Zak Sylvester
Founder, Beyond The Cage
Beyond The Cage is a platform that connects inspiring male role models with schools, councils, and communities, giving boys the belonging, resilience, and purpose they need, while helping institutions and funders deliver real impact.
About Zak
Zak is a consultant, filmmaker and social entrepreneur dedicated to tackling the crisis facing young men today. His career spans elite sport, education, and storytelling, giving him a unique ability to connect institutions, funders, and communities.
As the eldest of four siblings, Zak has always cared deeply about offering the best guidance possible to those who look up to him. He has been fortunate to have incredible role models in his own life, and believes strongly that prevention is better than cure, using positive stories and lived examples to inspire young men to make good choices.
Founder of Beyond The Cage – building a national platform that connects male role models with schools, councils, and funders. Featured projects include, Fighting Chance Fridays - a partnership with Morecambe FC Community Foundation & Shay Walsh MMA to reduce anti-social behaviour and build youth resilience.
Director & Producer of Social Impact Films – including A Journey to Greatness, the acclaimed documentary on MMA World Champion Shay Walsh, now used as a resource in schools and youth programmes.
Background in Elite Sport – Zak has worked directly with professional athletes, coaches, and sports organisations, shaping projects around resilience, purpose, and identity. He is a black-belt martial artist in kick-boxing and the founder of EA5 Guided Audios for Athletes - giving athletes a safe space to relax, reflect, and recover.
Consultant & Facilitator – experienced in advising institutions, athletes, and community organisations on brand, culture, and career transition, with a focus on helping young men find belonging and direction. Zak delivers keynote addresses and school talks.
Advocate for Male Wellbeing – Zak graduated in Psychology from the University of Birmingham and focuses on aligning BTC with academic research (British Psychological Society Male Psychology Section) and grassroots initiatives, ensuring programmes are evidence-led and community-rooted.
How We Work
Every community is different. That’s why all of our programmes are designed in partnership from the start. We begin by listening and taking time to understand your community, your goals, and the challenges young men and boys are facing. We then curate the right role models and co-design programmes that fit your needs, whether that’s workshops, mentoring, or long-term pathways. We bring authentic voices into your setting and track outcomes carefully, so you can see the real impact being made.
"I very much look forward to speaking with you about how we can help to create real impact in your community"
Zak Sylvester
