On the 4th June the women from across the North East are taking part in an inter-competition where they will compete against other women in MMA, Jiu Jitsu and Kick Boxing. The event is for all ages and any ability. A lot of the women are new to the sport and this will be their first or second time competing.

This sport has created a welcoming community, family, and a place to push yourself out of your comfort zone. A place to improve and strengthen your mental health and a place to find new friends and reconnect with old, no matter what your age.

Our mission!

The women are raising funds during to support a young female apprentice into a sports coaching career.

Sport gives girls and women resilience, courage and self belief. However, gender stereotypes hold girls and women back from sport. One way of combating this is providing more visual and accessible opportunities for girls. The Coach Core apprenticeships is an opportunity to access employment in sports coaching.

We believe we must provide these opportunities for the next generation of coaches, because without female coaches the women taking part in this competition wouldn't have the opportunity to take part in this sport or have the amazing support we receive from our coach’s who make us feel comfortable, confident and helps us all thrive in sport and in life.

However...

UK unemployment at the end of 2020 sat at 5%. But for those aged 16-24, this figure is nearly 15%… and rising

16-24’s who are from disadvantaged backgrounds are 50% more likely to not be in employment or education (NEET) than their better off peers. 3 out of 4 NEET young people have been this way for 12 months.

Coach Core fundraise to support and develop young adults who have found barriers to engaging with education and/or employment. They put the young person at the heart of everything they do, with huge emphasis on personal support and mentoring.

The apprentices then create a ripple effect through their community as they engage and inspire others through their community coaching sessions.

Coach Core’s work is only made possible through the support and generosity of people like you.

By getting donating today, Coach Core can help train and secure employment for more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The funds raised by the women will specifically go towards supporting a young female from the North East into sports coaching employment.

Coach Katrina from TFT said ' I love coaching and teaching women martial arts and MMA. It is so inspiring to see these women who may have never done anything before transform into confident fighters. Week on week their skill level, ability and fitness grows. They are testing their bodies and their minds and through this challenge they are learning so much about themselves and are becoming so resilient. It is so empowering as women to be able to defend yourself and know how to fight. Teaching martial arts to women is one of the most rewarding things I have done and I am honoured to be teaching such amazing women who support each other and build each other up everyday.'

Some of the girls taking part in the competition have commented on how the sport has benefited them.

Kelly said ' Never in a ,million years did I think at 42 I would be rolling about doing arm bars but here I am... it took some getting used to but I love pushing myself to try new things.

Tina said ' Training is my time and that is non negotiable, I never want to miss a session. I am 50 years old and challenging myself as I am getting older but I am physically fitter than I was in my 20s. I get so much out of this both physically and mentally. I am blessed to have met such a wonderful team of women led by an amazing coach Katrina'.

Rebecca said ' I feel a lot safer walking around on my own, especially when I am working in London and getting the last train home, I can be walking home around 11pm.'

Jamie said 'It is actually proven that certain sports help people with ADHD. Martial arts places emphasis on breath control and body awareness and has been shown to increase the ability to focus on selective details. As someone with ADHD, it definitely helps me focus, as my mind is always racing with different thoughts and training also helps me have a routine which I've never had before. It also helps reduce my anxiety massively. And of course it a chance to talk loads to a group of fantastic women.'

Sophie said' I was so nervous walking into the gym for the first time, I sat in the car for 5 minutes debating whether or not to just go home! But I am so glad I made myself go in! I have gained so much confidence and I have done things I never thought I'd be able to do!'

Lauren said' I was pretty nervous starting something new. Grappling is something I've wanted to learn for ages, it's built my confidence and fitness so much and I love the challenge. I am starting to feel physically and mentally stronger every week. Learning from someone like Katrina is empowering, as well as learning with the amazing women I train with. Training is the best decision I've made.'

All of the above are reasons why we understand how important it is to encourage and support the next generation of female coaches. To grow more relatable sports coaches and role models to provide the opportunity for women and girls like ourselves to get involved in sport and physical activity.

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