Celebrating 20 Years of Shape Performance: A reflection on our journey

Children enjoying a coaching session on a sunny sports field

Turning 20 in 2026 feels like a milestone that deserves more than just a celebration. It’s a moment to reflect on the journey, the growth, and the impact Shape Performance has had on children, families, and communities. Over the past two decades, we have dedicated ourselves to delivering amazing services in sport, health and physical education (PE). As a parent and coach, I want to share what this journey has meant to me and how it continues to inspire our work, especially through our popular holiday coaching courses.

How It All Began

When Shape Performance started, the goal was simple: provide a range of professional services in the North-East of England. Early in our development we offered sports science workshops for A Level PE and BTEC sport students. These workshops involved testing and information that students had to know about but were unlikely to do this away from a text book. We demonstrated speed and agility testing with timing gates, VO2 max and lactate testing, power testing with jump mats and strength testing with specialised equipment. We also tested grassroots and semi-professional athletes and teams, providing them with information about how they could improve their performanes. Whilst this isn’t something we offer today, I am proud that we helped numerous students improve their grades, and provide a service to sports performers which would have positively impacted on their results. From weekend warriors to age grade elite triathletes we made an impact!

Working in Schools

As a trained PE teacher it was only natural to offer services to schools. We developed a workshop for Year 5 and Year 6 children, as well as lunchtime supervisors to improve activity at break times. Over the years our ‘Fun Active Breaktimes’ programme will have trained many hundreds of children to become leaders, developing employability skills like how to communicate, having patience, enthusiasm and being organised, as well as our number one factor for playground games, how to ensure the safety of participants. This included how to lead hula hooping, skipping and fun games. This work will have impacted on thousands of children, getting them more active at breaktimes will have had a huge impact on their health, physical literacy and mental well-being… hopefully improving attendance for some children too. We still continue to deliver PE lessons, after-school clubs and curriculum support to train teachers how to deliver high quality PE, although time pressures mean that his work has diminished in recent years.

Showing Potential workshops

I have never liked the label ‘gifted and talented’, which was used in education for those showing early promise in sport or PE. However, the students who have been identified as ‘showing potential’ (the term we have coined) have been able to access our workshops and training events to help them on their sporting journey. We offer fitness, training, nutrition and sleep advice, giving children who want to become a professional athlete or high level performer tips and advice that they can take away and implement. Leif Davies, formerly of Leeds United and now Ipswich Town Football Club is one ex-attendee and I can only hope that he took a few things away from our sessions that helped him gain a place in the professional ranks.

Award winning holiday coaching courses

Our first holiday coaching course was delivered 10 years ago and this has become the major focus for the business in recent years. It was amazing to have received multiple awards for the quality of our courses and just check out our Facebook and Google reviews for the importance of our work to parents and children. Parents appreciated having a safe, structured place for their children to stay active and learn new skills during school breaks. These courses offered more than just sport; they taught teamwork, discipline, and resilience. What is rewarding is helping shape and develop children into adults who I now employ as coaches, further implementing the Shape Performance way. It is also pleasing to speak to ex-attendees and hear how well they are doing, or have done, in their GCSE or A level PE courses. I am sure the expert tuition they received, whether that be learning how to somersault on a trampoline, hit a rocket shot in football, or catch well and throw with power in dodgeball, the small gains each course they attended will have undoutably helped them improve their grade.

Growing with the Community

Over the years, Shape Performance grew alongside the families we serve. We listened closely to what parents wanted: coaching that was not only effective but also fun and flexible. This feedback shaped our programs, making holiday coaching courses more diverse and accessible. We also added food and health advice to children attending our free ‘holiday activity and food’ courses, delivering these on behalf of Durham Council and funded by the Depeartment for Education. This has helpe children understand the importance of nutrition and overall well-being. This holistic approach has made a real difference for many families.

The Role of Holiday Coaching Courses Today

Holiday coaching courses remain a vital part of what we offer. They provide structured, enjoyable activities during school breaks, helping children stay active and healthy. These courses also give parents peace of mind, knowing their children are in good hands. In 2022 I purchased a number of inflatables which are taken to courses once or twice a week. The children love spending time on the inflatables, and are our most popular days. The plan for 2026 is to purchase a few more inflatables to make the experience even more enjoyable. We have offered ‘soft archery’ for many years but full archery will be available in the very near future on our courses… as long as we can get more of the staff trained up over the coming months. It would be great if children or parents could message us with further suggestions about what we can do to improve the courses further.

Child focused on football training during a holiday coaching course

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

As we approach our 20th anniversary, I feel proud of what Shape Performance has achieved and excited about the future. Our focus remains on quality coaching that supports children’s growth in sport, health, and PE. We want every child to discover their potential and enjoy the lifelong benefits of being active.

Why Parents Trust Shape Performance

Parents choose Shape Performance because we understand their concerns and priorities. They want safe, supportive environments where their children can learn and have fun. They appreciate coaches who are experienced, caring, and skilled at working with kids.

We maintain high standards by:

• Employing qualified coaches with backgrounds in sport and education

• Offering choice on our courses so children can choose the activities they want to do

• Continuously updating our programs based on feedback and research

  
  

This approach has built trust and long-lasting relationships with families.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating 20 years of Shape Performance is more than marking time. It’s about recognizing the positive impact we have made on children’s lives through sport, health, and PE. Our holiday coaching courses have been a key part of this journey, providing valuable opportunities for growth and enjoyment.

If you are a parent looking for a supportive, engaging place for your child to develop skills and confidence, I invite you to explore our courses. Together, we can help your child build a strong foundation for a healthy, active future.

Let’s make 2026 a year to remember with Shape Performance.

Tony Dowson (owner and founder)