When Core3 are not occupied with all the work that you would normally associate with Bristol recruitment agencies, the team can often be found volunteering with Bristol Sports Foundation. BSF are one of our chosen charities, and they are doing an amazing job effecting long-term change in Bristol with children and young people, through sport. Sarah Mortiboys, the newly appointed CEO, kindly came to take part in the Conscious Finance Podcast, where she and Leo explored how sport can empower underprivileged youth, transform communities, and provide a pathway for brighter futures.
Sport as a Lifeline for Youth
At the heart of the Bristol Sport Foundation’s mission is a commitment to making sport accessible to everyone, particularly young people in underserved communities. And from the moment Sarah stepped into her CEO role just three months ago, she has thrown all her energies behind BSF’s focus on ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to sport as a tool for personal and social development.
Sarah’s philosophy stems from her own experiences, having grown up in a rural, isolated community in Cornwall and later in Birmingham, she saw how sport could connect people and cultivate skills like resilience and teamwork. These values underpin the foundation’s work in areas of Bristol where children face challenges such as poverty, crime, and limited opportunities.
A Multi-Sport Approach to Transformation
The BSF’s approach is unique. With access to professional basketball, rugby, and football teams, the Foundation leverages the appeal of not just one but multiple sports to ignite a passion in young people. Sarah is a firm believer in the importance of multi-sport opportunities, where children can find the activity that resonates with them. Whether through basketball, rugby, or football, the goal is the same: to help kids fall in love with sport and make positive choices for their futures.
Basketball, in particular, has become a standout focus due to its rapid growth and appeal to urban youth. In Bristol’s most challenging areas, basketball programs are being used not only to increase physical activity but also to teach employability skills, foster social cohesion, and steer young people away from crime.
The Role of Sport in Shaping Futures
Sarah passionately advocates for sport as a means of addressing broader societal challenges. From combating obesity and mental health issues to alleviating pressure on the NHS, early investment in physical activity can yield long-term benefits. Sarah is all for prevention being better than cure as a physically active population is less likely to require medical intervention, develop chronic diseases, or face mental health challenges.
However, achieving these outcomes requires investment. The closure of community leisure facilities and swimming pools has disproportionately affected low-income areas, exacerbating inequalities. This means that the work of Bristol Sport Foundation has never been more crucial as it is now falling to charities to offer the grassroots initiatives that are the key to long-term change. Their focus on children will create a ripple effect that irons out inequalities and benefits entire communities.
Making a difference across the field!
As a woman in the sports industry, particularly in environments like premiership rugby, Sarah has faced her share of challenges. However, she views these obstacles as opportunities to lead by example and pave the way for the next generation. Her journey, which spans roles in sport, education, and charity sectors, has been defined by a commitment to social good and a willingness to ask the tough questions.
Sarah’s leadership style is rooted in kindness, transparency, and adaptability. She sees herself as a change manager, helping organisations evolve to meet new challenges. For Sarah, effective leadership means listening to diverse perspectives, communicating the “why” behind decisions, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
A defining moment in Sarah’s own life was being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32. The experience, though harrowing, reshaped her perspective and gave her a renewed sense of purpose. From running five London marathons to carrying the Olympic torch, Sarah turned her challenges into opportunities for growth.
This mindset now informs her leadership. Sarah embraces feedback, values collaboration, and strives to differentiate her approach based on the needs of her team. She believes in surrounding herself with a network of positive, supportive individuals who can help her navigate the complexities of leadership.
Sarah’s journey, shaped by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to social good, is a testament to the transformative power of sport. As she continues to lead BSF, her vision of a healthier, more equitable society comes closer to reality—one child, one community, and one game at a time.
Thanks to the work of the BSF and Sarah’s strong leadership, children are gaining opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. From fostering physical and mental health to teaching life skills and building social cohesion, sport is proving to be a powerful answer to many of the challenges facing urban communities.
We are so proud to be playing an active part in Bristol Sport Foundation’s journey; it’s a privilege that not many other Bristol recruitment agencies share. If you have been googling “Bristol recruitment agencies” as you have a finance role that needs to be filled, working with us enables you to support Bristol Sport Foundation too. Being one of our chosen three charities means that BSF benefit from a share of our first 3% of profit – before we even touch a penny.
So, why not get in touch today!
