Mark Hardie CEO Expand Having become hooked firstly as an Access Sport volunteer, Mark subsequently joined the charity in 2008 as a Project Leader and has been CEO since 2010. Previously Mark worked for 15 years as a lawyer specialising in advocacy, crime and human rights. Over the last seven years has led the charity through a period of sustained growth during which time Access Sport has won a wide range of awards for excellence in delivery, including the BT Sports Industry Award for Best Community Sport Project nationally. He is passionate about harnessing the power of sport as a force for good. Mark has a BA from Oxford University in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, an MA in International Sports Law from Anglia Ruskin University and has represented his native Scotland in athletics
Julian Barrell Deputy CEO Expand Julian Barrell is an experienced charity fundraising leader, with nearly twenty years experience of leading non-profit making organisations to grow income, particularly in the youth sector. His experience includes fifteen years working for The Prince’s Trust, where he established and built the organisation’s pioneering ‘Leadership Groups’ initiative, before spending six years as Director of Fundraising, during which time income grew from £38m to £61m. Entering the world of non-profit fundraising in 1997 Julian started at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution where he ran a successful training appeal. Other organisations he has worked for more recently include Age UK and Young Enterprise. He is also currently a Trustee of the Youth United Foundation. Julian is passionate about growing relationships to ensure that more and more resources can be passed from those who have them to those who do not.
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 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 and going to the RWC in 1995 with the England squad (shame!) Sue has worked at Access Sport for 10 years – joining Charlie Beauchamp (founder) in 2006, having previously worked together at Sports Marketing agency MH&P. Her role at AS are the finances, assisted by the Treasurer of Trustees, and overseeing the day to day running of the charity. In her spare time she enjoys playing golf (on a course with no bunkers!), keeping fit and being with family and friends.
Joe McTague Delivery Director, Making Trax Cycling Expand Joe is the Delivery Director for Access Sport’s Making Trax Cycling Programme (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme), working to create a vibrant youth cycling scene in London. Joe’s role involves overseeing the day-to-day running of the programme, ensuring it is realising its aims on time and on budget. Joe also collates the reports and works alongside our CEO to help build relationships with key partners and enhance the case for further investment. In his spare time Joe enjoys playing squash and visiting the pub with family and friends.
Hayley Barton Delivery Director, Disability Inclusion Expand Hayley is the Delivery Director for Access Sport's Disability Inclusion Programme. Our Changing Places project aims to improve health and wellbeing for disabled children and young people living in disadvantaged areas of London and Bristol. Our two Changing Sports projects, Flyerz Hockey and Wingz Cycling, are working towards making two major sports inclusive to disabled children and young people across the UK. In 2013 Hayley completed a PhD in Sport Psychology and also supported several physical activity and childhood obesity research projects. Hayley is dedicated to using her previous research experience to ensure the collection of high quality data that provides insight into getting more disabled and disadvantaged young people active in sport and physical activity. In her spare time, Hayley plays football for Leyton Orient and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Amy De Broise Corporate Partnerships Expand Amy has a background in law 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 fundraising and she joined the fundraising team at The Prince’s Trust in 2011. As a Corporate Partnerships specialist Amy has spent 6 years helping companies deliver ambitious CSR strategies. She is passionate about helping corporates meet their business objectives whilst also having a positive impact in the community, and has seen many successful partnerships where the latter leads to the former! At Access Sport, Amy enjoys building mutually-beneficial partnerships with our dedicated corporate supporters. In her spare time, Amy can be found surfing in Cornwall or researching ideas for holidays!
Julia Wright Philanthropy Advisor, Manchester Expand Julia has more than 17 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.
Andy James National Network Manager, Making Trax Cycling Expand As National Network Manager for the Making Trax programme, Andy is bringing together a community of bike clubs that offer a great experience to anyone - regardless of their age, race, gender, disability or social background. The Network provides support for member clubs to become more successful, sustainable, inclusive and influential. Andy has a degree in Landscape Architecture and remains passionate about the role good design plays in shaping people’s behaviour. During his career to date, Andy has worked for public and private sector organisations that share his passion for community sport and placemaking. 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 playing cricket and runs a nomadic team called the Old Grumblers
Tess Cinamon-Duffield Programme Leader, Making Trax Cycling Expand As the Programme Leader for Making Trax Cycling (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme), Tess has an overview of the day to day delivery of the Programme in London whilst supporting the strategic development of the programme overall. She first started working in the sports industry at LOCOG during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics before going onto work in disability development. Tess loves skiing, but has recently become a regular down at the BMX track during the summer months.
Aisha Lawal Club Inclusion Manager Expand Aisha is Access Sport’s Club Inclusion Manager based in London. She is responsible for supporting the development of community bike clubs in their quest to become more inclusive to women, girls, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and deaf and disabled young people. Aisha has always had a passion for sport and after completing her undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, she went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Sport Psychology. Aisha is also a former high performance swimming coach and instructor with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. In her spare time Aisha enjoys keeping fit and attending theatre productions.
Sarah Toone Delivery and Development Manager, Making Trax Cycling Expand Sarah is the Making Trax Cycling (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme) Delivery and Development Manager. Her focus is developing, delivering and refining varying BMX coaching approaches to engage an ever widening spectrum of participants. This includes creating BMX Clever, a values based approach, for those at risk from leaving mainstream education as well as attending Pupil Referral Units and founding BMXercise, our fitness and fun based program aimed at women. Her role also includes recruiting and supporting BMX coaches. A fully qualified BMX Level 2 British Cycling Coach, National Standards Instructor (NSI) (safe cycling) and Psychodynamic Counsellor, she’s worked as a NSI for two London Boroughs delivering Bikeability Levels 1, 2 and 3, and set up the commercial aspect of Royal Borough Greenwich’s BMX Services. Volunteering since she was 18, Sarah’s background has always been in the charity sector but previous roles include Vice Chair and Treasurer, voluntary bereavement councillor and fundraising manager for a variety of charities. She has also focused on behaviour management with children, working in a school to help pre-empt disruptive behaviour and running an after school club. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her sons and being active - Cycling, BMX, Climbing, Yoga and she loves singing too!
Steph Walters Project Delivery Manager, Making Trax Cycling Expand Steph is the Project Delivery Manager for Making Trax Cycling (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme). Her role oversees the administration of the project and working closely with the coaches to constantly develop and improve the delivery of the sessions. Having a previous coaching background in Netball and Trampolining and studying a BSc Coaching & Physical Education degree, she is passionate about the engagement of young people in sport and developing sports coaching into an athlete centred approach. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching Harry Potter and SHOPPING.
Farran Afflick-Straker Go-Ride BMX Coach, London Expand 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.
Kate Page Development Manager, Disability Inclusion Expand Kate is the Development Manager for the Disability Inclusion programme, aiming to improve the provision of sports for disabled young people across London. She works with community clubs to open their doors and offer inclusive sport. Kate completed her placement year with Access Sport in 2015/16 and has returned to the charity after graduating from Brunel University with a first in BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences. She has a keen interest for how sport can improve the lives of people with disabilities, with her research dissertation on how sports psychology can improve the wellbeing of amputees. In her spare time, Kate enjoys playing rugby, power lifting and walking her cocker spaniel, Rufus.
Lucy Fisher Development Manager, Making Trax Cycling Bristol Expand Lucy is Access Sport’s Development Manager for Making Trax Cycling (formerly the BMX Legacy Programme) in Bristol, developing new BMX tracks and clubs, as well as targeting and engaging young people from the most disadvantaged areas of the city. After graduating with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Bath, and gaining experience working in a variety of sports including rugby, she decided to pursue a career in sports development with the aim to give more young people opportunities to engage in and experience new sports. Alongside her development role she is also Chair of the Mayor’s Participation Group in Bristol, which aims to increase participation of sport and physical activity in the city through key organisations working together. Lucy enjoys spending most of her free time playing sports, particularly hockey and hanging out with family and friends.
Lizzie Edgecombe Development Manager, Disability Inclusion (Ignite Bristol) Expand Lizzie is the Development Manager for our Disability Inclusion project in Bristol, aiming to improve the provision of sports and physical activity for disabled children and young people. She works with community organisations in Bristol to open their doors and offer inclusive sport.After graduating from Loughborough University with a first in BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, she spent 2 years working in New Zealand for the largest regional disability sports organisation, Parafed Auckland. Passionate about the impact sport can have on people’s lives, she is excited to help develop Bristol as a ‘Beacon City’ for inclusive sport.Lizzie enjoys spending her free time out exploring the outdoors and making the most of Bristol’s big climbing scene!
Hayley Sanders Development Manager, Oxford Expand Hayley is the Development Manager for the Oxford High Sheriff Project. The programme aims to tackle social exclusion by working with community sports clubs to provide opportunities for young people. Hayley joined Access Sport having previously worked as an Event Manager for British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and working to develop the London University Sport Leagues. In her spare time she enjoys playing for her local netball club, going to gigs and Sunday roast dinners Hayley is currently on maternity leave. If you would like to speak to someone about our work in Oxford please contact Tim Masih.
Mike Power Development Manager, Manchester Expand Mike is the Development Manager for the High Sheriff Challenge in Manchester. His previous roles include a Community Sports Development Manager focusing on inclusion, A School Games Organiser and Behaviour Mentor. Mike has previously delivered Sports Leaders UK courses and has a good knowledge of their different awards, qualifications and the content of delivery. Mike has also worked with PRUs, with youth offenders and those at risk of social exclusion on alternative curriculum programmes. In addition he is a Level 3 Hockey Coach, coaching a ladies team in the Investec Ladies North Conference National League and coaching at various levels within England Hockey’s Single System Pathway. In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing and watching lots of sports but his favourite thing is spending time with his little boy Alfie, who was 5 in February 2018, exploring the woodlands and going on little adventures.
Sophie Conway Volunteer Inclusion Manager Expand Sophie is the Volunteer Inclusion Manager for our Team100 Project in London and Bristol, empowering local volunteers to get their communities active. She works with community organisations and sports clubs with the Team100 Activators. Sophie recently graduated from Birkbeck College with a MSc in Management and Sports Management. She previously worked for a school sports provider, coaching and managing young people and has been volunteering with different charities, encouraging young people to get active. In her spare time, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family and fiancé and cooking.
Ellie Griffith-Erysthee Community Development Officer, London Expand Ellie is a placement student from Brunel University London where she is currently studying Physical Education and Youth Sport. Her role at Access Sport is Community Development Officer for the London office. She has always enjoyed sport, whether it be swimming or dancing, but her first love is netball. When Ellie’s not on court, she’s out with friends or watching Disney+!
Melina Irawo Community Development Officer, London Expand Melina Irawo is one of the Community Development Officers for Access Sport London and is currently studying Sports Science and Physiology at the University of Leeds. She has previous experience volunteer coaching sports ranging from netball to athletics and last year was Development Secretary for her University rugby team. In her spare time she enjoys playing rugby and powerlifting as well as baking (mostly banana bread) and knitting.
Joe Hawkins Community Development Officer, Bristol Expand Joe is the Community Development Officer within Access Sport’s Bristol team. He is a placement student from the University of Bath where he is studying Sport and Social Sciences. He has previous volunteer experience in a variety of roles including mentoring and coaching at Bristol City Robins Foundation and Women’s team. Joe is a big music fan and spends most of his spare time listening to music either at home or at live events. He loves spending time with friends and family, and enjoys going to Bristol City matches with his dad and brother.