Dren Youth Board Chair 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."
Ruby Youth Board Vice-Chair Expand I work as a sports development officer, children's sports coach and nanny. I have 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."
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, my disability quickly became a catalyst for my passion for inclusivity. I want to contribute to the great work that Access Sport do, ensuring that physical activity opportunities are inclusive and accessible for children, taking a stand for inclusion. "I am on the Youth Board to collaborate with like-minded young people with a passion for inclusivity."
Grace Expand Grace found her love for all things basketball when she lived in New York. Grace now lives in London and has been a huge part of our Disability Inclusion programme's Safe Haven Basketball Club, working with her mum to develop basketball for young people with learning disabilities across London. When not on the court, Grace is a member of the Middlesex Cricket Club's Disability Squad and has thoroughly enjoyed her two years with the group. "I am on the Youth Board because I was chosen to get involved with the panel and the charity's projects."
Jade Expand A volunteer and coaching assistant at Waltham Forest Athletics Club, Jade enjoys working with both children and adults with disabilities and is an exemplary ambassador for inclusion. Jade is studying Physiotherapy, and hopes to become a Physiotherapist for those with disabilities. In her spare time, Jade is a keen artist and photographer. "I'm on the youth board to be a voice for the youth."
Katherine 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."
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."
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"
Shane 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.”