Shane Youth Board Chair Expand Shane like most on the Youth Board is a sports addict! His chosen obsessions are Tennis, Football, and Surfing (which isn’t ideal if you live in London…). Shane currently works as a Participation Development Partner at the Lawn Tennis Association, having previously delivered a number of sports development projects in Tennis across North & East London. If he’s not playing sport, you can usually catch him listening to ska and folk music, cooking, or at one of East London’s Pie & Mash shops. “Sport has the power to change lives. That can be through creating healthy habits, fostering feelings of belonging, or even just the joys of movement. Sadly, not all access and opportunities into sport and activity is equal. I joined the Youth Board to utilise my professional and personal experience to support developing and embedding opportunities to be active into the lives of young people, regardless of their background, ability, or experience. I want to collectively learn from and amplify the voices of those who have had challenging experiences with physical activity, and collaboratively with the Youth Board contribute to systemic changes that ensure a just access to a variety of sport.”
Katherine Youth Board Vice Chair Expand Katherine is based in Manchester and works as a sports consultant for a professional services firm. She took up rowing at university and now trains and competes at a local club. "I am on the Youth Board because I am passionate about the benefits of community sport and believe it should be easily accessible to all, regardless of background or ability."
Dren Expand Dren is currently studying a masters in Sports Management and is very keen on sports development and the equal chance for all to participate. He has played football at semi-professional level and for his university team and also enjoys tennis and swimming in his spare time. "I am on the Youth Board so I can firstly be representative and channel a voice for those who may not have equal opportunities in sports. Being part of this group also gives me the chance to contribute and be part of the brilliant work that Access Sport does whilst additionally developing various skills such as my communication, team working and also leadership qualities."
Gemma Expand After sustaining an injury turned lifelong physical disability, and experiencing first-hand the challenges of navigating a world that is not always designed with accessibility in mind, Gemma's disability quickly became a catalyst for her passion for inclusivity. Following that passion she joined the Access Sport Youth Board to help ensure that physical activity opportunities are inclusive and accessible for all children, and take a stand for inclusion. "I am on the Youth Board to collaborate with like-minded young people with a passion for inclusivity."
Mollie Expand Mollie is currently studying Sports Coaching at the University of Worcester. Mollie has played sports her whole life and loves to throw herself into new experiences. Although Mollie spent years competing in handball, her passion is powerchair football. "I hope to introduce others to new sports and watch them discover their passions."
Rhys Expand Rhys is an LTA Level 1 tennis coach and assists with the coaching of various groups of children up to 4 times every week in and around Bristol. He also helps out at an Ability Tennis group affiliated with Access Sport which is run during the summer and autumn months. Rhys regularly competes in Learning Disability tennis tournaments throughout England and Wales and took part in the GB Special Olympics in Sheffield in 2017. "I am on the Youth Board because I enjoy playing tennis and helping others to learn to play."
Ruby Expand Ruby works as a sports development officer, children's sports coach and nanny. She has a passion for sport and fitness with key interests in yoga and kickboxing. Ruby is now studying Sport, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Birmingham. "I am on the youth board so that I can contribute to creating equality within sports. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people."
Sami Expand Sami is currently the co-chair of the iwill movement, a trustee for Young Roots and Intergenerational England and a secondary school governor from Manchester. He is an asylum seeker, who has integrated running within his life to help him cope with his mental health conditions; running the London Marathon in 2023. "I am on the youth board to help break the barriers faced by underprivileged groups around sport. When I was younger, sport seemed something so far off from something I could do, or even enjoy, yet physical literacy and running are what helped me cope during the hardest moments of my life. I want to show that sport is for everyone and its benefits don't discriminate"
Zoe Expand Zoe graduated from Loughborough University with a Mathematics and Sport Science degree, alongside completing a placement year with an active partnership. She now works as a sports consultant in a professional services firm. ‘I am on the youth board because I believe community sport should be available for everyone to participate in’