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.
Matthew 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.
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.
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.
Imelda Phillips
Role
Athlete Engagement Manager
Biography
With over 10 years of experience in elite athlete program development, Imelda is an expert in performance lifestyle, dual career, athlete transitions, and sport science. She is dedicated to creating and facilitating athlete-centered programs that nurture talent and prioritize well-being. Imelda’s approach is holistic, focusing not only on physical performance but also on supporting athletes through every stage of their careers.
A lifelong passion for sport has deeply influenced her work, and she thrives on the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of athletes. Imelda believes in the power of sport to shape individuals and communities, and she is committed to helping athletes thrive both on and off the field.
Melissa Jones
Role
Marketing & Communications Manager
Biography
Melissa joined Switch the Play Foundation in October 2025 and brings over 10 years’ experience leading marketing and communications across the charity sector. She has a love of sport and is a keen endurance runner, having tackled two marathons and several half marathons in support of causes close to her heart.
Before joining Switch the Play, Melissa held senior marketing roles at international charities Pratham UK and Action for Global Health, where she led digital strategy, national campaigns and brand development to drive positive change in children’s education and global health equity.
When she’s not at work, you’ll find her out running, hiking in the Peak District, or exploring new destinations for her vegan travel blog.
Fi Collins
Role
Director or Fundraising
Biography
Fi has worked in the world of comms and fundraising for over 25 years, initially as a sports TV producer where she was lucky to film with some of the world’s most iconic sportspeople. Prior to joining Switch the Play in 2026, she worked for five years as Comms and Fundraising Director for a national youth charity.
Fi has always been a bit sports-mad and played regional hockey and netball as a youngster. These days, she’s most likely to be found playing netball against whippersnappers half her age, or attempting ridiculous running or cycling challenges where ambition far outweighs capability.
Leoni Inchley
Role
Charity Operations Executive
Biography
Leoni joined Switch the Play Foundation in November 2025 and has spent her career working within people-centred charities. She began in customer-facing and administrative roles before progressing into more strategic and operations management positions. She completed a degree in Business Management alongside her professional development, building a broad understanding of how organisations can work efficiently and effectively to deliver impact.
In her role at Switch the Play, Leoni works across the organisation’s operations, supporting effective ways of working and providing practical support to colleagues on a range of tasks and projects.
Outside of work, Leoni enjoys going to the gym and travelling, making the most of opportunities to explore new destinations and spending quality time with friends and family.
Explore our services
Find out more about how we help sportspeople across the UK.
