The People Behind the Movement
Movement Matters exists to make movement accessible, creative and community focused for people of all ages across the Wirral and Liverpool.
Who Founded Movement Matters?
Chris Ilabaca is the founder and leader of Movement Matters, bringing evidence-based parkour-based movement education to schools and communities across Wirral and Liverpool, Merseyside. Under his direction, Movement Matters operates through two entities: Movement Matters Hub Ltd for commercial school delivery and Movement Matters Community CIC for social enterprise community work. The organisation delivers structured sessions to 110+ pupils daily.
Chris founded Movement Matters with a clear mission: to bring high quality movement education into schools and communities where it can make the biggest difference.
He leads the vision, strategy and growth of the organisation across both community and commercial delivery. Chris oversees partnerships, funding and stakeholder relationships, programme development, brand and communications, and overall governance.
He holds final responsibility for standards, safeguarding culture and ensuring delivery remains aligned with the mission while being operationally sustainable.
Movement Matters operates through two entities: Movement Matters Hub Ltd for commercial delivery and Movement Matters Community CIC for social enterprise work.
Meet the People Who Make It Happen
Every member of the Movement Matters team shares a commitment to inclusive, high quality movement education.
Johnny Phillips
Executive Director and Head of CoachingLeads operational delivery across programmes, coaching standards, outreach and community engagement. Works closely with Chris on programme development, planning and safeguarding practice, and supports the team with service delivery.
Matthew Murphy
Coach and Creative DeveloperDelivers Parkour sessions alongside the coaching team, supports programme planning and progression based teaching, and helps develop the curriculum and pupil resources. Also supports equipment setup, session structure and risk assessment for school delivery.
Maxine Ilabaca
Non Executive Director, Community and InclusionILM qualified with experience in volunteer coordination and organisational guidance. Provides oversight, advice and accountability to keep the CIC community focused and accessible, helping ensure the organisation remains aligned with its social purpose.
Alex Potts
Non Executive Director, Partnerships and SafeguardingSupports funding bids, business planning and partnership development, providing strategic guidance and oversight. Also contributes safeguarding leadership across delivery, helping keep compliance and safe practice robust in schools and community settings.
All Movement Matters coaches hold enhanced DBS checks and complete regular safeguarding training.
What Is Movement Matters' Mission?
Movement Matters exists to make movement accessible, creative and community focused for people of all ages across the Wirral and Liverpool. Built on evidence based practice, we are developing a Centre of Excellence to expand access to high quality movement education across the region.
Evidence Based
Sessions built on research from physical intelligence, sports science and wellbeing studies. Everything we teach is designed around how the body and mind work together.
Inclusive
Adapted for every learner, from mainstream to SEN. Our coaches differentiate every activity so all pupils can participate at their own level and feel successful.
Progressive
Controlled challenges that build confidence over time. Each session introduces new skills through safe, structured progressions that stretch without overwhelming.
Community Driven
Movement as a tool for connection and belonging. We believe that when people move together, communities grow stronger.
Our Values
Community and Belonging
Lifelong Physical Literacy
Confidence and Wellbeing
Creativity and Expression
Inclusive Practice
Safeguarding and Safety
The safety of every young person in our care is our top priority.
Enhanced DBS Checks
All coaches hold enhanced DBS checks and complete regular safeguarding training.
Risk Assessed Environments
Every delivery space is risk assessed before sessions begin. We use soft equipment and controlled progressions.
Inclusive and Adaptive
Sessions adapt to each participant with clear visual guidance and supportive coaching.
School Aligned Procedures
Our safeguarding procedures align with school policies and follow national best practice.