1 Year of Sport & Purpose
April marks one year since we launched New Reach PR. Yes, that’s right – we’ve only been going for a year! But what a year.
If you said to me that within a year, we would have worked with the likes of Laureus, EFL, Beyond Sport, ParalympicsGB and many more, I wouldn’t have believed you. I also wouldn’t have had any of it if you told me that we would be a team of four, have our own office and have worked with over 30 different organisations and individuals.
At times like this, reflection always seems to pop up, as it has for me looking back over an incredible year. I can look at the challenges, recognising the toll the pandemic has taken on sport – and PR agencies – as well as a few personal mountains to climb (don’t worry, I won’t bore you with those), but the most important question has to be…
What has our impact been?
We are, after all, the sport and social impact specialists, leading the way in delivering powerful comms in the space and telling the stories that matter the most. We have also stumbled, somewhat, into the sports nutrition space – and are loving that challenge as it evolves!
Making PR accessible has been a huge commitment in our first year, making the valuable commercial tool available to organisations that need it the most.
We’re proud to have worked with a number of outstanding charities such as London Youth Rowing and helping them achieve national profile to support their efforts in making sport available to EVERYONE. We’ve even worked with non-profit organisation Beyond The White Line and managed to throw founder James Chiffi’s face all over the BBC – highlighting the struggles of professional athletes, and the support out there.
Laureus are THE world leaders in sport for good, so to be able to work with them presents us with huge pride. The Laureus World Sports Awards are on their way, celebrating the best that sport has to offer, but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed being creative and helping to plan ongoing activity to celebrate and profile some of their incredible programmes, whilst exploring more B2B angles for Laureus, too.
The list of things we are proud of is endless, but it’s time to move on and look to the future. As we continue to make waves in this space, we want to look at the power of sport and its purpose thorough the rest of 2022. That is why we are launching our digital campaign:
The Purpose of Your Sport
From April – December we will focus on a sport, or multiple sports, each month and take a deep dive into its purpose. The good, the bad and the ugly across the entire sporting pyramid.
First up is Cycling. But before we get into that, I want to personally thank each and every one of our clients that have supported New Reach over the last year. Here’s to further greatness in year two!
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About the Client
Team of the Week - 03.04.26
Team of the Week - 27.03.26
About the Client
Team of the Week - 20.03.26
Team of the Week - 13.03.26
Team of the Week - 06.03.26
A recent report from Sky News' Rob Harris has highlighted England players’ concerns about feeling pressured to speak out on political issues at major tournaments. Reading this was disappointing, but not surprising. It reflects a growing tension in modern sport: athletes sit at the centre of public conversation, yet many don’t feel supported, prepared or protected when that conversation turns political. Athlete platforms are powerful, their reach is undeniable. But that should not automatically mean they should be the frontline voices on every political or geopolitical issue. It's also fair to assume that not only to many not feel comfortable or qualified to hold that role. The burden of expectation Sporting bodies, brands and even fans now look to athletes to offer a stance whenever a sensitive global issue arises. The expectation is heavy, and the scrutiny is unforgiving. This raises an important question for the industry: Are we empowering athletes to use their platforms responsibly, or are we leaning on them to take positions that organisations themselves are hesitant to lead on? Too often, what starts as an opportunity for authenticity becomes a burden that athletes never asked to shoulder. Where athlete advocacy fits Athletes can, and do, drive meaningful social impact — especially when speaking from lived experience. And perhaps this is where the industry should be focusing its support. There is enormous value in athletes championing social and economic issues that feel natural, relevant and constructive, such as: Improving access to sport Inspiring participation Championing inclusivity Supporting community programmes Highlighting the health and wellbeing benefits of activity Addressing inequalities These are not 'soft' issues, ultimately they shape society and improve lives. This is where athletes are uniquely positioned to influence, without being dragged into politically charged territory. Who should really lead political conversations? If governing bodies, rights holders or organisations wish to take political or ethical positions, they should lead from the front — not rely on athletes to be the public face of those complexities. Athletes can support, amplify and add humanity to important discussions, b ut they should not be the default spokesperson for institutional viewpoints. As the role of athletes continues to evolve, the industry needs a clearer, more responsible framework for how we support them. That means: Giving athletes the freedom to choose if and how they speak Providing education, guidance and safeguarding when they do Reducing pressure to comment on politically sensitive issues Elevating athlete voices in areas where they have genuine authority Ensuring organisations do not outsource political leadership to individuals Ultimately, the goal should be to empower athletes — not overwhelm them. And back them up when they do. Their platforms are at their most powerful not when they’re forced into political commentary, but when they’re sharing stories, insights and perspectives that inspire participation, change communities and open doors for others.
Team of the Week - 27.02.26
Team of the Week - 20.02.26