MEET THE TEAM

💫 For over 20 years, Shiv has helped thousands of individuals achieve their goals across the Sports, Entertainment, Finance, Tech, and Innovation sectors. During this time, she has met some incredible like-minded people who are equally driven to make these industries more accessible for ALL and together they are Sportaintment.

Underrepresented talent isn’t lacking ability; it’s being held back by bias, privilege, and a lack of access. 

Over the last year, she met with hundreds of citizens across Job Centres, recruitment suppliers, DWP staff, and Schools across the UK and has successfully identified the root reasons why the population of NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) was high and rising. She met with MPs who agreed, but it also became clear that the government wasn’t going to be the route to insitigating much needed change and reform.

So Shiv took matters into her own hands and created a UK-registered charity that directly reached children and young adults early, getting them engaged, active, and inspired to set goals toward dream careers by providing training, consistent mentorship, access to a dream team who will be by their side and real opportunities while boosting their confidence & wellbeing. 

So far we have ensured a 100% engagement & 100% referral rate! 

We unlock top-tier opportunities by leveling the playing field, making sure everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

We ensure every Sportainer has the tools they need to succeed and fast-track incredible opportunities within corporate organisations, clubs, and agencies - unlocking hidden talent across the UK.

It’s not just about changing today. The Sportainment team is building a future where impact echoes across industries & generations.

Shiv leads with kindness and empathy, firmly believing that with the right support, guidance, tools and belief, everyone can achieve & exceed their goals.

Sportainment is more than opportunity. It is transformation, equity, and love, because dreams are a right, not a privilege, and everyone deserves the chance to make theirs come true. 

Donavan is a recognised leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), driving meaningful change across multiple platforms. He works tirelessly to create inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, empowered, seen, and heard.

Additionally, he specialises in mental health, and employee engagement, ensuring that organisations embed wellbeing into their core operations. His leadership extends to Barnsley College, where he serves as Governor, supporting educational and leadership initiatives. He is also the PrideLife Global Advocate, championing LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. His unwavering commitment to breaking barriers drives him to lead executive coaching, leadership development, and inclusive hiring practices, which help foster workplaces built on belonging and fairness.

For him, equity is not optional—it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. He champions all these core values, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has the chance to grow, contribute, and succeed.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Donavan on our team. His expertise has strengthened our mission, and his dedication and kindness help propel us forward in making bold strides toward equality for all within the sports and entertainment industries and beyond

 With 16+ years in the entertainment game, Billy’s track record is legendary

🏆 Grammy, Brit, MOBO & BAFTA award-winning success 

🎶 Passionate about live music, A&R, and building individual growth across music & sport

He’s helped shape the careers of global icons like: ✨ RUN DMC ✨ Zie Zie ✨ Snoop Dogg ✨ Geko ✨ Nadia Rose ✨ Nero

Now, as Head of Entertainment at Sportainment, Billy is on a mission to bring true equity into the industry by breaking down barriers, championing overlooked talent, and building a future where diversity thrives and undiscovered stars shine 💥

With 10+ years in sports management, Renaldo is a force in: 

🎯 Talent scouting 

📝 Contract negotiations 

🤝 Commercial partnerships

He’s built trusted relationships with top brands like Adidas and Pro Direct, helping athletes expand their reach, secure sponsorships, and boost visibility 

From pitch-side analysis to developing media strategy, Renaldo drives careers forward—with precision, passion, and purpose 

And with connections across the UK, he’s making sure talent from every corner gets seen 🗺🌟

He’s not just managing talent—he’s shaping the future of sport.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Aruna has dedicated her career to supporting individuals facing unique challenges.  She has been a key advocate for the needs of individuals, particularly those who may have faced barriers to achieving their dreams.   

Having served as a SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator), Aruna brings a wealth of expertise in identifying and addressing individual needs, promoting inclusion, and helping people thrive.  This experience, combined with her ongoing MSc in Psychology, gives Aruna a deep understanding of the psychological, social, and emotional factors that can impact people’s ability to pursue and achieve career success. 

With over 15 years of experience working with the youth community, Jo has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young individuals in sports and entertainment. Her extensive background in project and event management, combined with a strong commitment to empowering youth, makes her an essential force behind Sportainment’s success.

Jo coordinates all events, trials, and workshops across the UK, ensuring that every initiative runs seamlessly and provides valuable experiences for individuals to showcase their talents and build industry connections. Her expertise extends to logistics management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning, driving the success of every program she leads.

With over three years of experience as a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Gemma plays a vital role in ensuring optimal nutritional well-being for all participants. Having trained at the BCNH College of Nutritional Therapy, she brings evidence-based expertise to help individuals maintain a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

Gemma also plays a key role in advising schools, colleges, clubs, and organisations on proper nutrition to ensure high-quality, well-balanced meals are provided. She designs easy, healthy, and cost-effective recipes that our dreamers can easily source and cook, making nutritious eating accessible to all.

As an integral part of our well-being team, she is deeply passionate about ensuring that healthy and affordable meals are available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Her work is central to promoting sustainable, long-term nutritional health for all participants

Sean has revolutionised the way fitness should be done, transforming traditional training into an engaging, fun, and rewarding experience. With over 20 years of expertise, he provides elite coaching tailored to professional and academy-level athletes.

His approach goes beyond standard fitness routines—integrating advanced training techniques, mentorship, and strategic development to ensure athletes reach their peak performance while enjoying the process. Whether working on strength, agility, or skill refinement, Sean and his team create an environment where hard work feels exhilarating and progress is deeply fulfilling.

 Robert is dedicated to advancing women’s sports, managing events, trials, and coaching programs that empower girls and women globally. His work spans international communities, ensuring inclusive opportunities for individuals of all experience levels to engage in sport.

Through his programs, Robert champions participation at every level, inspiring the next generation of female athletes and empowering environments where women and girls can thrive in sports. His leadership is instrumental in building accessible pathways for young talents to develop their skills, gain confidence, and succeed in competitive environments

Ekow plays a vital role within Sportainment, dedicated to helping Sportainment  create meaningful partnerships which will enhance opportunities, funding, and long-term sustainability.

Through his work with local clubs, sponsors, and organisations, he’s helping community-driven sports thrive—with better facilities, training, and access to real opportunities.

 He connects the dots between grassroots talent and elite possibilities, ensuring every aspiring athlete gets a shot at their dream.

As part of Sportainment’s mission, Ekow is committed to strengthening grassroots sports, making top-tier partnerships accessible, and ensuring every aspiring athlete gets the chance to chase their dreams.

Rich plays a pivotal role in identifying student needs and ensuring the best support routes for their sporting and creative development. With 26 years of experience in challenging schools across the UK, he has dedicated his career to nurturing student potential and shaping the future of education.

He assesses Student needs, Collaborates with Schools & Institutions to build strong support systems.

Has held many Leadership & Mentorship roles such as Mental Health Lead, Safeguarding Trustee. Pastoral Manager, SENCo, Head of Mathematics, and Learning Director of Science, now serving as Director of Achievement.

He removes barriers to success by supporting students in overcoming academic, wellness, financial, and external challenges, enabling them to thrive and achieve.

Rich empowers Future Educators through TeachFirst, sharing best practices in pedagogy.

He helps students build confidence and excel.

Rich’s comprehensive understanding of student achievement, combined with his passion for lifelong learning, makes him an influential force in education. His unwavering commitment ensures students break barriers and reach their full potential.

Gary is spearheading the development of competitive leagues designed to rival platforms like Baller League across all sports. His focus is on identifying and forming teams, creating opportunities for players to compete at various levels while fostering an inclusive community.

This initiative provides immediate access to competitive opportunities to empower aspiring athletes to showcase their skills and progress within their chosen sport. Through strategic planning and talent development, Gary is shaping a dynamic league system that ensures accessibility, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

 Sportainment Leagues aren't just about playing—it’s about shaping the future of UK sports, equalising opportunities, and ensuring that every aspiring athlete has the chance to succeed 

  Jan is an incredible technologist, self-made and a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and expertise. With a career spanning top-tier organisations such as London Stock Exchange, JP Morgan, and Paramount, he has established himself as a leader in network architecture, engineering, and strategy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jan has dedicated himself to mentoring individuals, offering 24/7 access to his diary and always being ready to help & advise. His commitment to empowering talent is unmatched, ensuring that those he supports receive the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.

Currently, Jan is working with us with the vision to build training centres across the UK, creating pathways for aspiring technologists and innovators. His efforts are helping Sportainers gain access to elite tech opportunities, opening doors across industries and sectors that were previously difficult to reach.

Jan’s impact goes beyond technology—his mentorship and unwavering support continue to transform lives and industries alike.

 Krishna is an unstoppable force of nature a visionary in neuroscience, invention, and advanced technology, driven by ethics, fairness, and excellence in every aspect of life.

As Innovation Ambassador, Krishna will empower Sportainers to explore their creativity, push the boundaries of invention, and unlock game-changing innovations. Her deep expertise in neuroscience, EEG technology, and data science fuels breakthroughs in sports, science, and performance innovation.

Krishna is deeply committed to equality, ensuring every individual, regardless of background, has access to opportunities others may never get.

We are proud to have the groundbreaking company Psimonix be are our sponsor, an industry leader revolutionising non-invasive real-time hormone screening from brain signals for Sportainment’s hidden talent, supporting early detection, preventative care, and peak performance for every Sportainer. 

Her impact will go far beyond mentorship she’s levelling the playing field, removing barriers, and guiding Sportainers toward breakthrough discoveries and help turn their ideas into reality.  

Her force is profound, and her dedication to mentorship, fairness, and innovation makes her a true pioneer. 

With over a decade of experience in mental health nursing, Ernestina has dedicated her career to walking alongside individuals from all walks of life—each with their own unique challenges and aspirations. Her expertise spans crisis intervention, holistic wellbeing, and trauma-informed care, ensuring every person receives tailored, dignified support.

At the heart of Ernestina’s approach is empowerment: she helps people move from surviving to thriving, building the resilience and self-belief needed to reclaim their lives. She integrates leading clinical tools including ReQoL, PROM, PHQ-9 and more, creating measurable, meaningful impact.

Through her work, Ernestina reinforces a powerful truth: mental health is not separate from success—it’s the foundation of it.

Hardip plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, protection, and wellbeing of all individuals within Sportainment. As Safeguarding Lead, she is responsible for:

Identifying & Addressing Risks – Monitoring and assessing potential safeguarding concerns to create a safe environment for all participants.  Policy Implementation – Ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are followed across all programs and events.    She is the first point of contact for all safeguarding issues, providing guidance, intervention, and support when needed.  Shabana compiles all Training & Awareness – Educating staff, volunteers, and participants on best practices for safeguarding and protection and  Collaborates with Authorities – Working closely with schools, local organisations, and governing bodies to uphold safeguarding standards.

Shabana’s dedication ensures that every individual feels safe, supported, and empowered within Sportainment’s programs.

Vicky plays a key role in managing, recruiting, and training all volunteers within Sportainment. She ensures that each volunteer is properly vetted, conducting relevant background checks to maintain a safe and effective environment for all participants.

Her responsibilities also include:   Volunteer Coordination – Assigning roles, ensuring volunteers are placed in positions that align with their skills and interests.   

Training & Development – Providing structured training programs to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills.   

 Compliance & Safeguarding – Overseeing background checks, policy adherence, and ethical standards to ensure a secure environment.   

Engagement & Retention – Creating a positive volunteer experience, fostering long-term commitment and involvement.

Vicky’s leadership ensures that Sportainment’s volunteer network remains strong, well-supported, and impactful

Abi is a lawyer specialising in branding, rights management, and policy-driven matters, helping Sportainment operate with fair, ethical, and legally sound practices. She plays a crucial role in:

Contract Development & Compliance – Developing and reviewing fair contracts that protect the interests of all parties involved.   Legal Guidance & Risk Management – Advising on legal challenges, compliance issues, and policy frameworks to safeguard operations.    

Policy Implementation & Advocacy – Aligning organizational policies with legal standards while advocating for fair and inclusive practices.   

Stakeholder & Institutional Liaison – Collaborating with government bodies, legal institutions, and industry experts to uphold best practices.

Branding & Rights Management – Raising awareness of personal branding for all individuals and respecting intellectual property rights across all dealings.

Abi’s expertise enables Sportainment to be ethically responsible and policy-driven, allowing the organization to thrive while protecting its people and partnerships 

 Emma is a qualified nurse who provides essential medical support at Sportainment’s major events. Her role ensures that all participants, coaches, and staff receive on-site healthcare assistance, injury management, and wellbeing guidance.

With her expertise in sports-related healthcare, Emma plays a vital role in monitoring athlete safety, responding to medical needs, and promoting overall wellness during competitions, trials, and training sessions.

Jake was one of Sportainment’s first dreamers, driven by his passion for boxing and sales. 

 Jake is one of the strongest and most determined individuals on the team. Fiercely loyal and relentless in his pursuit of excellence, he does everything in his power to bring out the best in others. 

His journey was not without challenges — he faced moments of uncertainty. But deep down, he knew what was within him.

Despite the obstacles, Jake became the first in his family to attend university, all while holding down a job and dedicating himself to every training session. He consistently surpassed expectations and set the bar high for those who followed, proving that hard work and perseverance truly pay off. Through his dedication, he gained strength, confidence, and resilience, transforming from an amateur boxer into a near fully-fledged featherweight fighter.

Now, Jake represents youth engagement across all sports. His story is proof that the impossible is possible, inspiring young athletes to believe in their potential and take the necessary steps to achieve greatness. Through his leadership, he will continue to empower, mentor, and support the next generation in their sporting journeys.

Beyond his own success, Jake is passionate about teaching others the values of strength and self-belief, showing young athletes how to reach and exceed their goals. He helps them push past limitations, break through barriers, and develop the mindset needed to achieve greatness in their sport and personal lives

Jerome is more than just a past student—he’s a true inspiration with a heart of gold and an unwavering passion for music and discovering new artists.

Jerome’s journey is built on the foundation of self-belief—the driving force behind his success. It’s not just his own confidence that sets him apart; it’s his ability to inspire that same mindset in others, making them feel unstoppable, capable, and ready to take on any challenge. His infectious energy lights up every room, and his ability to connect with and uplift others makes him a natural leader.

During his training sessions, Jerome showed extraordinary courage, standing up to sing in front of the entire class—no music, just pure passion. He knew others were nervous, so he led by example, proving that fearlessness and self-expression can inspire confidence in those around him. That moment marked him as someone who truly cares, someone willing to step up, encourage, and support others in their journeys.

As he steps into his role in youth development, Jerome is on a mission to make a real difference in young people’s lives. With a foundation built on honesty, encouragement, and perspective, he’s passionate about helping others realise their potential—not just in music, but in life. His work is fuelled by a genuine love for people and a deep belief that bringing light into others’ lives brings light into your own. It’s a purpose he lives out every day—not only for the impact he hopes to have on the world, but also to be the kind of role model his daughter, Autumn, can be proud of.

 Rob Couser is a highly respected, ethical, and dependable finance specialist who leads on all aspects of Sportainment’s financial strategy, accounts, and grants management. A Chartered Accountant with over a decade of post-qualification experience, Rob has worked across sectors including SaaS, financial services, and FMCG, bringing a rare blend of analytical precision and commercial insight to every decision.

Rob’s strategic oversight ensures that every grant is managed with integrity and accountability, and that Sportainment's finances remain agile, transparent, and growth-ready. Beyond his technical expertise, Rob is a compassionate and approachable figure whose commitment to individual wellbeing runs deep. He regularly supports those facing financial hardship—offering trusted guidance, tools, and mentorship to help people regain independence and build long-term confidence.

With his sharp financial mind and heart-led approach, Rob is not only instrumental to the charity’s operational strength but also a powerful enabler of Sportainment’s mission to unlock potential and transform lives.