Company Profile

Academy Sports was formed in the Autumn of 1993 by Mike Farthing and Matthew Flint. Both Mike and Matthew had been senior managers with a large, well established company in the same industry; the market leaders at that time. However they thought that they could offer a more personalised, professional and 'hands-on' operation by working for themselves. They therefore launched Academy Sports Limited with the rationale of providing high quality sports facilities at competitive prices, backed by service to customers that would be unparalleled in the industry.

The Company, with Mike and Matthew as Directors, started project construction in 1994 and won contracts from a variety of clients such as Charterhouse School, Kodak plc, Putney Lawn Tennis Club, various local authorities and many private customers.

As the Company's reputation for quality and service gained momentum, the business grew over the following years and is now an established operation with a turnover of over £1,000,000 per annum. Mike and Matthew have held back from very rapid expansion, as they feel this would lead to a loss of personal control. To this day, the Directors are responsible for, and personally involved in all aspects of the business operation, from sales enquiry through project management, handover of completed contracts and day-to-day administration and financial control.

In addition, the Company is a full builder member of SAPCA, the Sports and Play Contractors' Association. This is the national trade association which ensures member companies adhere to strict Codes of Practices with respect to construction and management. The SAPCA Code of Practice for the construction of Tennis Courts is the only Code recognised and supported by the Lawn Tennis Association. Mike Farthing is a member of the National Executive Committee of the Tennis Court Group within SAPCA.

Company details

Academy Sports is a properly set up limited company. It has full Public, Products and Employer's Liability insurances and comprehensive Contractor's All-risks cover.

It is a member of the following bodies :

SAPCA Sports and Play Contractors' Association

CHSG Construction Health and Safety Group

FSB Federation of Small Business

Directors

The Directors have the following qualifications :

Mike Farthing, Director and Company Secretary

ACIOB - Associate of the Chartered Institute of Building

Matthew Flint, Director

BA (Hons) - Degree in Business Studies