About Us
iKidz Training and Consultancy Director Chris Sharman has been working in the leisure industry since 1995 and his experience to-date has seen him progress from delivering parties and holiday camps at his local sports centre to high profile national roles for both public and private leisure operators.
Starting in operations, Chris quickly progressed through the ranks of both public and private sector organisations before pre-opening and managing two leisure centres in Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds in 2002.
Children’s activities, sport and fitness have always been at the core of Chris’ work and since his move from General Management in 2004 he has been responsible for developing innovative products and cutting edge brands for various high profile national and international organisations; such as Virgin Active, Thomas Cook, Challenger Sports, Fitpro and global children's TV show LazyTown.
Chris has a flair for creating financially profitable products that truly engage children of all ages, increasing participation whilst at the same time re-energising staff and coaches set the task of bringing his products to life.
Previous Roles:
Head of Retail Services (Esporta)
Responsible for the strategic development and financial performance of the company’s retail service areas (Fitness, Family Activities, Racquets and Swimming) across 55 sites in the UK
Family Activities Director (Esporta)
Responsible for the re-branding and re-launching of the family brand and associated products across the Esporta Estate
National Programming Manager (Leisure Connection)
Responsible for the standardisation and financial performance of programming brands across the businesses 70+ locations; included Children’s Activities, Sports Development and Adult Activity Participation.
Head of Business Development and Training (ICFDS)
ICFDS is the parent company for Brazilian Soccer Schools and Socatots franchising across the globe; role included the support and training of franchisees around the world and product/programme development.
Group Programme Development Manager (Wycombe Leisure Ltd)
Now trading as Nexus Community this role was created to achieve increased profit contribution and excellent service standards by developing new product brands across children’s activities, swimming and adult exercise.
Specialist Areas:
- Children's Activities / Family Fitness
- Children’s Parties / Holiday Camps
- Indoor Play Centres (Soft Play businesses)
- Day Nurseries and Crèche Facilities
- Product and Brand Development
- Product Launches and PR Campaigns
- Standard Operating Procedures / Manuals
- Football Coaching / Development / Individual Skills Coaching
- Franchising / Licensing
- Development and Delivery of bespoke training courses
- Compliance / Brand Standards Auditing
- Ofsted
Other Team Members:
Erica has more than 18 years experience in the health and fitness industry and holds a wide spectrum of qualifications that cover group exercise, personal training and relaxation therapy.
Erica started her career as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She has a background in dance and theatre studies and has a passion for all styles of dance. Erica teaches a variety of dance based fitness classes to both adults and children.
Erica has been working with iKidz T&C Director Chris Sharman over the past year on the development of The LazyTown SportsClub programme and has come onboard to further develop the product and assist with new business in the development of dance and fitness programmes for children and families.
