Wasim grew up in the low-income, under-served West End of Newcastle, where opportunities for structured development and career progression were limited. Working with Hat Trick and StreetGames opened doors for him, providing access to sport, volunteering, and education pathways that would shape his future.
Initial Engagement and Volunteering
Wasim’s journey began at Hat Trick, where he started volunteering. This early experience introduced him to community sport and the impact it could have on young people facing similar socioeconomic barriers.
His involvement deepened when he transitioned into volunteering with StreetGames, supporting the delivery of activities and helping to take young people on residential trips. These experiences provided him with hands-on exposure to youth development and community engagement, sparking a long-term commitment to the sector.
Cue training montage
Training and qualifications built Wasim’s confidence and capability within community sport. Here are the courses he took part in:
- Level 2 Multi‑Skills — Wasim’s first qualification strengthened his coaching expertise and enabled him to diversify his delivery across community sport. This early achievement laid the foundation for his future development.
- Level 3 Education and Training — Supported by StreetGames, Wasim progressed to this transformative qualification, which equipped him with the skills and confidence needed to pursue a professional career.
The Level 3 qualification directly led to Wasim securing a full‑time role in sport. In 2017, he became a tutor for StreetGames, where he developed and mentored future leaders like him.
Leadership and Enterprise
In 2019, Wasim left Hat Trick to pursue a new opportunity — establishing and running apprenticeship programmes with Lifetime and Coach Core, which he successfully led for six years. This initiative created structured pathways for young people to gain qualifications, skills, and employment opportunities within sport and community development.
Building on this success, Wasim went on to lead Necta, a charity focused on delivering hyper-local training opportunities across the North East. He now supports others in accessing the same kind of pathways that helped him succeed, creating a sustainable cycle of opportunity and development for young people.
Impact
Wasim’s journey the difference targeted intervention and accessible pathways into sport can make in the long term. Transitioning from a young person in an under-served community to a leader and coach, he created apprenticeship and training opportunities for others – developing the sport and education workforce. His work continues to influence young people across the North East, particularly those facing similar barriers to opportunity.
Recognition and Awards
In the last few years, Wasim’s influence and commitment to developing others have been widely recognised. He has secured four prestigious awards: UK Coaching Coach Developer of the Year (2023), North East Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year (2024), WorldSkills UK Educator of the Year (2025) and Coach Core Learning Coach of the Year (2021 & 2023).
Conclusion
Wasim’s story is a powerful example of how targeted support, accessible qualifications, and meaningful opportunities can transform lives. From volunteering in his community in Newcastle to becoming an award-winning educator and charity leader, he now plays a vital role in enabling others to follow a similar path and ensuring that opportunity continues to grow within the communities that need it most.