Meet the Mentors
Pete Newton-Smith
I have over twenty years of experience in working with young people from some of the most deprived areas of Bristol and Birmingham, spending ten years leading youth work teams, and another ten as a Teaching Assistant and Behavioural Management Officer at the Pupil Referral Units in South Bristol.
I have been a keen sportsman from a young age, and still try my luck as I step into my 40s. I also have a great passion for music, and spend my weekends touring the UK and Europe as a Drum and Bass MC.
I believe sport and music to be fundamental sources of inspiration and creativity, and am motivated in seeing young people thrive within their environments, placing the sports and arts sectors at the core of this to bring hope to those that feel lost growing up.
My role at Evolution Sports and Mentoring began after meeting Tom and Matt through our local football club, and it was an offer I couldn’t turn down. The last 12 months have been an exciting time as we look to help as many young people as we can, and are always looking to expand the business as much as possible.
Matt McCarthy
I have been involved in the development and guidance of young people throughout my life and career, but only in recent years turned to mentoring as the sector I believed I could make the biggest impact.
As a qualified coach to all ages, and a Level 2 Fitness Instructor, my passion for sport and education entwines to help me to thrive in a mentoring position.
As a mentor, I utilise my strengths in child psychology and SEN training to further my emotional understanding of the young people we engage with, creating a safe space tailored to each individual and their needs.
These are qualities I apply not only in my one-to-one sessions, but group activities such as our ‘Half Term Fun Days’, which is a great example of how our team promotes a child’s downtime as an exciting way to learn new skills.
I look forward to many years at Evolution Sports and Mentoring, so always keep your eyes peeled, as there is much more to come!
Bethany Wood
New to the team at Evolution Sports and Mentoring, I am excited to be a part of something important and help in motivating young people to reach their full potential.
I have recently completed my degree in English Literature and Media, a subject influenced by my love for creative writing. Outside of these studies I have spent the last few years finding a new passion in sports and exercise, which would have made me laugh ten years ago, avoiding physical education at school.
I have come to learn the importance of exercise in having a healthy mind and body, and understand its role in shaping a young person’s ability to make sense of day to day situations outside of sport.
I hope to make a positive impact on children’s creativity, confidence, social skills and overall development.
Onwards, I am hoping to become qualified in Sports and Exercise, and help the team at Evolution Sports and Mentoring grow.
Tom Trimble
I have been working with children across the Bristol and surrounding areas for over ten years now, starting as an assistant and working my way up to become a lead coach.
I used my experience in working with children’s football teams, sports camps and after school clubs to branch into mentoring, something which over time has become a real passion of mine and revealed skills that I didn’t know I had in me.
Working with young people on a one-to-one level has changed my approach and understanding of the struggles a young person may face, and how much of an impact I can make on their life by encouraging their potential.
I have helped in the guidance of children of all ages since 2018, and hoping our journey at Evolution Sports and Mentoring will continue to thrive and provide more opportunities for young people!
I look forward to many years at Evolution Sports and Mentoring, so always keep your eyes peeled, as there is much more to come!