Helen Rowbotham CEO Expand Helen joined Access Sport as our new Chief Executive in January 2022. She is passionate about making inclusion the norm in community sport and is also a Non-Executive Director and Trustee of the British Paralympic Association. Before joining Access Sport, Helen was Director of Innovation and then Director of Rowing Community and Strategy at British Rowing where she had a remit to support the rowing community, broaden the appeal of the sport and drive growth. This included leading British Rowing’s equality, diversity and inclusion work, as well as creating the Go Row Indoor programme, and forming Love Rowing, British Rowing’s new Charitable Foundation.Helen previously worked in sports management consultancy for 17 years including five years as Director of Consulting at CSM Strategic, where she led their major sporting projects work with a focus on strategic planning, innovation and organisational transformation. Her clients included the International Paralympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation, LOGOC, as well as multiple National Olympic Committees, cities, national sports agencies, and Sports Federations.In her spare time Helen enjoys running and cross fit and has two sports mad children so typically spends her weekends on the side of a pool, pitch, court or athletics track!
Hayley Barton Delivery Director Expand Hayley is a Delivery Director at Access Sport, responsible for the charity's Changing Places and Changing Sports disability inclusion work. She is passionate about creating equal access to sport and physical activity opportunities in local communities across the UK, both through traditional and non-traditional sports. Hayley chairs Access Sport's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group, which is supported by the Trustee and Youth Board. Hayley completed a PhD in Sport Psychology and supported several physical activity and childhood obesity research projects. Hayley is committed to using her previous research experience to ensure the collection of high-quality data that provides insight into getting more disabled and underserved young people active in sport and physical activity. In her spare time, Hayley enjoys staying active, currently playing football in the FA National League and is often found surfing, cycling and exploring the countryside with Indy (Access Sport's office dog).
Nia Rowlands Finance Director Expand Nia joined Access Sport in 2021 and is responsible for the sound financial management of the organisation, including financial reporting to senior leadership, to the Trustees, and to funders, as well as providing support and advice to all staff about budgeting and fundraising proposals. Nia’s background is predominately in public sector and charity finance, having spent 9 years as Head of Finance at The International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2 years in the Commercial Business Partnering team at Action for Children and 5 years at an NHS Trust. In her spare time, Nia enjoys looking after her garden wildlife haven, plus keeping fit on two wheels – mainly mountain biking and in recent years taking part in some BMXercise sessions.
Sue Wheeler Administration Director Expand Sue’s background is in sport from degree courses to working in Sports Marketing on the agency side representing sponsors and running large events for various corporates including drinks brands, insurance companies, newspapers.Sue has worked at Access Sport since it was founded by Charlie Beauchamp in 2006, having previously worked together in Sports Marketing.Her role at Access Sport over the years has covered all areas of the charity but Sue is now responsible for the charity’s operations and administration including HR, governance and financial management working with the Finance Director.In her spare time she enjoys playing golf, keeping fit, gardening and socialising with friends and family.
Tom Dixon Fundraising and Communications Director Expand Tom is Director of Fundraising and Communications. His role is to involve as many people and companies as possible in opportunities to fund vital, inclusive and transformational sporting programmes and to communicate the positive impact these have on the communities they serve. His goal is to increase our fundraising to match our growth ambitions and the scale of the need.Tom has 20 years' experience in charities, mainly focused on disability, inclusion and equality. He has worked across a range of fundraising and funding streams, most recently as Head of Fundraising and Communications at a disabled children’s healthcare charity.Tom's passion for sport comes as a keen runner, cyclist and cricketer and he coaches children and young people at grassroots clubs in athletics, cricket and climbing in his spare time. Tom’s claim to fame was holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest book character to run a half marathon… until Harry Potter pipped him to the post a year later!
Adrien Parry Development Manager Expand Adrien is a Development Manager at Access Sport working in conjunction with Nuffield Health to help promote and develop new and excited offers within the local community of East Manchester. Adrien spent 3 years working for ‘City in The Community’ leading and delivering on a number of outreach and summer-based programmes. This experience alongside his MSc in Nutrition and Public Health has made him passionate about creating equal opportunities for all, improving engagement, and educating on the importance of practicing healthy habits. In his spare time Adrien likes to stay busy, mainly through boxing, rugby, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Alex Claydon Young Leaders Academy Manager Expand Alex is the Young Leaders Academy Manager working across Greater Manchester. This involves delivering sports leadership courses to disadvantaged young people and coordinating our bespoke training opportunities within the community. Alex has a wealth of experience in youth leadership and development following various roles with The Prince’s Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University, and The FA. He has a BA in Sports Business and Finance and is currently studying a Masters in Sport Business Management and Policy. In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing football, going to the cinema, and learning Spanish.
Amy de Broise Corporate Partnerships Manager Expand In her role as Corporate Partnerships Manager, Amy focuses on building relationships with Access Sport’s supporters and bringing people closer to the charity’s work.As a corporate partnerships specialist, Amy has spent over 10 years developing purpose-driven partnerships between charities and organisations from a variety of industry sectors. She is passionate about creating partnerships that help companies meet their business objectives whilst also having a positive impact in the community.Amy is a qualified solicitor and her first experience of the charity sector was as a secondee to The Prince’s Trust from a city law firm. After returning to the world of law for a few years, Amy realised that her heart lay in the charity sector. She has been at Access Sport since 2019.In her spare time, Amy can be found surfing in Cornwall, researching ideas for holidays or trying to squeeze in a workout before her children wake up!
Andy James Senior Development Manager Expand Andy is the National Network Manager for Access Sport’s Changing Sports cycling inclusion work. Andy’s role has a national remit, developing a network of inclusive cycling clubs across some of country’s most diverse and deprived neighbourhoods. Andy has a degree in Landscape Architecture and remains passionate about the role good design plays in shaping people’s behaviour. Before joining Access Sport, Andy led the growth of Ping! – a street table tennis project that took ping pong to parks and public spaces across the UK. In his spare time, Andy enjoys getting around by bike, goalkeeping and playing cricket. He runs a nomadic team called the Old Grumblers who play the game in beautiful places across the UK and overseas.
Ben Humphrey Programme Development Leader Expand Ben is our Changing Sports Programme Development Leader, working directly with national governing bodies and other providers to develop, deliver and embed inclusive programmes which provide greater opportunities for children with a disability and young people to access and enjoy sport and physical activity.Ben joined Access Sport in 2022. Having completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Development, he worked for several years in local authority sport development and public health, achieving success in developing and managing inclusive sport, physical activity and health programmes. Ben has a passion for equality and positive social change using sport as a tool. In 2011, Ben founded Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball Club and is still involved in the running of the club today. Ben is a family man with two young children and in his spare time he enjoys playing 5 a side football, open water swimming (in the summer!) and cycling. Away from sport, Ben enjoys podcasts, live comedy, live music and getting away for family trips in his camper van.
Farran Afflick Straker Cycling Delivery Manager Expand Farran is the Delivery Manager for our Changing Sports - cycling work in London. His role is to deliver outreach sessions to schools at their local bike tracks during the week and encourage the participants to attend their local club sessions on the weekend. Access Sport use cycling to engage and develop disadvantaged young people. Whether it’s teaching them new skills or improving confidence Farran's aim is always for the group to have fun on the bikes. Coming from a BMX racing background Farran has previously competed in national and European races and made it onto the British Cycling Talent Team. He brings with him this level of competitive coaching to his students and is currently the lead coach at COG Newham. In his free time Farran enjoys Go Karting and lots of other racing disciplines, but mostly likes to take his daughter out on an e-bike to explore Epping Forest.
Farrell Mahon Communications and Marketing Manager Expand Farrell joined Access Sport as a Communications and Marketing Manager in June 2023. He is very enthusiastic to work with young people to make inclusion the norm, as well create great content that reflects Access Sport’s positive impact. Before joining Access Sport, Farrell has worked in a variety of communications and marketing roles for charities such as the Black Swimming Association, Football Beyond Borders and the Considerate Constructors Scheme. In his spare time Farrell teaches swimming in his local community to a range of ages, abilities and backgrounds. Farrell is also a keen football fan and supports Liverpool.
Fran Burns Community Development Officer – Placement Expand Fran is one of our 2023 placement students who is currently taking a year out of studying BSC Sports and Exercise Science at Bournemouth University to be one of Access Sport's community development officers, based in the London Office. Fran describes herself as an active person who has participated in many sports including swimming, athletics and has spent the last two years on the Bournemouth University trampolining team. Prior to working with Access Sport, Fran has volunteered and worked for many youth clubs over the summers and has spent many years working within leisure centres helping encourage members of the public to have an active lifestyle. Fran is passionate about the work that Access Sport is doing and is excited to involve herself in work that combines sport and inclusion. She is also excited to develop her personal skills and meet other people within the industry.
Georgina Gouch Outreach Development Manager Expand Georgina is the Outreach Development Manager for our Changing Sports Cycling Programme. She leads the outreach programme which delivers cycling to schools, pupil referral units, SEN provision and community groups across diverse and underserved areas of Bristol, London, Manchester and Sheffield. Georgina has spent most of her adult life working in sports. With a background in safeguarding and six years’ experience as an Outdoor Instructor in different parts of the U.K., France and the U.S., she has seen the positive impact adventurous activities and an active lifestyle can have on young people and their mental health. In her spare time, Georgina is often outdoors doing activities such as cycling, climbing and hiking. She loves being creative, exploring new places and discovering the best new food spots!
Hayley Sanders Access Sport Oxfordshire Manager Expand Access Sport Oxfordshire is a new collaboration between Active Oxfordshire and Access Sport, with generous support from Mark Beard, High Sheriff for 2022-23. The collaboration will support vulnerable children and young people in the area to improve their health, well-being and life chances through sport. Having worked for three years as Development Manager for Access Sport in Oxford, Hayley joined Active Oxfordshire at the start of 2022 to run their inclusive sports programme and manage Access Sport Oxfordshire. She is looking forward to working with community sports clubs and groups to enable them to open their doors to everyone. A keen netballer, Hayley also brings with her experience in competitive sport, having worked for a number of years as Event Manager for British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).
Heidi Blunden Cycling Delivery Manager Expand Heidi is the Cycling Delivery Manager in Bristol within the Changing Sports team. Heidi’s role is to deliver fun and inclusive outreach sessions to schools across the city’s BMX tracks. Working with disabled and underrepresented young people, Heidi aims to develop skills and confidence on a bike (and in life). Heidi also supports local clubs to access the tools they need to deliver inclusive sessions, develop volunteers and grow participation. Coaching for 10 years, Heidi began by volunteering to lead social bike rides for women in her local community, developing coached sessions to build bike-handling skills. Heidi then worked for British Cycling as a regional Go-ride coach where she delivered sessions within schools, developed women and girls’ participation and co-ordinated the regional Para Hub and School Games. On leaving British Cycling, Heidi led the Invictus team to The Hague in 2022 and worked freelance with Access Sport in to deliver outreach sessions and develop volunteering in Bristol. In her spare time, Heidi enjoys generally being outdoors; walking, running and combining this with seeking out new coffee spots. Active in the world of cyclocross, Heidi also enjoys the occasional race in her local league, which involves riding and running around in the mud during autumn/winter.
Helen Brandley Trusts, Foundations and Statutory Funding Manager Expand Helen has worked in Trust fundraising for over 12 years, most recently for a homelessness organisation and prior to that for a disabled children’s charity. From an early age she has volunteered to work with disabled young people, and is passionate about inclusivity and that everyone should get opportunities to participate in activities. Outside of work Helen can usually be found exploring the natural world with her daughter, gardening, knitting, drawing or trying to do some yoga.
Jason White Head of Programme, Changing Places. Expand Jason White joined Access Sport in October 2023 as Head of Programme, Changing Places. Since graduating from Teesside University in 2012, all of Jason’s roles have involved using sport and physical activity to achieve broader outcomes related to health and wellbeing, something that he is hugely motivated by. Subsequently, Jason has then worked for a range of different organisations working across the sport for development agenda, comprising of third sector, local authority, national governing body, schools and colleges. In his spare time, Jason’s primary form of physical activity comes through walking his dog (Stanley), hiking, running - when not injured! - and cycling, but also enjoys watching sport, particularly football as he is a season ticket holder at Manchester United. LinkedIn Profile – Jason White
Jay Kinyera Development Manager Expand Jay is a Development Manager working on the Changing Sports Basketball programme with a specific focus on social inclusion. Jay will be supporting the development, growth and sustainability of community basketball clubs and groups to enhance their offer to engage more disadvantaged and disabled children and young people. Although Jay is relatively new to the field of charity work, he was part of a yearlong program to raise £27,000 and then go to Uganda to teach tag-rugby to children in poverty. He has played football at a professional level and basketball at a national level, although basketball has been Jay’s passion for nearly 10 years and will continue to be forever. Access Sport has allowed Jay to harness this passion and use basketball to drive change for local communities. Jay is a young father with a 2 year old daughter and just for some proof of his love for basketball, her middle name is Kobe! He loves watching NBA highlights or live games but spends most of his time doing family activities such as swimming and basketball (of course!) as well as going to basketball events across London to either spectate or support.
Joe Hawkins Community Coordinator Expand Joe is a Community Coordinator on Access Sport’s Changing Places London team, working in communities to support the development of more inclusive sports and activities for D/deaf and disabled young people and their families. After graduating from University of Bath with a first in Sport and Social Sciences BA (Hons), Joe joined Sport for Development charity Sported as a Regional Support Officer. Having previously worked with Access Sport as Community Development Officer placement student, Joe is excited to have now re-joined the Access Sport team, following his passion for inclusivity in sport. In his spare time, Joe enjoys watching football, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
Jonny Fenner Development Manager Expand Jonny is the Development Manager in Bristol focussing on the Changing Places programme with a specific focus on disability inclusion. Jonny has a passion for inclusive sports and believes anyone and everyone should have access to the transformational benefits sport can have for individuals and communities alike. After graduating with a degree in Sport, Leisure and Culture Jonny spent time in America over 6 seasons developing an activity programme for a large summer camp. Over the past few years Jonny has been a community tennis coach in Bristol and Bath, running sessions such as walking tennis, mental well-being tennis, tennis for refugees and inclusive disability tennis. In his spare time Jonny enjoys a good coastal hike with his rescue dog, camping and pretty much any sport! He also enjoys coaching inclusive tennis sessions in Bristol parks!
Julia Wright Fundraising Manager Expand Julia has more than 20 years’ experience of fundraising in the charity sector, having worked for a variety of local, national and international charities both large and small. Some of the organisations Julia has worked with include The Big Issue Foundation, CancerResearch UK, the Mines Advisory Group and the OnSide Youth Zone network. In that time, Julia has gained a wealth of experience in all things fundraising and particularly enjoys nurturing relationships with companies and individuals to make significant gifts to support great causes. Julia is passionate about equality and how philanthropy can improve prospects and opportunities for all.
Kelly Smith Monitoring & Evaluation Manager Expand Kelly is the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at Access Sport, responsible for the charity's monitoring and evaluation activity, as well as our wider research related activity. Kelly’s role provides evidence and insight to support the ongoing develop of Changing Places and Changing Sports programme delivery and to inform the strategic direction of the organisation. Prior to joining Access Sport, Kelly has worked in research-based roles within the Sport for Development and wider third sector where she worked on numerous research, evaluation and capacity building projects supporting organisations to better understand and evidence the impact of their work. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys running on the trails of the South Downs or exploring the sea by Paddleboard.
Lewis Dixon Senior Development Manager Expand Lewis is the Senior Development Manager for our Changing Sports – Cycling programme. Lewis supports community cycling clubs across London, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield to develop their inclusive cycling offer. Lewis was previously a community rowing coach before managing life skills and social integration programmes for young people. He is passionate about developing purpose-led and impactful partnerships across sport, charity and social enterprise sectors. In his free time Lewis loves travelling, long bike rides and live music.
Lizzie Edgecombe Senior Development Manager Expand Lizzie is a Development Manager for Access Sport’s Changing Places work focusing on Bristol and specialising in disability inclusion. After graduating from Loughborough University with a first in BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, Lizzie spent 2 years working in New Zealand for the largest regional disability sports organisation, Parafed Auckland. Lizzie joined the Access Sport team in 2019 and has since supported over 30 clubs and organisations to offer disability inclusive sport and physical activity. She also leads on the developing Ignite Bristol Network. In her spare time Lizzie spends most of her time outdoors, mountain biking, hiking and surfing. She also loves coaching the Bristol Flyerz Hockey sessions.
Lucy Jalland Community Development Officer - Placement Expand Lucy is a placement student at Access Sport in the role of Community Development Officer and is based in the London office. She is currently at the University of Bath taking BSc Health and Exercise Science. Before joining Access Sport, Lucy has had experience volunteering at her home sports club, coaching in hockey, cricket and netball, as well as working in children’s summer camps, looking after children with a range of ages and abilities. She has worked alongside her younger sister, who has hidden disabilities, as well as her boyfriend, who has cystic fibrosis, and so has joined the Access Sport team to help create a wider awareness for disability inclusion in sport. Over the past two years at university, Lucy has been involved in University of Bath Hockey Club, in both competitive and recreational teams. Other interests of hers include Formula 1, rugby, cricket and usually gets convinced to watch Leeds United play at Elland Road!
Marianna Lordou Community Development Officer – Placement Expand Marianna is one of our placement students, performing the role of Community Development officer and is based in London. She is currently in the process of doing a BSc Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education at Loughborough University. She considers sport and physical activity a vital part in everybody’s life and well-being and is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to it, regardless of background. In the past, Marianna has volunteered in various sport clubs, mainly football related, including coaching and planning. She also has experience working with people with mental disabilities or mental health issues, utilizing sport as a tool for resilience. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and watching football and cricket, as well as volunteering at a dog shelter and spending time with animals. Marianna is very excited to spend a year seeing the hands-on impact sport has on people’s lives and support Access Sport in enabling that.
Mike Power Programme Leader Expand Mike is responsible for leading Access Sport’s Changing Places work in Greater Manchester. The programme increase access to sport and upskilling opportunities in the most underserved communities of the county. Mike has been with Access Sport since 2014, where he has developed a network of community sports club that he has helped grow and more sustainable. Many of these have become hubs within their local communities. He developed Access Sports Young leaders Academy and devised the Coach Clever Award, which provides upskilling opportunities for disengaged young people. Mike’s previous roles have included, Schools Games Organiser, Behaviour Mentor and Community Sports Development Officer. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and getting out for walks and bike rides. He is also a hockey coach.
Noel Suthesh Finance and Fundraising Officer Expand Noel has joined Access Sport as the Finance and Fundraising Officer and will be responsible for assisting the Finance and Fundraising teams with the administration of the accounts. After starting in sports events Noel gained experience working in finance in both the sports and charity sectors. He most recently worked for several years for British Triathlon supporting the Finance Director as the Accounts Assistant. Having worked in several areas across the UK he is now returning to London to join Access Sport’s East London office. In his free time Noel loves to watch football and cricket and is a dedicated Manchester United supporter. A keen foodie, he also enjoys trying out new recipes and exploring new places to eat.
Rob Hawker Cycling Development Manager Expand I’m the Cycling Delivery Lead in Greater Manchester. My role is to deliver cycling sessions to schools and community groups across Greater Manchester, with a key focus on engaging disadvantaged and disabled young people. With this I help to activate the bike tracks across the city, including the pump track that Access Sport opened in Little Hulton, Salford.I raced BMX from a young age to my mid-20s and have volunteered at my local BMX club since the age of 15. I qualified as a British Cycling Level 2 BMX and MTB coach at 18 and have coached for Manchester BMX Club ever since. I became a professional cycling coach with British Cycling and was recently a full-time coach at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.In my free time I really enjoy riding my BMX and MTB bike, especially with my son who recently took up BMX racing. I love being with the family, going away camping and anything to do with sport.
Sarah Jones Senior Development Manager Expand Sarah is the Senior Development Manager for our Changing Sports programmes. Her role is to inspire and enable sports clubs across the UK to become more inclusive. Sarah is passionate about supporting all young people to have access to sport and its life-changing benefits, particularly those young people who are unable to access traditional sport activities. Sarah’s professional background has mostly centred around disability inclusion across several sectors. She has worked in adult social care, SEN teaching, the charity sector and, most recently in disability sport development. She has worked with young people with a range of complex needs, disabilities and from varying backgrounds. Her own sport background is climbing, both indoors and outdoors, and has been a climber and coach for ten years. Sarah’s most recent project has focussed on developing disability inclusion in the climbing community and award schemes. In additional to her professional work, Sarah has personal experience of the transformational power of inclusive sport, and a passion for system change in the sport sector. In her spare time Sarah enjoys staying active and spending time with her little girl, usually, climbing, baking, or exploring the outdoors.
Sophie Epsley Senior Development Manager Expand Sophie is the Changing Places London Development Manager and is focused on working in communities to support the development of more inclusive sports and activities for D/deaf and disabled young people and their families. Sophie also leads on Access Sport’s volunteering work, supporting community clubs to have a diverse and representative volunteer workforce. Sophie has over 10 years’ experience working in sport, having studied sport at an undergraduate level and most recently completing a Masters in Sports Management MSc. She is passionate about sport and inclusion and ensuring that everybody has the opportunity and accessibility to take part. In her spare time, Sophie enjoys keeping fit, watching and playing tennis and cooking.
Tess Cinamon-Duffield Head of Programme, Changing Sports Expand Tess is Head of Programme for Access Sport’s Changing Sports cycling and basketball programmes. These programmes provide access to sport across some of country’s the most underserved communities, delivering outreach to local schools, supporting community clubs to become more inclusive and delivering free-to-use community facilities. Tess also has oversight of project management across the charity. Tess is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within sport and has over 10 years’ experience working in the sports industry. Tess started her career at LOCOG during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and then went onto work at the Tennis Foundation in disability development before joining Access Sport in 2014. In her spare time, Tess enjoys spending time with her young family, cycling and going to the park, although her favourite activity is reserved for the winter as she is an avid skier.