Our Wharfe Valley Active Team
Matt Gibson - Owner
Meet Matt, the passionate founder and owner of Wharfe Valley Active, and a dedicated Bradford City fan. With a love for both sports and education, Matt has combined his interests to make a significant impact on the primary school sports landscape. With over a decade of experience in providing sports programs in primary schools, Matt's journey began at Sacred Heart in Ilkley, where he established Wharfe Valley Active.
Under Matt's leadership, Wharfe Valley Active has flourished, growing from its humble beginnings to become a leading force in primary school sports provision. His commitment to quality and innovation has been instrumental in the company's success, as he continually seeks to enhance the educational experiences of students through sports.
A testament to Matt's dedication is the recent 'Good' Ofsted inspection, where Wharfe Valley Active excelled, particularly in the deep dive subject of Physical Education (PE). As the subject leader for PE, Matt played a pivotal role in the inspection's success. He provided comprehensive progression documents and detailed long and medium-term plans, not only to support his own work but also to assist other class teachers. This knowledge has since been sought after from other schools in the area to help enhance their own curriculum because of this exceptional knowledge. This collaborative approach reflects Matt's belief in empowering the entire team to deliver, and feel confident in delivering, exceptional physical education.
As we continue to grow and evolve, Matt's leadership ensures that Wharfe Valley Active remains at the forefront of providing enriching sports experiences for young learners. His dedication to excellence and continuous improvement makes Matt Gibson an inspiring figure within our team and the broader educational community.
Andrew Lorimer - Curriculum Lead
Andrew brings over 8 years of teaching experience to our team, specialising in primary education. As a qualified teacher, Andrew has been dedicated to fostering an engaging and effective learning environment for students. His passion for education led him to join Wharfe Valley Active in 2023, where he plays a pivotal role in enhancing curriculum models and providing valuable support to our coaching staff.
Having served as a primary school teacher for the majority of his career, alongside being an avid West Ham fan, Andrew possesses a deep understanding of the educational landscape. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his work, where he strives to maintain high standards of coaching for both students and fellow staff members.
Andrew's role at Wharfe Valley Active goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of a teacher. He actively collaborates with coaching staff, offering guidance and support to ensure that coaching is consistently delivered at a high standard. His expertise allows him to contribute to the development of effective teaching methodologies and innovative approaches to curriculum design.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Andrew plays a key role in facilitating release time for Matt, enabling him to support other staff members. This commitment to collaboration and team support ensures a cohesive and dynamic environment within Wharfe Valley Active.
Zoe Hopkins- Dance Lead
From a young age, Zoe’s heart has been captivated by the thrill of sports and the excitement of exploring new athletic endeavors. This early love has blossomed into a fervent passion for teaching and creating opportunities for young minds to delve into a diverse array of sports.
With 17 years of personal experience, dance has been Zoe’s forte, and she has dedicated her skills to providing enriching dance opportunities for children. Throughout her dance journey, Zoe has completed numerous examinations, shaping her into a seasoned and dedicated performer.
Currently immersed in the world of academia, Zoe is pursuing a degree in Physical Education at university. Her goal is to translate her love for sports into an opportunity to inspire and ignite enthusiasm in others. Zoe believes in the power of sports to instill discipline, foster teamwork, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
One of the highlights of her dance journey was the chance to perform at the enchanting Disneyland Paris during a tour with herdance school!
“It's these magical moments that fuel my commitment to bringing the joy of sports and dance to others.”
Kevin Gonzalez - Coach
Kevin is currently playing for Ilkley Town AFC, a semi-professional football team in the North West Counties. His preferred positions are winger and striker, and he has a passion for scoring goals. Kevin has gained academic experience from Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, and Fulham FC.
Throughout his journey, Kevin has achieved several awards, including top goal scorer and young player of the year. He has a rich history of playing for various football teams, starting from the school football teams in both primary and secondary school, where they clinched numerous trophies. Currently, Kevin is part of the university's first team, playing as a left-back and winger.
During his primary school years (Year 4-6), Kevin had the privilege of being taught by Matt, who also coached him in school football games. Notably, Kevin became the youngest player at 17 years old to score 26 goals at the semi-professional level.
Aside from his football pursuits, Kevin is a student at Leeds Beckett University, studying Sport and Business through a Btec qualification. He has also completed courses in first aid, safeguarding, and achieved Level 1 and 2 certifications in dodgeball. A unique aspect about him is his diverse heritage—his father hails from Ecuador (South America), while his mother is from Sardinia (Italy), classifying him as a non-English person.
Kerys Hey - Coach
Meet Kerys, a passionate and dedicated individual who brings her love for sports to her role at Wharfe Valley Active, covering the vibrant sporting landscape of North Yorkshire. With a solid foundation in sports, Kerys has transitioned from playing football to currently showcasing her skills on the rugby field as a proud member of the Skipton Roses.
Education has been a key aspect of Kerys's journey, culminating in a degree in Sports Coaching. Her academic prowess is complemented by practical coaching qualifications, including a Level 1 certification in both football and dodgeball. These credentials attest to her commitment to fostering athletic development and inspiring others to achieve their full potential.
Beyond the realm of sports, Kerys possesses a unique talent – the ability to recognise most of the world's flags. This fun fact adds an interesting dimension to her personality, showcasing her diverse interests and global awareness.
In her role at Wharfe Valley Active, Kerys is driven to make a positive impact on the sporting community in North Yorkshire, blending her expertise, academic background, and passion for coaching to create a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved. Whether on the field or behind the scenes, Kerys is a valuable asset, contributing to the success and growth of Wharfe Valley Active.
Noah Northway - Coach
Noah Northway, Delia Smith fan and Norwich City supporter, stands as a seasoned and dedicated coach at Wharfe Valley Active, contributing over five years of invaluable experience to our dynamic team. Working closely with schools in the Wharfe Valley, Noah's commitment to fostering a love for sports and physical activity is truly commendable.
Even while pursuing his studies away at university, Noah continues to lend his expertise and enthusiasm to the schools in our community. His ability to seamlessly balance academics with coaching highlights his dedication to both personal and professional growth.
As a coach, Noah brings a blend of experience, energy, and a genuine connection with students. His approach goes beyond teaching the fundamentals of sports; it is rooted in inspiring a lifelong appreciation for physical well-being. Noah's ability to create engaging and inclusive environments in schools fosters an atmosphere where students can thrive, both physically and emotionally.
Joel Cribbin - Coach
Meet Joel, a spirited coach at Wharfe Valley Active, whose life is a celebration of boundless energy and a love for all types of games. While he's always up for trying any sport, football stands out as his absolute favorite—a sport that resonates deeply with him.
Joel brings a wealth of experience from his time at Churches Together in Horsforth, where he passionately organised various activities and spearheaded a dynamic youth group. His focus was on creating engaging experiences for children in both primary and secondary schools, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Now, as a dedicated coach at Wharfe Valley Active, Joel channels his vibrant personality and passion for play into every session. His goal is to inspire and motivate, ensuring that each participant not only stays active but also has a fantastic time doing so. Whether you're a seasoned sports enthusiast or someone looking to explore new activities, Joel is ready to guide and energise you at Wharfe Valley Active!
Charlie Bond - Coach
Meet Charlie, a dedicated coach at Wharfe Valley Active, whose passion for fitness and helping others reach their health goals is truly inspiring. With a background as a personal trainer, Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every session, creating personalized and effective workout plans tailored to individual needs.
Charlie's love for sports and an active lifestyle is not just a profession but a way of life. Whether it's in the gym, on the field, or the track, he embodies the spirit of a true sports enthusiast. His infectious energy and positive attitude make every fitness journey an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
As a coach, Charlie is committed to fostering a supportive and motivating environment for his clients. He believes in the power of setting and achieving realistic goals, helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for identifying strengths, Charlie ensures that each workout is not only challenging but also enjoyable.
Ellie Fishwick - Assistant Coach
With a decade of experience in Irish dance, Ellie actively participates in both dancing and assisting with class instruction. On the football field, she showcases her skills as a player for Ilkley Town, favoring the Left Wing position. Balancing a passion for dance and football, Ellie consistently makes time for fitness at the gym.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Ellie has engaged in netball and cross country, proudly representing Bradford District. A noteworthy achievement is her title as a World Champion Irish dancer, earned in October 2023.
Contact
Connect with us for an enriching experience! Whether it's PE CPD programs, after-school clubs, unforgettable birthday parties, or exciting holiday camps, we're here to bring fun and learning together. Reach out to us on our contact page to explore the endless possibilities for active and engaging enrichment activities.