Ignite Sport promotes Andy Francis to Active Communities Manager

Ignite Sport is pleased to confirm Andy Francis has been promoted to Active Communities Manager.  

Andy – who joined our team in 2017 as a Level 3 PE and School Sport apprentice – moves from the position of Sports Delivery Manager to lead our community events, coaching services and outreach programmes.  

Andy’s new role will see him manage and run sports events across the Thames Valley to inspire participants to reach their true potential through the power of sport. His previous experience coaching at Ignite is invaluable to his new role and will enable him to drive our community engagement. 

Programmes Andy will manage include McDonald’s Fun Football sessions for five to 11-year-olds and our popular holiday camps.  

READ MORE: Free art, sport and activity camps provided by Ignite Sport this Easter 

“I’m really pleased to be promoted to Community Activities Manager,” said Andy. “We’ve got a great team of coaches and people I have worked with since starting my career with Ignite Sport.  

“Loads of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure our activities, programmes and services run smoothly and safely on the day. It’s a very rewarding career – I really enjoy my interactions with participants on our programmes and seeing them develop each session.”  

After completing his Level 3 PESS apprenticeship, Andy joined our team full-time as a newly qualified coach and became a fully qualified coach within a year.  

He led coaching sessions in school and community environments which focused on delivering multi-sport sessions inclusive to everyone. Before his promotion, Andy worked for several months as our Sport Delivery Manager.  

He added: “We’re one big family at Ignite Sport. I’m really comfortable working here – my entire working life has been at Ignite!  

“The progression pathway Ignite offers to its employees is great. There are always opportunities to enrol onto courses, learn new skills and work with knowledgeable people. They have helped me to develop a bunch of professional skills.”  

Justin Merritt, Ignite Sport CEO, said: “I’d like to congratulate Andy on this thoroughly deserved promotion.  

“He has been a fantastic member of the Ignite Sport team and we’d like to wish him every success in his new role with us as Active Communities Manager.”