Mini Athletics and Me

About Mini Athletics and Me

Welcome to Mini Athletics and Me—the podcast where fun, fitness, and little athletes take center stage! Hosted by Hannah Danby and Clare Bowyer, this podcast is all about the exciting world of Mini Athletics—helping kids grow in confidence, coordination, and teamwork through the power of sport. Whether you're a parent, coach, or just passionate about getting kids moving, join us for inspiring stories, expert tips, and plenty of energy. Get ready to run, jump, and laugh with us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Mini Athletics

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Apr 2025

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Igniting Imagination: Join Us for Mini Athletics Charity Week

   The podcast discusses the upcoming Charity Week for Mini Athletics, highlighting its history, themes, and the impact it has on children and families. Hosts Clare and Hannah share their excitement about the new theme, Baby GoG!o, and the importance of raising funds for charities that support children in need. This years charity partner is Imagine This is the UK and St Giles in the USA. Takeaways Charity Week fosters community spirit Children learn empathy through fundraising Chapters 00:00 The Excitement of Charity Week 01:16 History and Impact of Charity Week 03:19 Themes That Bring Joy 06:39 The Role of Imagination in Learning 07:24 Supporting Children in Need 09:09 Building a Network of Support 11:50 Looking Forward to Charity Week

2. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Shelbi Jackson - Youth Sports, Mini Athletics Central Texas, Business and Family Life.

   The podcast episode features a conversation with Shelbi Jackson, a Mini Athletics franchisee in Central Texas, USA. Shelbi shares her sports background, the growth of track in Central Texas, the importance of fundamental athletic skills, and the role of Mini Athletics in sports development. She also discusses her experience in business, transferable skills, and the comprehensive nature of the Mini Athletics program. The episode concludes with a discussion about future plans and the potential for a follow-up interview. Takeaways Importance of fundamental athletic skills Mini Athletics program offers comprehensive learning experiences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shelbi Jackson 01:10 Shelbi's Sports Background 03:07 The Growth of Track in Central Texas 05:14 The Importance of Fundamental Athletic Skills 08:31 Mini Athletics and Its Role in Sports Development 17:16 Mini Athletics Business and Challenges 24:21 Transferable Skills and Mini Athletics Program 28:01 The Comprehensive Nature of Mini Athletics 30:17 Conclusion and Future Plans If you want to find out more about franchising visit our franchising page (https://www.miniathleticsfranchising.com) and if you have any questions why not book a call (https://calendly.com/miniathleticsusa/) with a member of our team. What do you have to lose?

3. 

   11 Sept 2026

   From Pennsylvania to Portsmouth with Mini Athletics

   Katie Howard on launching Mini Athletics Portsmouth Katie Howard, Originally from Pennsylvania in the USA shares how she went from local authority work in Portsmouth the to becoming a Mini Athletics franchisee in and why the move felt like the right fit for her energy, values, and family life. Clare Bowyer and Hannah Danby also reflect on Katie’s training, early coaching strengths, and the rapid progress she has made in just three months. In this episode, we discuss the leap into business ownership, the support behind the Mini Athletics franchise model, and the importance of relationships, resilience, and keeping children engaged through play. Katie also explains how her sporty upbringing and family life shaped the way she coaches and leads. Key topics Katie shares how a background in local authority work led her toward a more child-focused, family-centred role with Mini Athletics. How she discovered Mini Athletics through friends in London and realised there was no class in her area. Katie’s training journey, including her first live session and weekend with other new franchisees. How her energy, theatrical personality, and experience working with children shaped her coaching style. The business side of franchise ownership, including finances, forecasting, and managing responsibility. The emotional reality of working alone and why the franchisee network is so important. A standout proud moment helping a nervous child grow in confidence. Katie’s sporty background in cheerleading, dance, hockey, and an active family culture. How sport has shaped resilience, confidence, teamwork, and community. Katie’s advice for future franchisees: take the risk, trust the process, and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   7 Aug 2026

   Why This Ex-Teacher Chose Franchising to Build Something Bigger

   Mini Athletics in Northern Ireland with Sarah Loat - Why This Ex-Teacher Chose Franchising to Build Something Bigger Clare Bowyer and Hannah Danby speak with Sarah Loat, franchisee of Mini Athletics Armagh, Banbridge, about building a thriving local program, coaching children through structured play, and balancing franchise life with family and school holidays. Sarah shares how her teaching background shaped her coaching style, why Mini Athletics stood out from other children's activity businesses, and what it takes to grow a business with high standards and community support. Key topics In this episode, Sarah Loat explains how she moved from teaching into Mini Athletics after taking her eldest son to classes and seeing the opportunity to bring the program to Northern Ireland. Sarah shares why the structure of Mini Athletics mattered to her as a former teacher, especially the lesson plans, physical literacy focus, teamwork, and age-appropriate progression. She talks about the joy of seeing children stay with the program for years, moving from teenies to minis, and building confidence through repeated weekly sessions. Sarah describes the impact the classes have had on children with additional needs, including children supported by occupational therapists who have improved core strength, coordination, jumping, and throwing. Clare and Hannah highlight the role Mini Athletics plays as both a local community and a franchise network, giving Sarah support when she needs advice or reassurance. Sarah is candid about her biggest challenge being recruitment, particularly finding coaches who meet her standards while still bringing the right energy and approach. She explains how she has adapted her coaching style by training new coaches more quickly and more directly, drawing on her teaching experience with trainee teachers. Sarah admits promotion and self-marketing remain harder than coaching, especially doing lives, putting herself on camera, and promoting the business publicly. She reflects on the pride she feels when parents praise the classes, children return after breaks, and local sports groups such as Kilcoo GAA and camogie sessions recognise the value of fundamental movement skills. Sarah closes by sharing plans to expand delivery into nurseries and after-school clubs with a new coach, Joshua, starting training and helping the business reach more children in the area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   7 May 2026

   Rocketman Rich - The Launch of Mini Athletics Canterbury

   Rocketman Rich - The Launch of Mini Athletics Canterbury Discover how Rich Man transitioned from a career in football coaching and driving trucks to become an enthusiastic franchisee with Mini Athletics. Hear about his journey, challenges, and how he’s building a thriving business in Canterbury. Main Topics: Rich’s background in sports, coaching, and customer service The emotional moment that sparked his decision to join Mini Athletics Building confidence and overcoming initial business challenges The importance of foundations and community connections Growth strategies: scaling up nurseries, schools, and holiday camps The role of franchise support and community in success The impact of positive mindset and learning from mistakes Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Rich Man and his Mini Athletics journey 00:24 - Rich’s background in football, coaching, and sports at Butlins 01:07 - Transition into the car industry and driving trucks 02:12 - Joining Mini Athletics and the joy of coaching children 02:48 - The moment that inspired Rich to become a franchisee 03:20 - The nickname “Rocket Man Rich” and its significance 04:21 - The community feel within Mini Athletics franchise 06:19 - Life changes and new freedoms since starting the franchise 07:02 - Overcoming perfectionism and learning on the go 08:01 - Building confidence and embracing mistakes 09:21 - Achievements in six months and the importance of patience 10:16 - Focusing on fundamentals and foundation building 11:09 - The support network and franchise community 12:37 - Future plans: summer camps, nurseries, and expansion 15:23 - The value of small steps and consistent effort 16:06 - Next steps: holiday clubs and regional growth 18:47 - The impact of community, family, and shared mission 20:22 - Why franchising is a great opportunity and community support 22:49 - Sharing ideas, helping peers, and the franchise network 23:24 - Final encouragement for prospective franchisees Resources & Links: Mini Athletics Official Website (https://www.miniathletics.com) Mini Athletics Franchise Opportunities (https://www.miniathleticsfranchising.co.uk) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   3 Mar 2026

   How a Former Teacher Built a Thriving Mini Athletics business

   Discover how Michael Pope transitioned from teaching to running a thriving Mini Athletics franchise in Bath. Learn about his challenges, successes, and tips for building a community-focused business centered on children's movement and development. Key Topics: Michael’s transition from teaching to franchise ownership Building a community presence and local marketing strategies Overcoming the challenges of setting up a new business post-initial phase The importance of social skills and physical literacy in early childhood Developing a team: plans for future coaching support Balancing family life with entrepreneurial pursuits Celebrating small wins and steady growth in a new business Find out more about Mini Athletics franchising in both the UK and USA UK - www.miniathleticsfranchising.co.uk USA - www.miniathleticsfranchising.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   13 Feb 2026

   From coach to owner

   Mini Athletics owner Lara recounts her transition from advertising to building a children's activity franchise, highlighting community engagement and sustainable growth in this interview.

8. 

   12 Dec 2025

   Mini Athletics Anthony Walker raising the flag in Scotland.

   Mini Athletics business owner Anthony Walker discusses his professional journey in Scotland with hosts Clare Bowyer and Hannah Danby, highlighting his enthusiasm and fundraising efforts in this interview.

9. 

   21 Nov 2025

   From Teacher & Plumber to Franchisees: A New Adventure

   Franchisees Hannah and Ian discuss their transition from teaching and plumbing to owning a Mini Athletics franchise, highlighting teamwork and offering advice for prospective franchisees in this interview.

10. 

    3 Oct 2025

    Charity Week Spotlight: Making a Difference

    Vicki Brunt from the Children and Young People's Cancer Association highlights the impactful collaboration with Mini Athletics, emphasizing community-led events and crucial funding for childhood cancer research in this interview with Clare Bowyer and Hannah Danby.

11. 

    14 Apr 2025

    Mini Athletics and ME!

    Episode 4: From Champions to Coaches – Inside the Mini Athletics Superstar Event with Sam & Ryan In this energetic episode of Mini Athletics and Me, Hannah Danby sits down with Mini Athletics franchisees Sam McDermott and Ryan McClay – both proud past winners of the Mini Athletics Superstar event – to relive the magic of one of the most anticipated days in the Mini Athletics calendar. Sam and Ryan share what it was like to go from being young athletes full of nerves and excitement, to now standing on the sidelines as coaches, cheering on the next generation. They reflect on the unique energy of the event, how it fosters confidence and team spirit, and why creating a joyful, positive atmosphere is key to helping kids shine. With plenty of laughs, heartfelt memories, and hands-on advice, this episode is a celebration of what makes the Superstar event so special – for children, families, and franchisees alike. From preparing athletes to building community connections, Sam and Ryan offer inspiration and insight for anyone gearing up for the big day. Whether you're a franchisee, coach, or parent, you’ll come away with ideas, encouragement, and maybe even a few goosebumps. Mini Athletics: Discover how our inclusive, confidence-building programs help children thrive through sport and play at www.miniathletics.com (http://www.miniathletics.com) Follow Us: Join our community on Instagram and Facebook @miniathletics for stories, tips, and event highlights. Love the Podcast? Leave us a review and let us know what you think – your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to life . Produced and Edited by Rob Sillito Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Mini Athletics and Me

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lara
• Anthony Walker
• Hannah
• Ian
• Vicki Brunt

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Mini Athletics and Me

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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