In 2007 Colm Whitty founded AIR Sports Network after witnessing the impact of how sport can motivate and inspire the most disadvantaged in society to improve the quality and enjoyment of life. Colm understood the impacts of social inequalities, in particular the damage caused to people’s lives. Recognising that improved health and wellbeing had the potential to develop and improve many aspects of people’s lives Colm set about creating what would become the innovative and highly successful AIR Network development programmes.

Colm had been a professional footballer and was also an experienced UEFA licensed coach, having played and coached in numerous countries at both senior and youth level. In addition, Colm was a committed entrepreneur and was particularly passionate about initiatives that tackled crime, reduced reoffending and substance misuse using the medium of physical activity, mentoring and individual development.