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  1. Staff

Staff

Here at Access Sport we are proud to have a dynamic and constantly growing team of fantastic staff, primarily based in London as well as Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield.

Below you'll find a brief introduction to each member of our team.

Helen Rowbotham

CEO

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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!

Published: 1st January, 2021

Updated: 14th June, 2024

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Hayley Barton

Delivery and Impact Director

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Hayley is Delivery and Impact Director at Access Sport, responsible for the charity's Changing Places and Changing Sports delivery programmes. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities to access to sport and physical activity in local communities across the UK. Hayley leads Access Sport's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work, which is supported by Staff, Trustees and the Youth Board.

Hayley completed a PhD in Sport Psychology and worked on 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 disadvantaged and disabled young people active in sport and physical activity.

In her spare time, Hayley enjoys staying active, and is often found playing football, cycling and exploring the countryside with Indy, a regular Access Sport office dog.

Published: 1st February, 2021

Updated: 26th June, 2024

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Nia Rowlands

Finance Director

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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.

Published: 1st April, 2021

Updated: 28th November, 2025

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Sue Wheeler

Administration Director

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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.

Published: 1st May, 2021

Updated: 9th August, 2023

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Tom Dixon

Fundraising and Communications Director

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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!  

Published: 1st June, 2021

Updated: 3rd January, 2023

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AJ McMinn

Community Coordinator, Manchester

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AJ
brings with her over 10 years of sports coaching experience. She began coaching Basketball as a young leader at 14 and from there her love of coaching grew. AJ began focusing on SEN coaching and found that creating new opportunities for disabled youth was where she found her main passion. 

During AJ’s BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, she was able to conduct two placements, one as an SEN PE student teacher and another as an Intern with a charity working with youth across Belfast developing their junior programming focusing on sport for change and conflict resolution. From then her career has focused on sports development and creating new opportunities for youth, ensuring that everyone has a chance to try a new sport or continue with the sport that they love. She is now completing her MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, and her dissertation is focusing on women in sport, another one of her passions. 

In AJ’s spare time she enjoys watching Ice hockey, walking her dog, and playing golf. She also spends as much time as possible going to concerts, travelling and sometimes both with her partner. When she can, on her weekends off AJ likes to travel home to Belfast to see her family and friends. 

Published: 15th January, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Amy Baker

Community Coordinator, Bristol

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Amy is the Community Coordinator for the Changing Places team in Bristol. With many years of experience within sport, as both a coach and an elite athlete, she brings a wealth of understanding surrounding sports participation, social inclusion and the community needs within Bristol.

As a recent University of Bath graduate, her studies extended her passion and advocation of exploring the sport gender-participation gap, as well as highlighting her keen interest in sport for development. Alongside her studies, Amy worked with the Bristol City Robins Foundation. During her time at the foundation, Amy consistently advocated for equitable opportunities for women and girls and helped to create and sustain many new sessions across Bristol - most importantly encouraging the inclusion of women and girls from ethnically diverse communities, understanding their personal participation barriers and using this to create accessible and inclusive spaces for all.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys travelling, watching live sport and listening to sport podcasts.

Published: 25th January, 2022

Updated: 8th October, 2025

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Amy de Broise

Corporate Partnerships Manager

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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!

Published: 30th January, 2022

Updated: 17th April, 2023

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Andy James

Senior Development Manager, Cycling

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Andy is the Senior Development 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.

Published: 1st February, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Ben Humphrey

Senior Programme Development Leader, Changing Sports

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Ben is our Changing Sports Senior 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.

Published: 5th February, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Charlotte Cole-Hossain

Community Coordinator, Cycling

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Charlotte is a Community Coordinator for our Changing Sports cycling work in London. She helps facilitate sustained growth in participation and improvement in inclusion and accessibility, delivering sessions to disadvantaged young people in underserved communities.

Charlotte grew up riding and racing bikes having started cycling at the volunteer-led community facility at Herne Hill Velodrome. Her passion for grassroots sports developed through various volunteer roles at the Velodrome, where she began working as a coach, primarily with women and young people. Throughout her time as a competitive cyclist, she consistently advocated for the equal opportunities of women and girls and people from ethnically diverse communities and will continue to work to improve inclusivity and accessibility for those with fewer opportunities to ride their bike.

In her spare time, she enjoys watching sport, cooking and baking, riding her bike and quizzing.

Published: 10th February, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Chris Evans

Head of Programme, Changing Places

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Chris is Head of Programme for Access Sport’s Changing Places programme. Changing Places is Access Sport's multi-sport, place-led programme aiming to support sports clubs to become more inclusive by addressing the bespoke needs in different locations.

Growing up playing elite sport, Chris was fortunate enough to access the benefits of team and individual sports and is passionate about supporting others to do the same. Chris has spent the last 10+ years working in the sport and physical activity sector and brings experience from across higher education, local authority sports development, NGB sport, sport-tech and Active Partnerships.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys staying active. Whilst he enjoys taking part in all sports, having recently moved to the Peak District he is now a regular runner and gym-goer.

Published: 11th February, 2022

Updated: 1st July, 2025

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Ellie Cakebread

Community Development Officer, Placement London

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Ellie is one of our placement students, currently working as a Community Development Officer in our London office. She is studying for a BSc in Sport Science, Coaching, and Physical Education at Loughborough University.

Before joining Access Sport Ellie gained experience working with a diverse range of athletes as a volunteer hockey and swimming coach. She further enhanced her skillset completing a combined Level One and Two Swimming Teacher qualification. During her placement, Ellie is looking forward to contributing towards the development of accessible and inclusive sporting environments, helping to ensure that benefit of sport is shared by all.

In her spare time, Ellie enjoys watching and playing a variety of sports, with swimming and hockey being firm favourites! When not involved in sport, she also enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Published: 13th February, 2022

Updated: 8th September, 2025

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Elsie Josland

Active Environments Lead

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Elsie is the Active Environments Lead for Access Sport’s Changing Sports programme. She is responsible for delivering new inclusive community sports facilities and enhancing existing ones, focusing mainly on cycling facilities and basketball courts.

Elsie is passionate about transforming the aspirations of clients and stakeholders into attractive, sustainable, and functional schemes and has over 20 years of experience delivering community facilities. Elsie started her career as a landscape architect at Groundwork, before moving on to work in private practice where she has worked on schemes such as the 3G pitches and park at Mabley Green in Hackney, the Hackney Marshes Cricket Pavilion, and improvements to the Brixton BMX track.

Elsie spends her spare time looking after a small area of woodland in the New Forest and volunteers for biodiversity projects in her local area.

Published: 13th February, 2022

Updated: 31st January, 2026

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Farrell Mahon

Communications and Marketing Manager

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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.

Published: 25th February, 2022

Updated: 21st June, 2023

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Grace Wicker

Fundraising and Communications Officer, Placement London

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Grace is currently studying BSc Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University. She previously volunteered as a swim teaching assistant, which led to becoming a swimming teacher and a seasonal role as a Lifeguard Supervisor at St Andrews Lakes water sports centre. As a part of her role Grace enjoyed leading schools and group activity days, paddleboarding, kayaking and many more activities! Grace also previously worked for a charity called Medway Voluntary Action which supports other charities in her local area.

In her free time Grace enjoys swimming, in both pools and open water venues, spending lots of time outdoors with friends - dogs included! As well as taking long walks and finding wild swimming spots.

Sport has always been a huge part of Grace’s life and she is really excited to get involved at Access Sport, learn lots from the team and share the joy she finds within sport!

Published: 11th March, 2022

Updated: 30th September, 2025

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Hannah Davis-Coward

Programme Leader, Bristol

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Hannah is the Changing Places Programme Leader for Bristol and is responsible for leading the charity's place-based work across the city.

Hannah's career in sport began as the Volunteer Manager for the London 2012 Olympics Bristol-based programmes, including the Torch Relay and Kenyan training camps. She brings experience from a variety of operational and leadership roles spanning local authority, Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies and sports charities. Hannah's a huge advocate of using sport to address wider social outcomes, and believes everyone deserves to access and enjoy being active.

Outside of work, she loves to keep fit - taking part in regular gym classes, weekly runs, and supporting her daughters growing passion for sport. She's always looking for more travel destinations to explore with her young family, with South Africa, Canada and Malaysia being firm favourites to date.  

Published: 16th March, 2022

Updated: 15th June, 2026

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Hayley Sanders

Access Sport Oxfordshire Manager

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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).

Published: 20th March, 2022

Updated: 27th September, 2022

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Helen Brandley

Trusts, Foundations and Statutory Funding Manager

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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.

Published: 23rd March, 2022

Updated: 25th September, 2024

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James Finn

Delivery Manager, Cycling

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James previously worked as an outdoor instructor overseas and in education in the UK supporting young people with additional needs or from disadvantaged areas explore and be inspired by future options.

Alongside developing young people’s skills in different sports, James has a particular interest in developing the soft skills which are learnt through engagement in active and community sports.

Outside of work he enjoys riding his bike, often with his twins in their trailer, playing music and trying to grow tomatoes.

Published: 24th March, 2022

Updated: 13th August, 2025

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James Snook

Community Coordinator, Bristol

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James is a Community Coordinator at Access Sport, dedicated to promoting inclusive opportunities in Bristol. With over 10 years of experience in coaching and working in sport, James has been a passionate advocate for sport for development.

During his time at the University of South Wales, he developed a keen interest in sport for development through involvement in a Street Games project and working with the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team. This experience laid the foundation for James’ commitment to creating inclusive sports environments.

As a Bristol-born individual, James has been championing inclusive opportunities in his work, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate in sports. In his role at Access Sport, James works with community sports clubs to develop and deliver inclusive offers, enabling greater opportunities for disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent children and young people to access sport and physical activity.

In his spare time, James enjoys singing, traveling, and playing sports, with football and basketball being his favourites.

 
 

Published: 25th March, 2022

Updated: 13th August, 2025

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Jamilla Dauda

Community Coordinator, Cycling

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Jamilla is the Community Coordinator for our London cycling team. She supports the development, growth and sustainability of community cycle clubs to enhance their offer to engage more disadvantaged and disabled children and young people.

Jamilla has loved sport from a very young age but grew up facing barriers that prohibited her ability to pursue her sporting passions. Despite this, she volunteered to lead sports sessions for young girls and has developed experience in facilitating athletics sessions for young women with a focus of creating inclusive and supportive environments. Jamilla has joined the Access Sport team to be part of breaking down the barriers that hinder different communities from benefiting from sport.

In her spare time, Jamilla enjoys being active, traveling to new locations, hiking and swimming. More interests include cycling, running and basketball and being creative through different mediums like photography. 

 

Published: 25th March, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Jonny Fenner

Development Manager, Tennis

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Jonny is the Development Manager for Acez, our pan-disability tennis programme.

Jonny has a passion for inclusive sports and believes anyone and everyone should have access to the transformation benefits sport can have to 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. Previously, 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!

Published: 3rd April, 2022

Updated: 27th May, 2025

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Josh Mcvety

Community Coordinator, Manchester

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Josh has joined the Access Sport team in Manchester as a Community Coordinator, working closely with Trafford Council to develop new and existing sports clubs in the area.

He previously coached football to young people for 8 years was involved with Access Sports' HAF clubs for the last 2 years. Josh also volunteered as a community football coach and started to coach disability football in his local area of Trafford. He believes that sport should be an important part of everybody's lives and feels passionately about making a difference in his local area.

In his spare time, Josh enjoys listening to music and podcasts as well as walking the dog and coaching football.

Published: 4th April, 2022

Updated: 13th August, 2025

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Julia Wright

Fundraising Manager

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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.

Published: 5th April, 2022

Updated: 6th December, 2022

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Kelly Smith

Monitoring and Evaluation Lead

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Kelly is the Monitoring and Evaluation Lead 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 development 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.

Published: 15th April, 2022

Updated: 5th December, 2024

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Kevin Watts

Development Manager, Basketball

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Kevin is a Development Manager working on the Changing Sports basketball programme with a specific focus on disability inclusion. Kevin will be supporting the development, growth and sustainability of community basketball clubs and groups to enhance their offer to engage more disabled children and young people.

Kevin spent 6 years working for ‘activeNewham’ leading a team of staff in community sport and physical activity development, developing activity for people who live and work in Newham; he is especially proud of the pathway for young people with a disability to access sports and physical activity developed during his time in this role.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys cycling with his children, swimming and playing 5-a-side football. He also coaches a junior football team and has been coaching on and off for 20 years.

Published: 17th April, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Lauren Saphir

Volunteer Coordinator, Sheffield

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Lauren is joining Access Sport from a background in EDI research in the real estate and construction sector.  She is currently studying a MSc in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration at the University of Sheffield and has a BSc in Human Biology from Sheffield Hallam University.

After experiencing some exclusion from sports within school due to her own disabilities, Lauren wants to make sure everyone has access to sports and wants to make the topic of accessibility less daunting for those not familiar and get more people involved in volunteering as it can really make a difference for clubs.

Lauren also has personal experience in grassroots-elite sport having been involved in wheelchair basketball since she was 11 and recently getting involved on the coaching pathway. Right now, her main sporting focus is Wheelchair Rugby as she currently competes for the GB women's team and the GB Talent Squad hoping to one day represent the senior team at a Paralympics.

Published: 18th April, 2022

Updated: 18th June, 2026

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Leanne Brown

Inclusive Training Lead

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Leanne is the Inclusive Training Lead at Access Sport, responsible for leading the charity’s inclusive training and learning offer across its programmes. She provides strategic leadership for the design, delivery and growth of training that equips coaches, volunteers and community organisations with the skills and confidence to create inclusive sport environments.

Leanne has over 10 years’ equality, diversity and inclusion experience across national governing bodies. She has led national strategies and disability programmes, embedding inclusive practice and strengthening governance to improve access for communities. She has also built workforce capability through education, partnerships and her work as a tutor and assessor, enabling more inclusive delivery locally. Leanne has volunteered at major events, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Alongside this, she is an Independent EDI Board Director for Badminton Cymru, Wales providing strategic leadership and championing inclusion.

Outside of work, Leanne enjoys staying active through the gym, climbing mountains, and paddleboarding. Having grown up playing badminton competitively, she continues to have a strong passion for sport and loves exploring new places across the world.

Published: 19th April, 2022

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Lewis Dixon

Programme Leader, Cycling

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Lewis is responsible for leading our Changing Sports - cycling team delivering inclusive cycling programmes in London, Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield. We believe that every young person should have access to a bike, the skills and confidence to use it, and somewhere local, safe and exciting to enjoy riding.

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.

Published: 19th April, 2022

Updated: 2nd July, 2025

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Libby Hawkins

Delivery Manager, Cycling

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Libby brings a huge wealth of experience. With 15 years hands on experience delivering inclusive BMX and cycling opportunities across communities and supporting the growth of her local cycling clubs. With a passion for cycling and specifically BMX, Libby believes everyone should have access and gain the benefits of cycling.

Libby’s role is to deliver cycling sessions to schools and the community across Sheffield, with a key focus on engaging with disadvantaged and disabled young people and to support the activation of bike tracks and clubs across the city, including the pump track that Access Sport opened in Hillsborough.

In her spare time Libby likes to enjoy the outdoors with her little boy and family, riding, hiking and attending BMX racing competitions.

Published: 25th April, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Lois Page

Community Coordinator, Birmingham

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Lois is a Community Coordinator within the Access Sport Birmingham team. A recent graduate of Loughborough University with a BSc in Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education, she brings a strong foundation in grassroots sport and youth engagement to her role.

Before joining Access Sport, Lois completed a Sport Development Placement at the Youth Sport Trust, where she discovered her passion for using sport as a tool for personal and community development. This experience reinforced her commitment to making physical activity accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability.

Lois is a passionate advocate for youth voice and participation. She has held seats on the FA National Youth Council, the Leicestershire and Rutland CFA Council and Inclusion Advisory Board, and served as Disability Officer for her local grassroots football club. These roles have deepened her belief in creating platforms where young people can share their perspectives and drive meaningful change.

Football runs through everything Lois does — she has played at a high level, coached across a variety of settings, and contributed to numerous committees and boards within the game.

Published: 26th April, 2022

Updated: 18th June, 2026

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Marianna Lordou

Community Coordinator, London

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Marianna is a Community Coordinator within the Changing Places London team. She previously spent a year with Access Sport as a placement student and recently returned after completing her BSc in Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education at Loughborough University. Marianna supports the Changing Places London project to engage communities, strengthen partnerships and help create inclusive opportunities for disabled people across The Capital.

With a background in grassroots sport, Marianna has volunteered with a range of community clubs, mainly in football, where she gained experience in both coaching and programme planning. She has also worked with people with disabilities and mental health challenges, using sport as a tool to improve resilience, inclusion and wellbeing. These experiences have strengthened her passion for ensuring that physical activity is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. 

In her spare time, Marianna enjoys playing and watching football, reading books, volunteering at a dog shelter, and spending time with animals. 

Published: 28th April, 2022

Updated: 19th August, 2025

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Martin Smith

Active Environments Manager

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Martin is a Landscape Architect passionate about democratic places for people, nature and the environment. As a keen sportsperson, he has experienced the importance of sport for self-esteem and physical and mental health. For his Landscape Architecture Master’s degree, he focused on sporting landscapes with a major design project on Herne Hill Velodrome and a dissertation about Hackney Marshes. 

In his spare time, Martin is a keen road racing and track cyclist competing regularly at Lea Valley VeloPark in the Masters races. Away from competition Martin loves yoga and woodland walks.

Published: 1st May, 2022

Updated: 15th January, 2026

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Matt Wookey

Commercial Lead

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Matt joined Access Sport as Commercial Lead in January 2026. He is passionate about enabling as many children and young people as possible have the opportunity to participate in and experience the long-lasting benefits of sport and physical activity.

Having worked in the sport for development sector for over a decade, Matt has vast experience in working with rightsholders, including NGBs, major events, professional clubs and corporate organisations to create mutually beneficial partnerships through sport. He is keen to work with corporate organisations to create offers that deliver reciprocal benefits.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys playing sport (when his young daughter allows!), including golf, cricket and padel - as well as travelling, going to concerts and festivals and seeing friends. He is also a long-suffering Nottingham Forest fan.

Published: 2nd May, 2022

Updated: 15th January, 2026

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Mike Power

Programme Leader, Manchester

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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.

Published: 10th May, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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Mya Myles

Community Development Officer, Placement London

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Mya joins the Access Sport team as a Community Development Officer as part of her placement year. She is currently studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at Brunel University London.

Mya brings with her valuable experience from previous voluntary work as a youth leader, where she mentored and supported young people and helped deliver community events. Passionate about the power of sport, she is eager to get involved in more projects through the charity and witness first-hand the positive impact that physical activity can have on individuals, families, and the wider community.

Outside of work, Mya enjoys playing and watching netball, as well as keeping up with football. She loves spending quality time with her family and friends and exploring the outdoors and new places.

Mya is excited to gain hands-on experience, meet new people and contribute to making community sport more inclusive through her work with Access Sport.

Published: 13th May, 2022

Updated: 8th September, 2025

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Noah Tilling

Development Manager, London

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Noah is a Development Manager working across our Changing Places and Changing Sports programmes to create more disability inclusive opportunities in London.

Previously, Noah has worked in Sports Development for a local charity in his hometown of Brighton, and as a multi-sport coach for children and young people.

In his spare time, Noah likes to watch and play football and go cycling.

Published: 13th May, 2022

Updated: 12th November, 2025

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Reginald Mpawulo

Finance and Systems Officer

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Reginald has joined Access Sport as the Finance and Systems Officer and will be responsible for assisting the Finance and Fundraising teams with the administration of the accounts.

Reginald has several years’ experience working in transactional finance within the not for profit and charity sector.

In his spare time, Reg enjoys martial arts and holds a 2nd degree black belt in Jujitsu and Green belt in Judo. Reg also practices kickboxing. Reg also coaches in Jujitsu under a head coach in Tottenham.

Published: 17th May, 2022

Updated: 25th October, 2024

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Rob Hawker

Delivery Manager, Cycling

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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.

Published: 20th May, 2022

Updated: 6th March, 2025

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