Cash for Commando Joes’ to get kids fighting fit

A CHILDREN’S fitness business founded by a former soldier is set for a hiring spree after receiving funding of £600,000 from the government to work in schools.

Based in Leigh, Commando Joes’ is the brainchild of former Royal Marine Mike Hamilton, and works in inner city schools to help get children active and improve attendance.

Commando Joes’ is the first and only military fitness company of its kind in the country – targeted specifically at children with tailor-made obstacle courses and team-building games.  

The funding from the Department for Education will allow the company to recruit 30 more staff and expand nationwide.

Mr Hamilton, said: “We have been working with disadvantaged, vulnerable pupils and young people at risk of exclusion for several years now and our aim has always been to provide them with the best opportunities and strategies to cope and engage in everyday situations – situations that they often find difficult and challenging.

“Being able to team up with the Department for Education is fantastic and we are looking forward to being able to work alongside teachers in schools to roll-out the Commando Joes’ military ethos.

“In some of the deprived areas we work in, young people have not got grassy areas or anywhere to go.

“When they come to our sessions they get a chance to socialise in a different way, to be part of a team.  Our motto is No Child Left Behind – and what that means is we will work with every child and young person to help them feel motivated to learn and be part of their school and community again.”  

Education Secretary Michael Gove added: “Every child can benefit from the values of a military ethos. Self-discipline and teamwork are at the heart of what makes our Armed Forces the best in the world – and are exactly what all young people need to succeed.
 
“Exclusion from school should never mean exclusion from education. These projects are helping pupils in alternative provision reach their full potential and are helping to close the attainment gap.”

Other schemes sharing the government funding include the Knowsley Skills Academy in Prescot, Merseyside.