INSPIRING THROUGH SPORT & ACTIVITY
ABOUT USAbout us
Ignite Sports Coaching is a creative, stimulating, physical education and coaching provider based in York.
Ignite was established in 2018 by James Shimmin, a Primary PE specialist, who has over 12 years of experience as a Freelance Primary PE Specialist and Sports Coach. James found his love for coaching at the age of 16 whilst working as junior football coach for York City Football Club. After graduating from York St John University with an honours degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching in 2013, his love for coaching took him to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ghana.
MEET THE TEAM
James Shimmin – Director & PE Specialist
Favourite Sports – Football, Golf, Cricket, Rugby League
Favourite Team – Leeds United
Favourite Colour – Blue
Favourite Sports to Teach – Cricket, Netball and Dodgeball
Favourite Bands – Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arctic Monkeys
Coaching Ethos – To inspire and motivate to have an active, healthy lifestyle and to gain a passion for life-long participation in activity.
Qualifications and Experience
12 years teaching PE and School Sport in Primary schools
Delivered PE and Sport in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ghana
BA Hons in Physical Education & Sports Coaching – York St John
Paediatric First Aid – Child Protection and Safeguarding
FA Football Level 1 & 2 , Youth Modules 1 & 2 – ECB Cricket Level 2 – Basketball Level 1 –Rugby League Level 1 – Athletics Level 1 – Dodgeball Level 1 – KS1 Multi Skills Level 1


Andy Gallagher – Primary PE Specialist
Favourite Sports – Football, Golf & Tennis
Favourite Team – York City FC
Favourite Colour – Blue
Favourite Sports to Teach – Football, Zoneball, Dodgeball & Flinch!
Favourite Music – Coldplay, Greenday & The Weeknd
Coaching Etho – To develop and inspire people of all ages to participate in sport with an emphasis on enjoyment, teamwork, sportsmanship, ability and good discipline whilst promoting a positive healthy lifestyle.
A Recent
Testimonial
” Ollie has been to Ignite for the first time today and came home a very happy boy bursting with stories about his fun day. Ollie can get quite anxious with new situations and I have always struggled to get him to go to holiday clubs in the past. He was nervous about going this morning but James with brilliant with him. He took the time to show him around and introduced him to another boy his age who had been the previous day which really put Ollie at ease and he settled quickly. He is asking when he can go again he enjoyed it that much! Thank you Ignite. “
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