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  1. About Us
  2. The Team
  3. 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 Bristol, Manchester, and Oxford.

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

Sue Wheeler

Director of Administration

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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: 4th June, 2016

Updated: 9th July, 2022

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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: 17th July, 2022

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Hayley Barton

Delivery Director

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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).

Published: 1st February, 2021

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Joe McTague

Delivery Director

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Joe is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Delivery Director responsible for Access Sport’s Changing Places Manchester, Sheffield and Oxfordshire work, and also its Changing Sports cycling work.

Joe has been with Access Sport since 2011, delivering programmes to increase access to sport in the nation’s most underserved communities, including the delivery of free-to-use community cycling facilities in the most deprived areas of London, Bristol, Sheffield and Manchester.

In his spare time Joe loves spending time with his young family, playing squash and is a member of an outdoor adventure group which attempts self-organised mountain climbs, long-distance hikes, and bike tours in the UK and abroad.

Published: 1st March, 2021

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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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: 17th July, 2022

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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 May, 2021

Updated: 21st July, 2022

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Adam Bone

Changing Sports Manager

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Adam is our Changing Sports Project Manager, working directly with community sports clubs and national governing bodies to develop and deliver programmes which provide greater opportunities for disabled children and young people to access and enjoy sport and physical activity.

Adam joined Access Sport in 2020 after a number of years in the world of sponsorships and partnerships as he truly believes that all sports, and society as a whole, can and should be fully inclusive, and he is committed to partnering with as many likeminded people and organisations as possible in order to achieve that ambition together.

Adam is a member and co-owner of a proudly anti-fascist non-league football club with big dreams and strong roots in East London, and plays pick-up basketball and five-a-side football with a bit of yoga thrown in to counteract any injuries and his rapidly diminishing flexibility.

Published: 1st January, 2022

Updated: 26th July, 2022

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Amy De Broise

Corporate Fundraising and Communications Manager

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In her role as Fundraising and Communications 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 July, 2022

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Andy James

National Network Manager, Cycling

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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.

Published: 1st February, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Chris Hall

Development Manager, Manchester

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Chris joined Access Sport as a Development Manager for Manchester in June 2022. He is responsible for creating accessible and sustainable pathways into regular sports participation for a wide variety of participants in the Greater Manchester area. 

Upon graduating with a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Development from Manchester Metropolitan University, Chris began his sports development career as part of the National Football League’s Community department  playing an important role in the development of similar pathways into American Football nationwide.

In his spare time, Chris is passionate about American Football, Soccer and hiking with friends and family.

Published: 10th February, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Farran Afflick-Straker

BMX Coach, Cycling

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As the Coach & Development Officer for Access Sport’s Making Trax Cycling Programme (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme) Farran is responsible for delivering quality, structured and progressive outreach coaching sessions at Access Sport’s London partner clubs, supporting the development of other Access Sport coaches and working with the team to support and develop community clubs, competitions and events.

Coming from a BMX racing background he has previously competed in national and European races in the amateur ranks. Farran was also part of the British Cycling Talent Team alongside Tre Whyte and Kyle Evans, and brings with him this level of competitive coaching to his current students.

For him, the best part of his job is seeing the degree of improvement and progression in his students and how this is reflected in them off as well as on the track.

In his spare time, Farran enjoys BMXing, go-karting and watching football.

Published: 20th February, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Georgia O’Sullivan

Community Coordinator, Bristol

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Georgia is a Community Co-ordinator for Access Sport’s cycling inclusion work in Bristol, working with community clubs and organisations to develop inclusion for minority groups within cycling.

After graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a BSc in Sport and Physical Education and developing a particular interest in inclusion, Georgia decided to pursue a career in Sports Development with the aim of providing young people with the opportunities to participate and receive the benefits that sport and physical activity can bring, despite any disadvantage they may face. She is also part of the EDI Working Group, here at Access Sport.

In her free time, Georgia enjoys watching and playing tennis, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Published: 1st March, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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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: 17th July, 2022

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Haylie Francis

Community Coordinator, London

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Haylie is the Community Coordinator for our Disability Inclusion Programme in London, working with community sports clubs and organisations to provide more inclusive opportunities for deaf and disabled children and young people. Haylie also supports our Wingz Cycling work, helping to provide inclusive opportunities in cycling.

Haylie has a passion for sport and encouraging young people to be active. She graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport Physiology. During this time Haylie was also part of the England Athletics Youth Panel, where she supported the new ways in which young people in the UK could become involved in Athletics. Previously, Haylie has worked in a Special Educational Needs school supporting the teaching of Physical education to children with moderate learning disabilities. Haylie has also coached Athletics for over 7 years.

In her spare time Haylie enjoys coaching, playing Lacrosse, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Published: 30th March, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Julia Wright

Philanthropy Advisor, Manchester

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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: 1st April, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Julian Barrell

Fundraising Manager - Video Games Partnerships

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Julian has over twenty years experience of fundraising in a career that includes seven years as Director of Fundraising at The Prince's Trust. 

Julian worked for Access Sport from 2016-2022 in a variety of leadership roles including Fundraising Director and Deputy Chief Executive. Currently he is leading our growing partnership with the UK's video games community on a part-time basis while spending some time with his family.

Published: 10th April, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Lizzie Edgecombe

Project Manager, Bristol

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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.

Published: 20th April, 2022

Updated: 21st July, 2022

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Lucy Fisher

National Development Manager, Cycling

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Lucy is the National Development Manager for Access Sport’s Changing Sports cycling inclusion work.

Lucy has been with Access Sport for 4 and half years, following on from graduating with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and experience working with the Welsh Rugby Union. Within Access Sport, Lucy leads on the activation of the new community cycling facilities that have been built in London, Bristol, Greater Manchester and Sheffield reaching some of the most underserved communities, helping to make cycling much more accessible. Lucy also volunteers with Bristol Flyerz hockey.

In her spare time, Lucy loves spend most of her time in the outdoors whether that is hiking, climbing, cycling or playing hockey.

Published: 30th April, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Melina Irawo

Community Outreach Coordinator, Cycling

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Melina Irawo is an Outreach Coordinator for Access Sport's Changing Sports cycling work. Melina previously worked for Access Sport as placement student and is re-joining having recently graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Sports Science and Physiology (BSc). She has previous experience volunteer coaching a variety of sports and was most recently on the student engagement team for the University of Leeds.

In her spare time Melina enjoys baking and currently competes for Great Britain as part of the Junior Powerlifting Team.

Published: 1st May, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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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 provide upskilling opportunities for disengaged young people.

Mike’ 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: 17th July, 2022

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Rob Hawker

Cycling Lead, Manchester

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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: 17th July, 2022

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Sophie Epsley

Development Manager, London

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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.

Published: 30th May, 2022

Updated: 19th July, 2022

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Tess Cinamon-Duffield

Programme Leader, Cycling

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Tess is the Programme Leader for Access Sport’s Changing Sports cycling inclusion work and is also a member of the charity’s Operational Leadership Team. Tess’s role has a national remit, overseeing our cycling inclusion work across some of country’s the most underserved communities.

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 family, cycling and going to the park, although her favourite activity is reserved for the winter as she is an avid skier.

Published: 1st June, 2022

Updated: 17th July, 2022

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Back to top

Showing 10 of 23

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Tag cloud

Bristol community disabiity sport disability Disability Inclusion event festival Fundraise Health and Wellbeing inclusion inclusive sport multi-sport
Multi-Sport, Health & Wellbeing Festival 2019

Multi-Sport, Health & Wellbeing Festival 2019

Read about our big community event in Bristol on the 8th August 2019. Read more

Published: 29th August, 2019

Updated: 17th March, 2022

Author: Lizzie Edgecombe

Inclusive Home Activities

Inclusive Home Activities

We have compiled a list of activities and resources that we think you’ll enjoy and will suit all abilities. Read more

Published: 30th March, 2020

Updated: 24th September, 2020

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Latest tweet

  • We're recruiting! We are currently hiring for two key roles - a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and a Developmen… https://t.co/E1y6rCvflQ

    18thAugust, 2022 @AccessSport
  • RT @DynamicCoachUK: The young people who attend our @LBofBromley HAF camp had a great time cycling around the Hoblingwell pump track th… https://t.co/Fcyiia6TYx

    16thAugust, 2022 @AccessSport
  • Join our team! We are currently looking for new Social Impact Cycling Coaches to deliver inclusive cycling sessions… https://t.co/RxwqmaKzcM

    15thAugust, 2022 @AccessSport

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