Rob co-founded Switch The Play, having seen both the positive and negative sides of transition in sport and deciding that there was a need to support the industry in helping to ensure that transition, whenever it occurs, can be stepping stone to achieving other great things in life. Rob's experience across a range of roles in sport includes Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, work with National Governing Bodies of sport, professional sport, national and local government, and further and higher education. For six years Rob worked on the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, for which he was awarded an MBE in 2013. Rob became CEO of Switch the Play in February 2021.
Mathew Lock
Role
Athlete Services Manager
Biography
I'm over the moon to be starting this role with Switch The Play. Everything I've done personally and professionally has built towards this role, and I can't wait to make a contribution to something I genuinely believe in. I look forward to adding to the amazing work this charity already does.
Tom Brown
Role
Athlete Engagement Manager
Biography
Tom Brown is a former professional rugby player. Tom was capped for Scotland and made over 100 appearances for Edinburgh Rugby, showcasing his experience at the highest level of professional sport.
Tom holds a BSc in Human Biology from Queen Margaret University, which he achieved alongside a full-time rugby career. Beyond his impressive sports career, Tom is also a qualified commercial pilot.
Through his experiences on and off the rugby field, Tom is passionate about supporting athletes in their personal and professional development.
Lisa McCann
Role
Grants Administrator & Operations Support
Biography
Lisa has worked in the sports charity sector for the last 10 years with a focus on grants and community development. As a big sports fan and keen yogi, Lisa is looking forward to joining the Switch the Play team and using her experience to support the aims of the charity.
Sarah Astin
Role
Events & Community Fundraiser
Biography
Sarah has been involved in the charity/events sector for the past 7 years and has had an involvement in sports even longer. Being an elite-level distance runner, Sarah is looking forward to joining the team at Switch the Play and helping support athletes fulfil their potential outside of their sport.
Nicole Allison
Role
Special Projects Lead & Mentor
Biography
With over two decades of diverse experience in the football industry, from player to coach to business management, Nicole has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of football and in 2021, took her passion for the game to new heights by founding and leading Worcester City Women Football Club Ltd, demonstrating her dedication to advancing women's football in her community.
Today, Nicole wears multiple hats. Alongside Worcester City Women FC, she is the Women's Football Professor at The Football Business Academy, an Associate Lecturer at The University of Worcester in Sport Business Management, and a Project Manager and Mentor at Switch The Play, a charity supporting athletes' transition into post-sport life.
Katie Rolph
Role
Athlete Transition Coordinator
Biography
Katie is currently studying Sport Management and Coaching (BSc) at the University of Bath. She has been involved in a range of sports growing up, particularly Netball. She has developed an interest in sports marketing and management during her time at University.
Grace Stanley
Role
Switched On Programme Manager
Biography
After studying Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University, Grace has worked in the sports industry in both charities and government funded agencies, working on a variety of athlete support and L&D projects in the sports industry.
Grace is a big sports fan herself, as well as playing football for QPR WFC, and is looking forward to supporting athletes through Switch the Play.
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