Our Story: The Birth of Plymouth Sports Charity


Plymouth Sports Charity was founded in 2010 by two passionate individuals, Dan Pengelly and Alex Mathers, with a shared vision to make sport and fitness accessible to the most vulnerable members of the Plymouth community. Their journey began with a simple yet powerful belief: that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health through sport.

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Breaking down barriers


Dan and Alex saw first hand the barriers that many individuals faced in accessing fitness resources. Whether due to financial constraints, physical limitations, or lack of support, countless people were missing out on the benefits that regular physical activity provides. Driven by a desire to change this, they set out to create a charity that would offer inclusive, accessible, and free fitness programs to people in need across the city.

Plymouth Sports Charity team delivering the Big Lottery Reaching Communities project, helping local individuals through fitness and health initiatives.

Small Steps

The duo started small, organizing local fitness sessions and building connections with community groups, healthcare providers, and social services. They focused on vulnerable individuals—those living with chronic conditions, struggling with mental health, veterans, young people, and the elderly—who could benefit most from regular exercise but often had no way of accessing it.

Their goal was clear: to provide fitness opportunities that not only improved physical health but also helped boost self-confidence, reduce isolation, and improve overall well-being.

A Decade of Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Plymouth Sports Charity has grown from a small initiative into a vital resource for the community, impacting thousands of lives in the process. The charity’s work has expanded to include a variety of specialized programs, such as mental health support through fitness, veterans' wellness programs, and fitness sessions tailored for those with chronic conditions. The focus remains on offering free, accessible fitness programs that empower people to take control of their health and live better lives.

Today, the charity continues to be driven by the same core mission Dan and Alex started with: to make sport and fitness a tool for positive change in the lives of those who need it most.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make fitness and sport accessible to everyone, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. We aim to provide free fitness programs that improve physical health, support mental well-being, and foster a sense of belonging for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. By empowering individuals through accessible fitness, we help them lead healthier, happier, and more independent lives.

Our Vision


Our vision is to create a healthier, more inclusive community in Plymouth, where sport and fitness are used as tools to support physical and mental well-being. We envision a future where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to improve their health, reduce isolation, and achieve their full potential.

Our Values

Accessibility: We believe fitness should be available to everyone, no matter their age, ability, or background.

Inclusivity: We create welcoming environments where all individuals feel supported and valued.

Empowerment: We empower people to take control of their health and well-being through regular physical activity.

Community: We are committed to building strong connections within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Compassion: We approach every person with understanding, empathy, and care to ensure they feel supported in their journey to better health.