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Our Team
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Managing Director – Andrew Cushing
Andrew first discovered the power of computers as a learning tool when completing his Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Cambridge in 1987 (he bought an Apple Mac!). Later, as Director of Physical Education and Sport at Hurstpierpoint College, he was introduced to multimedia software by the Head of Computing as it first began to emerge through Apple Computers and realised its potential for creating learning resources. By the time Andrew returned from a period as National Coach to the Portuguese Rugby Federation in 1994 he had written the content of his first resource and established Tacklesport that year; Animated Skill Drills for Rugby Coaching was published in 1995. Andrew has a passion for sport and sports coaching and has used this to good effect in his 16 years running Tacklesport. He is an RFU Course Trainer, delivers workshops at conferences throughout the world and has, for example, been invited to places as far afield as Macau and New Zealand. He has two daughters to light up his life and lighten his wallet! |
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Operations & Projects Manager – Mike Crisp
Mike started with Tacklesport when he graduated from University in 1997 with a BA Hons in Leisure Management and is the company's longest serving employee. His skill set over this time has varied from animation and software development through to graphic design and most recently project and operations management. Although other staff may have moved on to different career pathways Mike has always had a passion for multimedia development and his skill for the ‘back-end’, technical side of resource development has proved invaluable over the years. Mike first met the MD when he was coached rugby by him in 1995; he survived and is a keen sportsman (though blighted by knee injuries). He still plays social rugby and is trying to improve his golf handicap – although his wife may have something to say on that. |
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Business & Marketing Manager – Danny Hughes
Danny joins us on a consultancy basis whilst also lecturing at Worcester College of Technology. Danny is an ambitious innovator with a background in sports technology, business management and teaching. At only 25 he is no stranger to the business world having co-directed our partner company PE Solutions Ltd for almost two years. Since graduating from the University of Worcester with a Master’s degree in Sport and PE with International Honors in 2008 Danny has managed to squeeze in a PGCE at London Metropolitan University, gained QTS through the Harris Federation of Academies in South London, spent two terms as a School Sport Coordinator at the Bishop Wand SSP in Surrey and began his lecturing career with Arsenal FC and City & Islington College. Danny’s experience and driven attitude will be used to guide a range of exciting projects here at Tacklesport over coming months. He is a keen rugby player and former understudy of Mr. Cushing himself, he currently plays for Malvern RFC. |
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Multimedia Design & Development – Steve O’Rourke
Steve studied Creative Digital Media at Worcester University and joined Tacklesport after graduating in June 2008. With his creative eye and ability to think outside the box Steve made an instant impact on project development and now plays a leading role in software development projects for clients. Steve spends his spare time trying to complete elaborate DIY projects and being entertained by his three young sons. He also loves outdoor adventure; frequently riding his bike, camping and climbing. |
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Multimedia Design & Development – Izaac Zevalking
Izaac joined Tacklesport in 2010 fresh from four years of study at the Loughborough University, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Sports Technology and a Masters in 2D and 3D Visualisation. In addition to his IT knowledge, Izaac has coaching experience covering primary school to university (national) level. Izaac's main extracurricular activity is basketball: He has been an active Level 2 Basketball Coach for two years, and last season played for the 2nd team at Loughborough University in BUCS and National Founders Cup, and for the Loughborough 1st team at the BUCS Championships at Sheffield EIS. With this in-depth knowledge of sport combined with his IT and design capabilities, he provides Tacklesport with a wide, interesting and useful skill set. |
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Animation Development – Rob Young
Rob trained for 4 years as a Teacher in Worcester and worked for 8 years at a school in Redditch. After deciding to change direction and leave the teaching profession Rob joined Tacklesport where he is now chief animator. Having been PE trained and played sport his whole life Tacklesport is an excellent opportunity for him to use his knowledge. Rob loves rugby and although he has unfortunately had to give it up he still enjoys watching and following the game, especially Scotland. Rob’s heroes include Gavin Hastings and Eric Morecombe. |
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Online Marketing & Animation Development – Kate Giles
Kate is the newest addition to the Tacklesport team, training to become a creative animator and develop the social networking profile of the company. Recently graduating from the University of Birmingham with a 1st Class BA (Hons) Degree in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Sciences, Kate believes it’s great to combine a passion for sport with an interesting job for a forward-thinking company. She is a keen sportswoman who has been a county & district standard swimmer and swam competitively for the University of Birmingham. In dance she was nominated for an International Theatre Dance Award and as part of a strong netball team got to the National Schools Finals for each individual age group. Kate has recently become a Games Maker at the 2012 Olympics and will work with the Handball Team, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. In addition she has had background roles in 2 of the Harry Potter films, including a moving portrait. |
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Web Design & Animation Development – Lewis Elliott
Lewis has joined Tacklesport on an apprenticeship scheme after finishing his A-levels at Worcester Sixth Form College. He is training in both web design and animation development and with a keen eye for aesthetics and an enormous interest in photography and Photoshop we have no doubt that he will be a valuable member of the team. Lewis is an avid follower of sports and also has many playing achievements, winning the North Midlands U17’s final in 2008 and more recently training in the AASE scheme at the Worcester Warriors academy. We think this role is a perfect opportunity for Lewis to combine his interest in sport and passion for creativity. Aside from sport Lewis enjoys playing the guitar and Call of Duty, but not at the same time. |
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Animation Development – Rob Cook
Rob joined Tacklesport as an animator in 2009. He had previously studied Sports Studies and Coaching at the University of Worcester, prior to working for the Lincolnshire Cricket Board as a Regional Coach. As well as coaching Rob has represented and captained Lincolnshire 1st XI at cricket. Currently Rob is living in Penzance, Cornwall applying his trade as a professional rugby player for the Cornish Pirates. When sport and creating animations allow, Rob enjoys socialising and playing the odd game of poker as a hobby. |
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