Our People

Our work is driven by passionate individuals who are dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for all young Londoners through the power of sport and physical activity. Together, from our board, staff to youth board, we are building the largest and most inclusive city-focused youth games.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem is a talented player whose journey has gone from Brent’s local pitches to representing England. Raheem took part in the 2009 London Youth Games, representing Brent when he was 14 years old.

Kye Whyte

Nicknamed the Prince of Peckham, Kye created history as Team GB’s first-ever BMX medallist at Tokyo 2020. Kye started at Brixton BMX Club, which was founded by his father, before leaving to join a new club in Peckham. He went on to represent Southwark at London Youth Games in 2014-2016, before continuing his professional career.

Alex Yee

Britain’s best triathlete, Alex produced a jaw-dropping win in the final stretch of the Paris 2024 Triathlon event, cementing his status. From Lewisham in south-east London, Alex is proud of the place in which he was born and raised. As a youngster, he represented Lewisham in Aquathlon, Cycling and Cross Country at the London Youth Games from 2010 to 2014. Lewisham’s triathlon hero went on to strike both gold in the Individual Triathlon at Paris 2024 as well as Bronze in the Mixed Triathlon, adding to his gold and silver medal haul from Tokyo 2020.

Dina Asher-Smith

Hailing from Bromley, Dina is now the fastest British woman on record and one of the most recognisable Team GB athletes. As a young runner, Dina represented Bromley in the London Youth Games in 2010. Dina was key in the 4x100m relay team that took silver in Paris 2024; and won medals as part of 4×100 m relay teams at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Mo Farah

Mo is the most successful male track distance runner in history and known for his iconic 'Mobot’ celebration. Mo showcased his talent from a young age and represented Hounslow at cross-country in the 1994 London Youth Games. Mo went on to earn ten global championship gold medals, comprising four Olympic and six World titles, and made history by winning double gold in the 10,000m and 5000m at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Bradley Wiggins

Bradley is a British cycling legend, known for winning the Tour de France and his multiple Olympic medals. Bradley represented Westminster in cycling at the London Youth Games. Bradley went on to become the first Brit to win the Tour de France, winning it in 2012. He is also one of Britain’s greatest ever Olympic athletes and a multiple World champion on track and road.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation during his 12 years at Man United and international career for England. Rio competed for Southwark as a child in gymnastics at the London Youth Games. He went on to play for England 81 times and win ten major trophies with Man Utd, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, before becoming a pundit for TNT sports.

David Weir

David is one of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all-time. One of David's first ever athletics competitions were in the colours of Sutton at the London Youth Games. Her went on to a successful career in wheelchair racing winning six Paralympic gold medals, six World Championship gold medals and eight London Marathons.

Linford Christie

Linford was a dominant 100m sprinter during his 17 years competing internationally, where he won more medals than any other British male sprinter. Linford competed at the first ever London Youth Games in 1977 for Hammersmith & Fulham where he was selected for the relay. He’s known for becoming the only British man to win successive golds at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Christine Ohuruogu

Christine is Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion in the 400 metres. Christine represented Newham at the London Youth Games in both netball and athletics. She went on to become the only British woman ever to win gold at two World Championships in 2007 and 2013 and she produced an incredible finish when she won gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Alex Scott

Tower Hamlets-born Arsenal and England star, now breaking barriers as one of football’s top pundits primarily working for the BBC and presenting Football Focus. Alex played football for Tower Hamlets at the London Youth Games. In her professional playing career, she won over 100 international caps, including representing England at three Euro Championships and two World Cups.

Chloe Kelly

Ealing’s Lioness, created a moment etched in history with her Euros-winning goal celebration after scoring the crucial winning goal against Germany in the Euro 2022 final. Chloe grew up and represented the borough of Ealing in the London Youth Games as a young player.

Fara Williams

Fara is the most capped England footballer in history, now a pundit for the BBC. Fara represented Richmond in the London Youth Games as a child.

Sam Reardon

A rising star, delivering Olympic bronze in the mixed 4x400m relay and men's 4 x 400 metres relay for Team GB. Sam raced in London Youth Games for Bromley for 6 years from 2015 up until 2020. He said “It was an amazing experience to do the Cross Country every November at Parliament Hill. Coming there with my team was a very inspiring moment for us and it was always on the calendar as a big race to look out for.”

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix

A diving sensation, winning a superb bronze in the women’s synchronized 10m platform at Paris 2024 alongside Lois Toulson. Andrea says it was her mother who got her into diving from a young age. She went on to compete in Diving for Southwark at the London Youth Games in 2016 and 2017 and was only 16 when she made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

Noah Williams

Hackney’s Olympic diver, winning silver alongside Tom Daley in the 10m synchro event and bronze in the 10 metre platform. Hackney-native Noah was introduced to diving after being given a flyer for Crystal Palace Diving Club in primary school and went on to represent Hackney at the London Youth Games from 2012 to 2017. He went on to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

Georgia Bell

Ealing’s middle-distance talent, winning Olympic bronze at the 2024 Olympics in the 1500 metres on her Olympic debut. Georgia was a strong young runner – representing Ealing in the London Youth Games in 2011. She decided to give up athletics after suffering a succession of injuries, however returned to the sport in 2020, taking part in parkrun and rediscovering her love of running.

Daryll Neita

Lewisham’s sprint sensation, is now a five-time global medalist, having won relay silver in Paris and relay bronze in Rio and Tokyo. When she was younger, Daryll represented Lewisham at the London Youth Games in 2010, competing in the 100m and Long Jump. She made history in Paris 2024 with a fourth-place finish in the Olympics 100m final.

black male with arms crossed, Geoff Thompson

PROF. GEOFF THOMPSON MBE

Chair Geoff has a 35 year track record delivering initiatives at major sporting events, such as London 2012 and setting up his own charity, Youth Charter. He brings considerable experience with London Youth Games, spending his early career as an Area Sports Officer for Hammersmith and Fulham. He brings a wealth of knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion, a real asset to London Youth Games vision to create “the world’s most inclusive city-focused Games”.

NEIL DAUGHERTY

Independent Trustee Neil is the Senior Managing Director at Teneo, specializing in strategic communications and reputation management. He has a strong personal and professional interest in sport, with extensive experience working with sports bodies, charities, clubs, and sponsors across the UK and globally.

ELIZABETH DUNN

Independent Trustee Lizzie is a Partner at Bird & Bird LLP, specializing in sports and gambling law. With experience advising major sports bodies and working with the London 2012 Olympic Games, she focuses on regulatory and commercial matters in the sports sector.

HESTER SCOTTON

Independent Trustee Hester is Chief Financial Officer at Potter Clarkson. She brings a wealth of experience in strengthening finance control environments to her position as Board member.

CLLR CAROLINE COOPER-MARBIAH

Member Representative As a long-serving councillor and advocate for accessible sports and open spaces, Cllr. Caroline brings extensive experience in education, health, and community services to the London Youth Games board. With a strong commitment to youth development, inclusion, and public health, her involvement ensures the Games create lasting impact for young people across London.

CLLR HILARY MOORE

Member Representative As a Lewisham Councillor, Cllr. Hilary brings extensive experience in education, safeguarding, and youth development to the board. As an Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead for Capital City College Group, her expertise ensures young participants are safe, included and supported, while her background in law and governance strengthens strategic decision-making.

CLLR ANDREW WOOLDRIDGE

Member Representative As a Kingston Councillor, Andrew brings valuable expertise in local government and policy to the board. His ability to navigate funding opportunities, influence strategic decisions and knowledge of local authorities and schools helps expand access to sport for young people across London.

MALVIN KAMARA

Independent Trustee A former professional footballer and Sierra Leone international, Malvin brings valuable experience in both elite sports and business leadership to the London Youth Games board. He brings expertise in recruitment, consultancy, and strategic growth to support the Games.

CLLR JOYCE RYAN

Advisor to the Board Joyce brings 3 decades of public service and sports advocacy experience to the London Youth Games board. As a long-serving Redbridge councillor and Trustee of London Sport, she is dedicated to making London a healthier, more connected city through physical activity.

Katie Berry

CEO Katie is responsible for the overall management and direction of the charity, reporting to the board of trustees. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, team leadership, stakeholder engagement and ensuring governance and compliance.

Lucy Baines

Head of Events Lucy oversees the planning and delivery of 50+ annual sports events, managing logistics, budgets, risk assessments, and team coordination to ensure safe, positive experiences for young people.

Ali Speechly

Head of Sport As Head of Sport, Ali is responsible for leading the sports team in the delivery of sports programmes, events and competitions of the highest quality.

Yolanda Martin

Marketing & Communications Manager Yolanda leads marketing and communications, promoting the charity’s sports events and mission through social media, press outreach, and campaigns to engage participants, attract sponsors, and increase awareness.

Emma Cranston

Disability Activation Manager Emma is responsible for leading the development and delivery of the organisation’s work providing growing participation and volunteering opportunities for young disabled people.

Becca Stone

Sports & Events Officer As Sports and Events Officer, Becca is responsible for creating exceptional sport events for young people across our School & Open Games programmes.

SHARON EYERS

Sports & Delivery Officer As Sports and Delivery Officer, Sharon is responsible for the delivery of the sports programme to deliver competitions of the highest quality.

REBBECA WILLIAMS

Youth Engagement and Media Intern Rebbeca supports the workforce and media teams to ensure young people are put at the heart of what we do through our youth engagement and leadership programme, LYG33 and through social media.

RORY YATES

Sports Delivery and Development Officer As Sports Delivery and Development Officer, Rory is responsible for the delivery of the sports programme to deliver competitions of the highest quality.

ABBY JONES

Sports Delivery and Development Officer As Sports Delivery and Development Officer, Abby is responsible for the delivery of the sports programme to deliver competitions of the highest quality.

Pat Andrews

Games Referee Pat is part of the LYG Games Referee team, who are responsible for ensuring the LYG Games Rules are upheld and that all those taking part are eligible.

Julie Ferrett

Games Referee Julie is part of the LYG Games Referee team, who are responsible for ensuring the LYG Games Rules are upheld and that all those taking part are eligible.