Impact Fitness Academy Board
The Impact Fitness Academy leadership team combines extensive experience, qualifications, accreditations, and expertise to ensure the safe and effective delivery of all activities. Additionally, all Directors, coaches, staff, and volunteers bring lived experience from underrepresented communities, enriching the organisation's insight and impact.
Naseem Mughal Chair & Safeguarding Officer
As Impact Fitness Academy's chair, board member, and safeguarding officer, Naseem offers a plethora of leadership, educational, and support experience for youth with a variety of needs, especially those who have struggled in traditional classroom settings.
Naseem provides strong leadership, inclusive community engagement and mentoring support. His experience with alternative education and behavioural support helps create programs that serve youth dealing with psychological and academic difficulties, adds value and ensures that Impact remains safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all our members.
With a career spanning over a decade in teaching, leadership and behavioural support Naseem first began volunteering in 2009 at a behaviour unit, helping students—many of whom had been removed from mainstream education due to Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Progressing through various teaching and leadership roles, Naseem has worked at multiple schools, including Queenbridge School, Golden Hillock, EBN Academy, Al-Hijrah, and Lyndon, gaining extensive experience in student engagement, curriculum development, and behaviour management At Ammanah, Naseem played a pivotal role in establishing a Special Needs Behavioural Unit, successfully registering the school, which is now operational with a growing number of students working towards Level 1 and 2 qualifications. As an assigned governor Naseem continues to provide strategic oversight and support the school's leadership and management.
Currently serving as the Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning at Hodge Hill College, Naseem has also held senior leadership roles, including Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Attitudes at Ark Boulton Additionally, as a governor at a pupil referral unit, Naseem provides insight and guidance, particularly in preparation for Ofsted inspections.
Outside of teaching and his contributions to Impact Naseem is a dedicated husband and father to 4 children. He likes to keep fit, spend time with family and take his sons to football
Sahara Mohammed Board Member and Operations Director
As a Board Member and Operations Director of Impact Fitness Academy, she has been instrumental in shaping the club since its founding in 2016. With a deep passion for wrestling, Sahara brings a wealth of experience, driving the academy’s growth and success.
As Operations Director, Sahara is responsible for the day-to-day operations, overseeing staff and volunteers while driving key areas such as company development, and the implementation of policies and procedures. Her leadership has helped create a welcoming and structured environment that allows all students and families to thrive.
One of her standout achievements is SLAM Birmingham, an annual national wrestling competition she founded in 2018. This event has become a major fixture in the wrestling calendar, providing a platform for competitors to showcase their skills and grow within the sport.
Beyond Impact Fitness Academy, Sahara has played a significant role in the wider wrestling community. Since becoming Midlands Chair in 2019, she has worked to strengthen communication channels across the Midlands region and was instrumental in reviving the Midlands Closed Competition in 2022, providing more competitive opportunities for wrestlers.
Her impact extends on a national level as well. In 2022, she worked with British Wrestling as a Legacy Officer, leading a two-year project to increase female participation in wrestling. with a specific focus on groups from Muslim, Sikh and lower socio-economic backgrounds
Her efforts culminated in the first-ever female-only wrestling competition in the UK, an event that provided a safe and inclusive space for all women and girls from all backgrounds to compete and pursue their wrestling ambitions in a female only environment.
Sahara’s ability to secure major funding from Sport England has also been transformational. She successfully led efforts to establish a new, purpose-built training facility, making the sport more accessible to the wider community.
Outside of her professional life, Sahara is a dedicated wife and mother of four, all of whom are actively involved in wrestling. Despite her demanding schedule, she balances family life, school runs, and extracurricular activities with her passion for driving wrestling forward and making the sport accessible for everyone
Her dedication to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and championing inclusivity in sport continues to have a lasting impact on the wrestling community and beyond.
Sayqa Kousar – Board member & volunteer
As a Board Member and Lead for the SEND Programme at Impact Fitness Academy, Sayqa plays a crucial role in ensuring the academy remains a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for all. She is deeply involved in engaging with parents and children, fostering a supportive community environment, and assisting with the daily operations of the club.
With a Foundation Degree in Early Years and currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Special Educational Needs, Disability, Inclusion, and Childhood and Family Studies, Sayqa brings both expertise and passion to her role. Her three years of experience working with children, particularly those with SEND, has shaped her commitment to empowering young people of all abilities.
As the Lead for the SEND Programme, Sayqa has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the Impact SEND Project, ensuring that children with disabilities and additional needs have access to adaptive sports opportunities. Through her leadership, the programme provides specialist support, inclusive coaching, and tailored activities that enable SEND participants to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.
Beyond her work at the academy, Sayqa is a dedicated homeschooling mother who enjoys reading and swimming, always striving to create positive learning and development experiences both at home and in the wider community.
Shruti Tanna–Business Support and advisor to the board
As an Advisor to the Board at Impact Fitness Academy Shruti brings over 30 years of expertise in organisational development, governance, and community engagement. Her extensive experience in supporting marginalised and high-risk groups, along with her background in disabilities, race equality, and social inclusion, helps shape the academy’s vision for creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all.
With a Masters in Cultural Studies and leadership roles in organisations such as Save the Children and the National Deaf Children's Society, Shruti provides strategic guidance to strengthen the academy’s governance, outreach, and sustainability efforts. She plays a key role in developing inclusive programmes, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring Impact remains a space where individuals—regardless of background—can thrive through sport.
Her lived experience, having come from a refugee background and growing up in inner-city Birmingham, fuels her passion for empowering communities and creating opportunities for young people to reach their full potential through sports, education, and leadership.
Zain – Marketing Engagement Volunteer
Zain is the founder of Creative Studios, a specialist in design, printing, signage, and branding. Since 2021, he has been a dedicated volunteer at Impact Fitness Academy, providing strategic marketing support to help strengthen the gym’s brand presence and community reach.
With a focus on visual identity and promotional materials, Zain plays an integral role in ensuring the gym maintains a professional and impactful image. His expertise in graphic design, apparel printing, and signage solutions allows Impact Fitness Academy to effectively promote its programs, events, and services.
Zain’s ongoing contributions help Impact Fitness Academy grow as a leading space for boxing, wrestling, and community development, ensuring it remains a key destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.