Executive Team
Biography
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.
Biography
Claire has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years and has experience in a range of leadership, fundraising and project management roles with a particular focus on corporate partnerships. As a keen athlete in her youth and a lifelong sports fan, Claire is thrilled to join Switch The Play and use her skills and experience to create exciting partnerships with real purpose, to support the needs of athletes across the UK.
Biography
Leon is a former professional rugby player who represented Leicester Tigers, Gloucester and England. In 2008, Leon was faced with making the transition into the ‘real world’ when injury ended his career. Building on his experience, Leon published his first book 'From Boot Room to Boardroom' alongside graduating with a first class (Hons) degree in Business Leadership and Management and successfully transitioned into the world of business. Leon led the charity as CEO of Switch the Play for 4 years and is focused on supporting sportspeople with their personal development. Leon is also a Judiciary Officer for the RFU, European and World Rugby and a proud ambassador and business mentor for the Princes Trust and a Patron for Action Deafness.
Masterclasses I deliver
Biography
Tom Brown brings over 15 years of experience playing professional rugby. Capped at International level and with over 100 appearances for Edinburgh Rugby and most recently, Scotland 7s. Tom holds a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) and is currently training for his Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) at ACS Flight Training in Perth, Scotland. He holds a BSc in Human Biology from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
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.
Biography
Sam is currently studying Sport Management and Coaching (BSc) at the University of Bath. He has always been involved in sport growing up, until his recent injury which spurred his interest into the field of athlete support and wellbeing. During his time at university, Sam has developed a particularly strong interest in sport media/marketing and will be looking to explore opportunities within this area during his time at Switch The Play.
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.