Co-Founder & Director of Sport, Wellbeing and Engagement
Thomas Stalker is the Founder and Sports Lead of Mindset Sports & Learning Academy CIC, bringing a powerful combination of elite sporting achievement and a deep commitment to supporting young people.
A former Olympic boxer, Thomas represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and European champion. His success at the highest level of sport reflects the discipline, resilience, determination and focus that underpin his approach to working with young people.
Thomas founded Mindset with a clear vision: to use sport, mentoring and positive relationships as vehicles for personal growth and positive change. He is passionate about supporting young people who may be struggling with education, confidence, behaviour or life circumstances, helping them to recognise their strengths, raise their aspirations and achieve their potential.
As Sports Lead, Thomas oversees and delivers a structured boxing and physical education programme that supports the provision’s educational, wellbeing and reintegration objectives. His sessions are built around respect, routine, personal accountability and self-belief, providing young people with practical tools to regulate emotions, manage behaviour and develop resilience.
Drawing upon his experiences as an elite athlete, Thomas demonstrates the value of hard work, perseverance and commitment. He uses his journey to inspire young people, showing them that success is achievable regardless of background or circumstance.
Thomas is committed to creating an environment where every young person feels valued, supported and capable of achieving positive outcomes in education, employment and life.
Co-Founder & Director of Operations and Quality
Stephen Maddocks is a co-founder of Mindset Sports & Learning Academy CIC and brings over 24 years of experience working within the National Health Service, where he has held a range of senior roles across medical education, human resources, organisational development, and estates and facilities management.
Stephen holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and is a qualified coach and mentor. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong understanding of how effective leadership, structured environments and positive support systems can influence individual development, engagement and long-term success. His work in medical education and organisational development has particularly shaped his ability to design environments that promote growth, confidence and achievement.
Alongside his professional experience, Stephen brings valuable lived experience and a deep passion for supporting people to overcome challenges and realise their potential. As someone in long-term recovery from addiction, he understands the transformative impact of positive relationships, accountability, opportunity and belief. This experience has shaped his commitment to helping young people recognise that their circumstances do not define their future.
Stephen also holds an IOSH Managing Safely qualification and has extensive experience in governance, compliance, risk management and organisational development. As the parent of a child with additional needs, he has developed a strong appreciation of the importance of inclusion, accessibility and ensuring that every young person is provided with the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Within Mindset, Stephen leads on governance, safeguarding oversight, quality assurance, compliance, partnership development and organisational strategy. He plays a key role in ensuring that systems, policies and staff development support the delivery of a safe, structured and nurturing environment for young people.
Stephen is committed to creating opportunities for young people who may be struggling in mainstream education, helping them to build confidence, develop resilience and achieve positive outcomes in education, employment and life. His focus is on ensuring that every young person experiences respect, opportunity, belonging, high expectations and a pathway to success.