Fulfilling dreams unlocking potential
RATS (Raising Aspirations Through Sport), was founded by Mike and Mary Anne - a couple with a shared vision to help young people realise their potential through the power of the outdoors.
The RATS story
Mike has been teaching skiing since 2001. During this time he spent many summers working in community projects in London. One summer while working in a community centre on a troubled estate in North London, he shared some stories and photos of his trips with the children there. He saw the excitement in their eyes and their engagement levels rocket. That sparked his inspiration for RATS.
Many people from inner-cities never get the opportunity to experience the joys of skiing and snowboarding or the beauty of the mountains
Mike and Mary Anne have seen first hand the challenges many young people face; lack of confidence, direction and opportunities. Together, they wanted to combine their experience and passion to create an initiative for young people which embraces the excitement of the outdoors, while also providing development opportunities.
Share your journey from the beginning to now
RATS (Raising Aspirations Through Sport), founded
RATS (Raising Aspirations Through Sport), was founded by Mike and Mary Anne - a couple with a shared vision to help young people realise their potential through the power of the outdoors
School trip to Leysin, Switzerland
It was a school trip to Leysin, Switzerland, at the age of 13 when Mike first fell in love with skiing. The slopes felt like home to Mike, who wanted to quit his job at 19 to become a ski instructor.
He was talked out of it.....1980s to 2006
However, he was talked out of it. He was told, “People from around here (East London) can’t do that!” After 20 years, following a successful but unfulfilling career running his own business
Edinburgh Napier University
Mike went off to Edinburgh Napier University to study sports science. There he studied Sport Psychology, Physiology, Human Biomechanics and coaching methods. Whenever he could, Mike managed to sneak off to the mountains to teach skiing part time and hit the slopes himself.
Following his graduation
Mike began teaching skiing full time in the Alps, while spending his summers working in London. There he offered Personal Training to clients and worked in exercise rehabilitation with clients suffering from longterm conditions and also worked in disadvantaged communities, which is where he gained the inspiration for
Wengen - Interlaken
During the winter of 2018/19 Mary Anne and Mike made the decison to move to Switzerland full time. Mike now spends his time working in the equally exciting world of Paragliding.
Mike and Mary Anne have seen first-hand the challenges many young people face; lack of confidence, direction and opportunities. Together, they wanted to combine their experience and passion to create an initiative for young people which embraces the excitement of the outdoors, while also providing development opportunities.
Helping young people reach their potential through the power of outdoor sport
Since 2019, R.A.T.S. has been working to improve the lives and prospects of young people. We offer them a life changing opportunity to spend a winter in the Alps, learning a wide range of skills and gaining qualifications to set them on course for an exciting new career.
Belief
Many young people have low levels of self confidence and self belief. For many young people, finding others who believe in them can be very difficult. R.A.T.S. provides a warm nurturing environment in a fun and sociable setting. We show them how much we believe in them and as they grow and progress, their confidence improves along with their communication skills and professionalism.
Diversity and Inclusion
Skiing and snowboarding are often seen as sports for the wealthy and middle classes. We absolutely believe that this is not the case and we aim to change the profile of the sports. Think of a British ski instructor and you will probably imagine a posh white man. We want to encourage a new generation of coaches from ethnically diverse backgrounds, from poorer rural and coastal communities and also to encourage more female instructors.
Growth and learning
The programme is designed not just to provide a fun winter in the alps. The principal focus is to become a qualified ski or snowboard instructor, however this is not all. Our students learn the importance of punctuality, appearance, respect and tolerance. They learn how to speak clearly and communicate effectively. They will meet new friends from around the world and develop their social skills. They will learn how to motivate others and how to face and solve problems of their own.
The RATS Team
A common concern a visitor experiences is how well will the product or service be supported. Introducing the team eases fears while showing confidence.
Mike has been teaching skiing since 2001. During this time he spent many summers working in community projects in London. One summer while working in a community centre on a troubled estate in North London, he shared some stories and photos of his trips with the children there. He saw the excitement in their eyes and their engagement levels rocket. That sparked his inspiration for RATS. Many people from inner-cities….
Mary Anne brings over 30 years of experience as a youth counsellor and support worker to inner-city childern, where she would guide young people towards the right path. Her experience led her to America to work on a project for runaways and, most recently, Mary Anne worked in welfare and safeguarding at an international language school.
Their stories
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Name Surname
Courntry, Program name
Name Surname
Courntry, Program name