pupils can also access work experience opportunities and coaching qualifications, helping create positive pathways into employment and further education.
Importantly, the expansion is not just about education support, it is about creating meaningful opportunities for young people who may otherwise feel disconnected from school life.
As part of EMPHASIS CIC, Sports Coaching Group is now able to align its Alternative Provision with wider wellbeing, mentoring and community programmes, creating a more holistic approach to supporting children and families.
With demand for specialist support continuing to rise nationally, the expansion of Alternative Provision represents another significant milestone in Sports Coaching Group’s commitment to empowering young people and strengthening communities through education, sport and wellbeing.
