Team Mates
Dr Jenn Gandhi
Occupation
Chartered Psychologist
Biography
Dr Jenn Gandhi is a Chartered Psychologist who specialises in the connection of mind, body and emotion to optimise health and performance. Using various mediums she helps people to understand the influence of mind and emotion on behaviour so that they can achieve optimal wellbeing and performance.
She completed her PhD in the psychology of trauma associated physical performance breakdown, officially coining the term 'performance blocks' and developing the first successful treatment approach for elite athletes.
She has spent several years in the world of elite sport currently working with the England Football National teams developing a culture in which staff and players are able to perform well and achieve excellence and supporting the delivery of mental health care across the system.
Jenn is passionate about making the science of mind and emotion accessible to everyone, through education, private consultancy, writing, and researching for a variety of companies in mental health, mindfulness, and performance.
When Jenn is not working she loves spending time with family and friends at home near Birmingham. She is never far from her yoga mat and enjoys daily meditations if nothing more than for a bit of quiet time out!
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
STP has given me the opportunity to tap into so many different areas of passion, developing people and using the median of psychology and emotion to support others in getting the best experience out of life they can, overcoming life’s challenges and reaching their goals.
Masterclasses I deliver
David Richmond CBE
Occupation
Director, Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Cabinet Office; Director David Richmond Consultancy Ltd, COO Worldmaker International; Chair Boccia UK
Biography
David served in the Army for 26 years deploying on operations to NI, Iraq in 1991 (Op GRANBY), Bosnia, Iraq (Op TELIC) and Afghanistan. He commanded The Argylls, 5 SCOTS in Afghanistan and was seriously wounded during an operation near Musa Qaleh in June 2008.
David underwent 4 years of reconstruction surgery and rehabilitation during which he advised Help for Heroes and the UK MOD on the creation and development of their recovery services. He was medically discharged in April 2012 and joined Help for Heroes as their first Director of Recovery.
He was responsible for developing the vision for the charity’s service delivery arm and turning it into an operational reality. He was a Partnership Board Member of the UK Invictus Games team for the first three games, UK Team Director and Chairman of Selectors and a member of the Defence Recovery Board, responsible for providing strategic direction to the UK Defence Recovery Capability.
David left Help for Heroes in December 2017 and developed a portfolio of work that includes: advising other nations on developing their own recovery services for their Armed Forces communities; advising on leadership and team development; coaching and mentoring; motivational speaking; and interim executive roles. David is COO of Worldmaker International which develops resilient leadership and human resilience and is Chairman of Boccia UK, the National Governing Body for the Paralympic sport of Boccia. In October 2019 David was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs in the Cabinet Office, responsible for delivering the government’s vision of making the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I have experienced 4 career transitions and understand the challenges faced. I see the huge potential in sports men and women and love working with them to help them realise their potential in the next stage of their lives.
Masterclasses I deliver
Emily Collett
Occupation
Qualified Psychotherapist/Counsellor and Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant
Biography
Emily is a qualified Psychotherapist and Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant. Her company, Embrace Sports and Wellbeing, offers counselling for adults and specialises in working with sportspeople, support staff and their families. She believes in taking a proactive approach to wellbeing, including supporting athletes with their off-field development.
She has a strong academic background in the field, including a distinction in Applied Sport Psychology MSc gained through researching professional rugby players’ experiences of being forced to retire through injury.
Emily has gained valuable experience working across the professional sporting world, having worked within the Professional Department at the Rugby Football Union and with Switch the Play itself; supporting athletes across a range of sports. Rugby union has been a lifelong passion of hers, nowadays you will likely find her actively exploring the Cheshire countryside where she is based.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Having researched career ending injury experiences of professional athletes, I understand the importance of planning for a life beyond playing sport. Being involved in sport can also be a bit of a rollercoaster, I’m here to support people in navigating those highs and lows along the ride!
Masterclasses I deliver
Mark Roberts
Occupation
Semi-Professional footballer at Warrington Town F.C, Associate at Switch The Play, Athlete mentor at the League Football Education (LFE)
Biography
A proud husband and father to three amazing children who he loves to share his passion for travel with. He describes himself as “a life-long learner whose curiosity to develop as an individual is matched by my ambition to help other people unlock their true potential”.
He has lived experience of the ecstasy and agony of the football industry during his 15 years as a professional player. Mark is currently relishing the opportunity to add to his 600 plus competitive appearances as current captain of his local side, Warrington Town.
At Fleetwood Town Mark realised his childhood dream of walking the Wembley steps as a winning captain but it was at Stevenage where he enjoyed his most successful time on the field. He counts himself fortunate to have been part of an extraordinary squad that created history and Mark led the club from the bottom half of the National League to the verge of the Championship. Although proud to have been named player-manager on two separate occasions he says “nothing can compare to when we secured victory at Old Trafford in the League Two Play-Off Final”. As a Manchester United supporter and former season ticket holder it was the ultimate honour for him to lead his side out at The Theatre of Dreams. Lifting a trophy in front of the Stretford End was a moment he will treasure for the rest of my life.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Since making my transition out of professional sport I’ve tried to align myself with organisations whose vision matches mine.
StP have given me the ideal platform to reach more athletes whilst developing my own skill-set and I’m excited for what the future will bring.
Masterclasses I deliver
Paul Reid
Occupation
Sports Consultant
Biography
Paul has had a journey through a near 20-year career as a professional footballer that was never a linear pathway. The experiences gained include the pressure of being one of the most expensive teenagers in British football, representing England, being matched up against Ronaldo, captaining a play-off winning team to the Championship and eventually using the acquired transferable skills to transition into the world of business.
A constant thirst for self-improvement has resulted in numerous qualifications since the step away from the grass. Paul completed a master’s degree in Sporting Directorship which has allowed an academic framework to compliment knowledge gained through lived experiences. Paul is a passionate advocate of well-being and duty of care within sport has led to keynote speeches at many conferences including the Johan Cruyff Institute at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
The mantra of ‘From the head down rather than the feet up’ has been a constant reference point for him and something that underpins any involvement he has in organisational culture or strategy.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
StP were an instrumental part of my own transition from an elite athlete into strategic leadership positions within sport. Passing on that real-life experience and helping to develop young people is both a passion and a privilege.
Masterclasses I deliver
John Ackerley
Occupation
Owner & Principal Consultant, Summitpeople Ltd, www.summitpeople.co.uk
Biography
John is a highly experienced consultant with over twenty-six years of expertise in the fields of football, education, coaching, mentoring and business. John is a skilled educator. A qualified teacher and higher education lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and Sheffield Hallam University, John has educated internationally having worked in the UK, US, Asia, Africa and South America. John has developed teacher education and mentoring programmes as an expert consultant for The FA National Faculty and is currently a FIFA Expert in technical leadership, providing training and supervision to FIFA mentors worldwide. Additionally, John is practised at directly delivering executive coaching/mentoring and team development, delivering to current clients such as FIFA, UK Sport, The Football Association and The Brazilian Football Confederation. A UEFA Qualified Coach and a council member of The Football Association, John uses his talents to guide strategic thinking at a National level within English Football.
John is a successful business owner, having established his consultancy, Summitpeople Ltd. John has been a CEO for an award-winning County Football Association and Regional Manager and National Manager for the Football Association. He successfully achieved year on year growth in participation in football for over 20 years through the skilful mentoring of many senior leaders within The Football Association and County Football Associations in the UK, using his expertise in football development and strategic business planning to drive performance.
John has a Master’s degree in coaching and mentoring, accredited by the EMCC at professional level and a Bachelor of Education with Honours specialising in Physical Education. John’s research to date includes, leadership, coaching and mentoring and inclusive education.
Away from John’s professional life he relaxes with his family in Ripon, North Yorkshire. He enjoys sport, playing football, cycling and being a keen gym enthusiast.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Passionate about educating and supporting others to grow, develop and meet their aspirations. Having worked in sport in various roles and levels I have experienced those that find transitioning from sport difficult and feel I can support them on their journey.
Kieron Achara OLY
Occupation
Sports Development Executive at Frog Systems
Biography
Kieron Achara is a former Olympian and Scottish professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Duquesne University and ended his professional playing career at Glasgow Rocks after playing most of his career in mainland Europe, in Italy, Spain and Greece. Kieron captained both Scotland and Great Britain at a national team level and is now an Ambassador for Great Britain Basketball.
Currently working towards a Master’s degree in Business Leadership and Management from Northumbria University, his dissertation focused on the factors that lead to a successful transition out of sport.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
"The subject of transition is very personal to me as I found it difficult to find direction and purpose. Support came through researching in my dissertation, speaking to others who had left sport and hearing their thoughts on what they would have done differently. I want to return the favour by working with Switch the Play to make sure as many athletes as possible make a smoother transition out of sport when their time comes."
Masterclasses I deliver
Vicky Macqueen BEM
Occupation
CEO and Founder of didi rugby, DOR of Leicester Tigers Women
Biography
Vicky is an ex-England rugby international with 34 caps for England, and a former Head of PE for 12 years. She left the education profession in 2016 to run her own business didi rugby which was inspired by her love of rugby, physical education and her passion for getting children active and healthy. After a serious dice with death in 2013 and having been told her fitness levels saved her life she went on a mission to ensure as many children as possible would be inspired to get involved with physical activity and become healthy through the tool of rugby. With lots of hard work her vision became reality in 2015, and in 2016 they franchised the business to ensure they could have a positive impact on children nationally and internationally.
Vicky managed her playing career alongside my teaching, and although she had great support, managing her time appropriately and prioritising became absolutely key. Now, Vicky speaks at events and organisations to help motivate and inspire people to believe in themselves and be the best version of themselves in all areas of their life! She specifically likes to focus on resilience, determination and belief.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I understand how tough preparing for and experiencing a transition to a life outside of sport can be. I’m passionate about supporting others during what is an incredibly difficult time in the life of an athlete, it’s a real test of character and the ability to change your mind-set is incredibly important! I love supporting people to recognise their potential and ultimately achieve it.
Masterclasses I deliver
Ian Braid FMHC, M.Sc.
Occupation
MD DOCIAsport; Mental Health First Aid Instructor: Trustee of SportsAid; Public speaker and lecturer; Member of the UK Coaching Coaching Advisory Panel
Biography
A man of the North now based in Sussex; married to Diane with two adult children - Jess and Harry - and a dog answering (sometimes) to the name of Fred. Sport has been a constant in Ian’s life either as a participant, coach, volunteer, director or executive officer. Ian set up DOCIAsport in 2017 to offer advice support and guidance on all aspects of 'duty of care' in sport. The company won a national ‘Mental Health Consultancy of the Year award in 2020’ for the work in the sector. DOCIAsport is a partner of Switch The Play.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I led the British Athletes Commission. I learnt about the life of a high-performance athlete across many sports. Most of the members didn’t choose when their career ended. I want to help this generation prepare for a life ahead where their sport doesn’t define them but plays a key part of their journey.
Masterclasses I deliver
Neil Clark
Occupation
Occupation: Academic Researcher / Consultant
Biography
Neil is based in Richmond, London, is a father of 2 and an avid amateur triathlete. He has competed at Ironman Austria 2012 as well as representing GB as an age-group triathlete at the 2014 & 2016 ITU World Sprint Triathlon Championships. He is currently competing at middle distance (half-ironman) triathlons.
In 2019, Neil was awarded a distinction for a MSc in Sports Business and Leadership at Loughborough University London, where his dissertation examined how Secure Base Leadership could enhance Athlete’s mental health and well-being, in particular managing the challenges of career transition. He is currently continuing his research, as part of a PhD, into further understanding the impact of secure bases (e.g. people, places, objects or goals) on an Athlete’s wellbeing before, during and after career transition.
He has over 20 years’ experience leading diverse teams and transforming business through complex project delivery. Neil is passionate about enhancing emotional intelligence and well-being in the workplace through coaching and mentoring.
A qualified Mental Health First Aider and deliverer for Mental Health UK in secondary schools and elite sport academies.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
During my research, I have become acutely aware of the numerous challenges Athletes experience during career transition and the impact on their mental health and well-being. I passionately believe these challenges can be successfully managed and the impact on an Athlete’s well-being dramatically reduced by early proactive interventions that address the potential pitfalls.
Darren Lawrence
Occupation
Consultant and Personal Performance Coach
Biography
Darren is based in Ely, Cambridgeshire and has 2 young children aged 10 and 7. He has over 20 years experience of working in sports and football development, previously holding Regional and National positions at Sport England and The FA where he developed projects and people. Now, Darren is an independent consultant and coach, supporting organisations and individuals to improve. He has launched Front Foot Coaching (www.frontfootcoaching.com), helping clients to find their purpose and make progress confidently with direction, clarity and motivation.
He remains close to the work of The FA with recent projects on the women's talent pathway and National Futsal Series. Furthermore, over recent years he has also taken up roles at Hertfordshire FA as Acting Deputy CEO and Herefordshire FA as Interim Chief Executive. He is a certified coach (The Coaching Academy, 2017), a mental health first aider, and is also a registered assessor for Quest, the UK Quality Scheme for Sport and Leisure.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
An Associate for Switch the Play since 2016, and following my own experiences of significant transition in my personal and professional life, I believe that individuals can emerge from a period of transition in a positive place with greater resilience.
I am keen to support those in sport and through my coaching work listen and then ask insightful questions to help individuals see what’s possible for them.
Jane Marriott
Occupation
Leadership and Career Coach
Biography
Jane, in over 30 years, has developed wide ranging skills across all HR functions in retail, telecommunications, financial services and other service sectors. She has led the strategic and practical dimensions of cultural change, rapid business growth, turnaround, integration following acquisition and organisational and people development. Her commercial background has on many occasions made her more attractive as a coach to her clients.
Throughout her career she has accrued a wealth of formal and informal coaching experience, and has a postgraduate coaching qualification from Henley Business School.
Her clients have a variety of backgrounds, and are at differing levels and stages in their career, for example in new leadership roles, seeking to develop existing roles often in preparation for future more senior roles, or career coaching either in the early stages of an individual’s worklife or when looking to transition into careers in new environments or sectors.
She flexes her style and coaching support for each individual, increasing their self-awareness, and appreciation of their strengths, and developing personal strategies for achieving their goals.
Clients feedback that she’s trustworthy, intuitive, non-judgemental, pragmatic, solutions focussed, puts people at ease, is fun to work with but is not afraid to challenge, and brings a different perspective due to her range of experience.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I am a keen rugby supporter and general sports enthusiast and therefore combine my coaching and commercial knowledge with an appreciation of the sporting environment which athletes come from. I understand how tough preparing for and experiencing a transition to a life outside of sport can be and am passionate about supporting others during what can be an incredibly difficult and yet also exciting time.
Colin Wall
Occupation
Business Development Director at LeadEQ. Personal Performance Coach
Biography
For 18 years Colin played football at youth, pro and semi-pro level. His professional playing career was cut short after a serious back injury. Following a long period of rehabilitation, his determination and positive attitude saw him carry on playing at a semi-pro level for many more years until the long-term impact of his back injury forced him to accept that his career was over finally. Since finishing playing, he has applied the many skills he learnt through his time in sport, his own personal experiences, and the qualifications he's gained to become a highly successful Personal Performance Coach. He works with and enjoys helping others to identify and realise their dreams both in and out of sport. He has worked with Southend United FC Academy, First Team and management staff as their Personal Performance Coach. Colin also takes the learnings from sport into the commercial business world to increase personal performance at a number of levels.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Through my own personal journey both in and out of sport I can fully appreciate the challenges faced by any sports professional transitioning and the importance of planning for your future while you are still in your sporting world which is what STP are all about.
Masterclasses I deliver
Max Oldham
Occupation
Football Player and Account Manager
Biography
Max Oldham is a semi-professional footballer and has played for teams in the US, Norway and England. He has also played internationally for Cascadia in the CONIFA World Football Cup. Born and raised in California, he moved to London in 2014 to continue his football career. He holds a BA in ethnic studies from University of California, Berkeley. Max is passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and is committed to ensuring that non-league footballers have access to the resources that will help them be their best, both on and off the pitch.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Through my own career and experiences in football, I have noticed a lack of support and services around well-being and professional development for players. As a result, I have partnered with Switch The Play to launch Half Turn, an initiative built to help non-league footballers deal with the mental struggles of the beautiful game and empower them to live healthy and balanced lifestyles.
Eira Parry
Occupation
Founder of High Performance Parenting
Biography
Eira's professional background has been in both education and sport. She has worked in primary and secondary schools as a classroom teacher and head of department before moving to full-time coaching, working with British Rowing for 10 years as a Talent Development Coach. In this role she worked with athletes from age 13 up to 30, taking them from their very first outing in a boat, through to making it on to National Teams. Many of the athletes she coached went on to win European, World and Olympic titles.
Eira continues to support former athletes, in an informal mentoring role, when they navigate their way from professional sport into the workplace. She also maintains strong ties with British Rowing, working in a number of volunteering roles, including as an independent selector for the Women's Olympic Squad.
After leaving the coaching profession, Eira set up the organisation High Performance Parenting. Working with sports clubs, schools and national governing bodies, she delivers parent engagement sessions and one to one support for athletes. The aim is to support parents to use the vehicle of sport to enable their children to acquire life skills and develop as great people. Eira is passionate that the journey through sport should be positive and also offer opportunities for growth and learning for athletes, coaches and parents alike.
Ali Tincknell-Smith
Occupation
Teaching Fellow
Biography
Dr Ali Tincknell-Smith is a Teaching Fellow at the University of Bath, specialising in sport psychology and contemporary issues in sport. She teaches on the Foundation Degree in Sports Performance, a programme designed to enable students to pursue academic studies alongside their sporting career. Ali’s PhD and her publications focus on athlete motivation and well-being, and promote the importance of athletes’ possessing a sense of ownership in their sporting career.
Outside of her University role, Ali has worked as a Lifestyle Support Practitioner and tutors new practitioners through the TASS Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) course. Her work in this area has spanned a wide range of sports and levels of competition, and is contributed to by her experience of working in both sport and Higher Education. Ali is also progressing towards British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Accreditation as a Sport Scientist specialising in Psychology, and she has worked with a range of individual and team clients in this role. Since 2011 Ali has also worked as a National Trainer for UK Anti-Doping, educating athletes from youth level to those preparing for International competition.
Ali is a keen promoter of athlete and player welfare. This is reflected in her recent nomination to an International Federation Athlete Commission through which she represents the view of athletes, particularly on topics of athlete retirement and anti-doping.
Tobi Sho-Silva
Occupation
Professional Footballer for Carlisle United
Biography
Tobi is a professional footballer, who came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic and is currently playing for Carlisle United. He has a business management degree, counselling qualifications and is the co-founder of F3 - a charity which supports footballer’s wellbeing and holistic development.
His experiences as a professional athlete have inspired a passion for helping fellow athletes to discover their identity, in and out of their sport, and explore what they want to do in life, during and following the conclusion of their career.
As well as being a keen reader, Tobi also enjoys listening to podcasts and travelling.
Other experience includes; coaching (football), events planning, public speaking, teaching and mentoring.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
STP’s vision of “a world where every sportsperson fulfils their potential at every stage of their lives” aligns well with my passion for seeking opportunities to maximise my potential and helping others to do the same. I want to use this opportunity, working with STP, to encourage other athletes to explore the many possibilities available to them, while still involved in sport, which can continue to be developed once no longer involved in sport.
John Evans
Occupation