Matthew Dawson Expand Matthew is an IT Director and a father of two young children. In his spare time he is an endurance athlete and has supported Access Sport since 2013 when he first raised money completing his English Channel solo swim. Matthew truly believes that sport can change lives and that it should be a basic right for everyone from all backgrounds. The work Access Sport does to provide the opportunity to get disadvantaged children active and involved in sport, as well as working with local communities to build sustainable clubs is exactly what is needed to help combat many of the social problems of today. Matthew Dawson, LinkedIn
Mike Diaper Expand Mike is the Group Funding and Impact Director at London Marathon Foundation. The Foundation is one of the UK’s major funders of projects and initiatives that inspire children and adults across the UK to lead active and healthy lives. He also spent nearly 16 years at Sport England and was responsible for the creation and leadership of the children and young people, community sport and tackling inactivity policy portfolios. He commissioned and championed the Active Partnerships network which help people get active at a local level, repositioning them at the heart of grassroots sport and activity. Mike is a passionate advocate for Access Sport and wants to use his Board position to help the charity fulfil its Growth Strategy. Mike Diaper, LinkedIn
Nevin Truesdale Expand Nevin is a commercially and values driven leader with a proven track record of driving business transformation and financial growth in the sports and leisure events sectors. As Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Executive Officer of The Jockey Club, which runs major horse racing events such as the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National and Epsom Derby, he has been a senior leader in one of the country's highest profile sports, managing in complex stakeholder environments. Under his tenure as Chief Executive Officer from 2020-2024, The Jockey Club greatly enhanced its inclusion agenda, with initiatives to drive access for children and young adults from backgrounds who would not normally have access to the sport of horseracing. This was delivered through multiple partnerships with initiatives such as Racing Media Academy, Invades, The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Riding a Dream Academy and Park Palace Ponies. This inspired Nevin to become passionate about making all sport more accessible in leveraging it as a force for societal change but also in seeking talent to be developed that would otherwise go untapped. Nevin has a key strength in building strong, high-performing teams across all levels, ensuring alignment and collaboration and he seeks to bring this to Access Sport, along with his finance, commercial and strategy skills in helping build fundraising initiatives and ensuring Access Sport remains financially sustainable. Nevin is also a Non-Executive Director for Sports United Against Dementia, where he also contributes to governance, advocacy, and fundraising. Nevin Truesdale, LinkedIn
Paul Jackson Expand Paul is the father of a daughter aged 14 and boy-girl twins aged ten. His son was born with a rare genetic condition, which means that he is a wheelchair user, non-verbal, JEJ fed and has complex epilepsy. Paul has a PhD in High Energy Physics and has used the skills he developed exploring why the universe has more matter than antimatter to help clients in sectors as diverse as Sport, Energy, Credit Risk, and Litigation Finance. Most of Paul's career has been working in professional sports analytics, helping clubs with player recruitment, and he also helped to develop part of the Premier League's Elite Player Performance Plan. Paul grew up in Lewisham and still regularly visits the area so he has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by the communities Access Sport works with. Combined with his experiences as a father of a severely disabled son, he appreciates that the simple things that the majority take for granted, like access to the benefits of participation in sports, can have barriers that simply should not exist. He's thrilled to help Access Sport remove the causes of those barriers. Paul Jackson, Linkedin
Rory Price Expand Rory is a member of England Rugby’s Executive Team, overseeing Strategy, Data & Insights and Transformation. He joined the business in 2016 and has led a number of England Rugby’s most significant transformation programmes across commercial, professional and participation. He is a Chartered Accountant and prior to his current role, was Strategy Consultant at EY, working across a range of sectors. Rory is passionate about the transformative power of sport on lives and local communities and aims to dedicate his career to fostering inclusion and positive social change through sports-focused organisations. Rory is an avid runner and has played rugby union and football throughout his life, having only recently retired from competitive club rugby. “It has been a brilliant experience serving as a Trustee of Access Sport, working alongside a dedicated leadership team and committee of trustees. Seeing firsthand the charity’s incredible impact on young lives has been truly inspiring, and I’m proud to have played a part in its mission to create opportunities for all” Rory Price, LinkedIn
Sarah Mortiboys Access Sport Senior Independent Director Expand Sarah is CEO of Bristol Sport Foundation. She was previously Head of Programme Development for Premiership Rugby and Managing Director of Dallaglio RugbyWorks. She is a specialist in organisational transformation and strategy development across sport for development and education and is passionate about creating positive change for young people through sport. "The opportunity to be a trustee for Access Sport is a huge privilege. I am afforded to work alongside talented colleagues who truly want to ensure that sport and physical activity is accessible to all children and young people. Our work together is both rewarding and making a difference." Sarah Mortiboys, LinkedIn
Sky Expand Sky is one of Access Sport's BMX coaches, and has shown a true desire and talent to coach others. Sky is also an Olympic Weightlifting competitor on the Jamaican National Squad. "I am on the Youth Board for personal growth and to be more involved with Access Sport."
Nick Stopard Chair Expand Nick is Co-Founder of an independent Bristol property company and lifestyle brand. Through his day-to-day job, Nick’s business do a lot of work with Bristol communities within art, design and creativity, but being a keen sportsman, Nick was keen to get involved with Access Sport in January 2024. Nick’s passionate about lots of sports, especially cricket, football and rugby, but is also keen runner. He is keen to welcome new members to the steering group and is determined for the steering group to continue its valuable assistance to the work of Access Sport, in bringing good quality sport opportunities to those children in Bristol who may not have otherwise had it. Nick Stopard, LinkedIn
Rob Hingston Vice Chair Expand Rob is Head of Origin Workspace in Bristol, where he leads a vibrant co-working and business community focused on collaboration, wellbeing, and purpose-led growth. With a career spanning senior roles in HR and operations across the health, fitness, and property sectors, Rob brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Access Sport Bristol Steering Group. A keen sportsman and qualified athletics coach in his spare time, Rob joined the group because of his passion for inclusive community development and a belief in the power of sport to transform young lives. Rob Hingston, LinkedIn
Ben Jones Chair Expand Since September 2025, Ben has been the Chair of the Greater Manchester Steering Group, having joined the group in 2023. He is a director at Key Capital Partners. He has been involved in corporate finance for over 15 years, building a strong track record across the private equity and investment banking landscape nationally. As Chair of the Steering Group, Ben leads the small but highly influential network of business and education leaders, providing Access Sport with invaluable support, helping us expand our networks, raise funds, and amplify our profile in Greater Manchester. Outside of work, Ben is a keen golfer, a retired below-average footballer and has recently jumped on the Padel bandwagon. He is married with a young daughter. Ben Jones, LinkedIn
Andy Phillips Expand Andy is a partner at one of the biggest law firms in the world, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and investment work, working with businesses in the North West, the UK and further afield. As a sports obsessive, Andy has played various sports such over the years and in particular hockey and golf, all to a decent standard but has always been a jack of all trades and a master of none…. It is this passion for sport that attracted Andy to Access Sport and to the opportunity to make a difference to young people and give them a chance to participate in sport, when they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. "Sport has given me so much, I think this it's really important for everyone to get the opportunity to get the same of out of it as I have". Andy Phillips, LinkedIn
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."
John Baker Expand John is a retired lawyer and one of Access Sport Bristol’s longest-standing Board members. He has supported the charity for many years, offering invaluable legal insight and strategic guidance as Access Sport has expanded its work across the city. John's long-standing commitment to social impact and his deep connection to Bristol have made him a key figure in the charity’s local development. Passionate about creating equal opportunities for all young people, he continues to champion Access Sport’s mission to make sport more inclusive and accessible to those who need it most. John Baker, Linkedin
George Bullivant Expand George is a Corporate Finance Advisor specialising in technology-focused M&A at Clearwater with ten years of experience working with entrepreneurs and private equity-backed businesses. He is a Chartered Accountant and before his current role, was an M&A advisor at EY, working across a range of sectors. George is passionate about inclusivity and has observed the transformation that sport can bring to the lives of young people particularly those living with a disability or from a disadvantaged background. He has been involved with Access Sport since 2022 and currently sits on the regional steering committee. George Bullivant, LinkedIn
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 Cleary Youth Advocate Expand Katherine is an Assistant Manager within Deloitte Sports Business Group, where she specializes in sport regulation and governance. She recently completed her CIMA qualification. Prior to joining the Manchester Steering Group, Katherine spent three years as part of Access Sport’s National Youth Board, including two years as Vice-Chair. Outside of work, Katherine is an ambassador for Slow Run Club, an inclusive running club based in Manchester. Katherine Cleary, LinkedIn
Mitch Spencer Expand Mitch is a Lecturer in Foundation Learning (NEET & Re-engagement) at Weston College, where he specialises in supporting young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). With a focus on re-engagement and providing tailored learning opportunities, Mitch is passionate about helping students overcome barriers to education and build the skills needed for future success. Outside of his teaching role, Mitch is also a semi-professional rugby player for Clifton Rugby Club, where his passion for sport and teamwork extends to the field. He joined the Access Sport Bristol Steering Group because of his commitment to making sport accessible to all young people. Mitch is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where young people can develop their confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills through sport. Mitch Spencer, LinkedIn
Jessica Miles Expand Jessica is Head at Badminton School in Bristol, where she leads a prestigious independent school known for its academic excellence and strong commitment to student development. With a solid background in education and leadership, Jessica is passionate about providing a well-rounded education that empowers students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally. She joined the Access Sport Bristol Steering Group because she believes in the power of sport to positively impact young people's lives. Jessica is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all children, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and resilience through sport. Jessica Miles, LinkedIn
Dr Lorraine Bedwell Expand Lorraine is a Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University's Business School, specialising in sports business management. She holds a PhD from the same university. She is an interdisciplinary researcher, encompassing business management, sports management, and cultural studies. Her expertise centres on organisational culture, performance, and change, with a particular focus on how organisational culture influences talent development and fosters a sense of belonging within organisations. With over 15 years of commercial experience, Lorraine played a key role in developing a successful recruitment business. As a Senior Executive, she was instrumental in driving business growth, designing recruitment strategies, and advancing talent development initiatives. A passionate advocate for the transformative impact of sport, Lorraine is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in sports and helping children realise their full potential. Lorraine Bedwell, LinkedIn
Libby Expand Libby is studying PE, History and Maths at A Level. With a keen interest in sports history, she’s also researching Victorian attitudes to women’s sport for her EPQ. Libby competes in trampolining and works part time as a Level 1 qualified coach. She also plays league cricket, volunteers for a disability cricket programme and is a ballet dancer. She joined the London Youth Voice Group to help other young people experience sport and get the same amount of enjoyment out of it as she does.
Paul Lee Expand Paul Lee was born, and still lives, in Didsbury. He was educated at Manchester Central Grammar School and Clare College Cambridge where he read Law. He was the Senior Partner of Addleshaw Goddard LLP, a leading UK and international law firm. He joined the then Addleshaw Sons & Latham in 1970, became Managing Partner in 1991 and Senior Partner in 1997. He retired from the practice in 2013. Paul is actively involved in the Arts, education and business. He has been Chairman of Opera North since 2014 and was for seventeen years Chairman of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. He has also served on the Board of Northern Ballet Theatre. He is Chairman of the Feoffees of Chetham’s School of Music and was for many years Chairman of the School Committee (Governing Body) of Chetham’s. He was a member of the Board of Governors of The University of Manchester for nine years and has also served on the Board of the Royal Northern College of Music. In his business life, Paul was Chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for more than ten years and was also a member of the CBI Board, Chairman of the CBI North West and Chairman of the North West Business Leadership Team. In January 2024, he was appointed a director of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited. He served as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in 2014-15 and selected Access Sport as his main charitable focus that year. Since that time become more closely involved, as a supporter, Trustee and the first chairman of the steering group. Paul is married to Elisabeth, a former solicitor, and they have three adult children, Jonathan, Antonia and William. His interests include horseracing, the Arts, travel - France in particular – and fine wine.
Rachel Brunt Expand Rachel Brunt is the Chief Financial Officer at Bruntwood, a leading UK property group that specialises in workspace, retail and placemaking. With a strong financial acumen and a strategic mindset, she plays a central role in guiding Bruntwood’s growth and sustainability initiatives. A Chartered Accountant by training, Rachel began her professional journey at Deloitte, where she worked for over four years while qualifying.Her passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) extends beyond her corporate role. Rachel cares deeply about ensuring everyone, regardless of background, has access to opportunity, which is why she supports Access Sport whose mission of removing barriers in sport aligns closely with Rachel’s belief in equality for all and her desire to foster more inclusive, thriving communities.Outside of work, Rachel is married with a young daughter, and many of her weekends are spent ferrying her to organised clubs and activities, living her values of inclusion and opportunity in both business and family life.Rachel Brunt, LinkedIn
Yasin Expand Yasin is a UEFA C qualified football coach from East London with a passion for coaching and empowering young people through sport. Yaisn coaches football but also plays padel and does martial arts. Sports have played a crucial role in his personal growth, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Yasin joined the London Youth Voice Group to inspire young people and showcase the many pathways into sports—whether for social engagement, personal development, or even as a career."My goal is to help others see that sports can be more than just a hobby; it can shape lives, open doors, and create lasting opportunities. Through coaching, I am committed to guiding and mentoring the next generation, ensuring they unlock their full potential through the power of sports."
Roger Opie MBE DL Expand Roger Opie MBE DL is the former High Sheriff of the County & City of Bristol (2018-19) and currently serves as Deputy Lord Lieutenant. A respected figure in public service and community leadership, Roger has been recognised for his contributions with the MBE. With a deep commitment to civic engagement and local initiatives, Roger joined the Access Sport Bristol Steering Group in 2016. His wealth of experience in leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to creating equal opportunities for young people make him a valuable asset in helping Access Sport deliver inclusive sport opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive. Roger Opie, LinkedIn
Ava Expand "For a long time, I didn’t think sport was for me, especially as a wheelchair user. I’d seen para-sports before, but had never had the chance to take part. That changed when I discovered wheelchair basketball sessions near me - and since then I’ve explored a range of adaptive sports and now hope to try wheelchair dancing and adapted climbing."Ava is passionate about contributing to the development of more diverse and inclusive sports projects. As well as joining the Access Sport Youth Board she is also working with her university to help create more accessible offers so that others can benefit from the same opportunities that she's had.
Emily Expand Emily is deaf and loves taking part in sport, particularly basketball due to her height. Her dream future job is a basketball coach as she is passionate about helping people and enjoys working out.“I want to help people and make them understand that disability does not mean you can't do anything.”
Why does the tool only collect basic data for gender, disability and ethnicity? Expand We want the tool to be as easy as possible to use. By using simple data reporting, we ensure that everyone reports the same basic demographics. We do have plans to expand this data collection.
Can you save the form and return to it later? Expand Unfortunately, we don’t have this functionality. The form is a quick and easy task to respond to in a maximum 10 mins. If you don’t have the exact data an estimate is fine to be able to understand top-line trends across the network.
How will we be able to access this data? Expand The data is shared back to clubs as a data visualisation which will allow you to look at the data for your club over time. You can also compare your data to local census data to help you understand your participants against the context for your wider local community. Clubs can view their own data against the wider network.
Why should clubs collect this data? Expand Collecting this data will help clubs to target outreach activities. As well as support applications for funding, share with your management committee, and report to other key stakeholders.
What’s the benefit for clubs sharing this data with Access Sport? Expand Access Sport will use this information to get a better understanding of club's progress and requirements to help target its support for the network. This information will also help Access Sport to demonstrate its impact and attract funding to support its network.
I’m concerned about data protection and GDPR requirements for sharing this data with Access Sport Expand We have intentionally designed the inclusion audit tool, so it does not collect information on individual participants. We are requesting headcount data at a group session level. The online form also contains a consent question (in line with Access Sport’s GDPR policy) to ensure we are meeting best practice for data protection and storage.
How often do we need to submit data? Expand We ask clubs to submit data by completing the form each quarter which is four times per year. This will allow your club to see changes to the people involved in your club throughout the year.
How do I view my Club’s data on the visualisation tool? Expand You can view your clubs data by selecting your club from the drop down list on the first page of the visualisation tool. This will then filter the data so you are only viewing your club’s data.
Where does the local and national data come from? Expand The local and national data used in the visualisation tool comes from Census data. The census happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The last Census survey was in 2021 and the Office of National Statistics published the data in 2022.
What is IMD? Expand Indices of multiple deprivation (IMD) are widely-used datasets within the UK to classify the relative deprivation (essentially a measure of poverty) of small areas. You can use the postcode of where your sessions take place or participant’s postcodes to get a measure of IMD.
1. Research Expand Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Link to Chapter: 1. Research - tbc.