Graham Brewer

As a kid growing up, I was always active, swimming, going to clubs and scouts, and kicking a ball about, but never really one of the ‘sporty’ kids. Not good enough for the school football team, not big enough for the rugby team, I found my place on the hockey pitch, though there was no league competition, and we were limited to a handful of games against other local schools.
It wasn’t until university in Newcastle that I discovered ice hockey and a real passion for sport. Our rag-tag team wasn’t very good, but the team spirit and camaraderie led to 2 National Championship titles and several enduring friendships still going strong 20 years later.
Following university, I went into teaching as a primary school teacher for nine years, much of that as a PE lead, before joining inspire+ in 2013.
Throughout my teaching/coaching career, I have always valued the importance of the life skills that sport helps us to develop; the ability to win and lose with grace and dignity, the resilience and determination to keep going through the tough times, and the respect and friendship for teammates and opponents alike.
I believe that sport is much more than just pushing to compete at an elite level; it’s something for everyone to be enjoyed at every level. It has allowed me to travel around the world, taught me so much and given me so much, and if I can ignite that in other people and they get something positive out of their own experiences through sport, then I believe that can only be a good thing.