Case study

SportsAid

Leeds based SportsAid Yorkshire & Humberside is a small charity that provides funding for talented sporting youngsters in the region. With team GB's recent success at the Beijing Olympics, Britain's greater investments in areas such as cycling have been highlighted as a major factor in helping our athletes to raise their game.

It's organisations like SportsAid that are helping the sports stars of tomorrow to reach their potential. They award grants to young sportsmen and women and are the only major organisation to provide funding to emerging talented athletes in the UK.

Rob Clarke was recruited by SportsAid several years ago as an admin officer through the Graduates Yorkshire service. He has since risen through the ranks to a become a Regional Development Manager for the charity.

Rob's really been able to benefit from working for a small employer. "It's been a great start to my career" he says. "It's very personal and you get to be involved in all parts of the organisation which has been great experience.

"The organisation is relaxed and encouraging and you feel that there is opportunity for you to voice opinions and ideas. I really like the fact that I've not only been able to develop my own skills but have really been able to make an impact on the organisation."

He also believes Yorkshires a great place to live and work.

"There are a lot of open doors here and the community as a whole is very welcoming. It's a really vibrant and diverse place to live and can offer just about any vocation imaginable to a graduate."