DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL MANAGER: NORTH WEST

Tom is all about community and partnerships, and leads on this for star*. He looks after the efficiency of the team and cultivates partnerships with national bodies and regional offices such as the Police, NHS and Social Services. He liaises with religions and faith groups to understand their needs. With 13 years working in education and 7 years working in international development, he is well placed to be our Safeguarding Lead.

As well as a director, Tom is also Regional Manager in the North West, and is particularly passionate about a pilot project, Rugby Reset, a collaboration to divert vulnerable young people out of street gangs and knife gangs into community rugby.

He coaches an U10s team at Broughton Park (where he also played as a child), and believes in the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people.

Beyond work, Tom enjoys playing a range of sports, mountain walks, gardening and listening to his vinyl collection.

DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & REGIONAL MANAGER: SOUTH WEST

Sian Team looks after our team’s well being as well as the training and supporting our grassroots volunteers. She leads on establishing our Young Volunteers and the Young Peoples’ Board. Her inherent nurturing nature, means she is well placed to support our more complex families and co-manages the Regional Managers.

Sian studied sociology and psychology at university and grew up in a tight-knit rugby community. She has been part of star* since the beginning. Upon hearing of the star* scheme, a Chew Valley RFC, Sian volunteered to help bridge the gap between the new star* programme and players’ families and carers. A year later she started working as the first star* regional manager, bringing her magic to all of our Bristol and Bath clubs.

Sian is Mum to Olly and Nanci, as well as as a Rugby mum to so many other young people.

CHARITY MANAGER

Anna looks after everything behind the scenes that make star* work. She is focused on making us more efficient and effective. She manages the day-to-day activity of the team including procedures, protocols and policies.

Anna is currently looking at improving all out internal systems and communication streams. With the challenges of the most working remotely across the country, the way we collaborate is essential.

She loves working for star* because she is a grown-up star* kid and knows first-hand the difference having a trusted adult makes.

GIFTs (Grants, Investments, Foundations & Trusts)

Kelly plays a key role in securing funding for the vital work we do with young people. With a background in tech and telecoms, Kelly has a knack for making complex ideas clear, which she uses to create compelling grant proposals. 

Kelly is a recent Masters graduate in History of Art from the University of Bristol, and she has an eye for detail and a talent for storytelling. Her experience as a teaching assistant supporting children with SEN has taught her the importance of supporting every young person’s unique needs.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys volunteering at the Holburne Museum, indulging her love of art, or unwinding with a good book, live music, or her vinyl collection. After moving to the West Country with her family, she’s learning to navigate the local rugby scene, although the rules remain a mystery!

REGIONAL MANAGER: WALES

Jonny, based out of Scarlets Rugby, is proud to be the first of star* Regional Manager in Wales. He collaborates with Scarlets Community Foundation, to enroll 25 star* children at 10 clubs.

With 18 years working in education and rugby development within the region, he knows what a difference rugby can make to people.

Jonny is a level 3 coach / WRU coach educator with experience of coaching U7s through to seniors and has worked within the Scarlets Age grade pathway for 10 years.

Beyond work, Jonny is sport-mad, unfortunately, a Manchester United fanatic & keen cricketer. He is hoping to make an immediate impact with star* within Wales.

REGIONAL MANAGER: LONDON & SOUTH EAST

Ellie is Regional Manager for London and South East and is part of the Tackle London team, creating change for children in the London boroughs.

Ellie has a degree in Sports Science and Business with the Open University and has 5 years working in sports development. Beginning her sports coaching at secondary school, she's also coached in local schools and SEND sports clubs. Now, Ellie is a partner of the Rugbytots Winchester LLP after working there for 4 years.

Coming from a family that fosters young people and one that loves sports (particularly rugby and netball), Ellie has a passion for making sports available for all!

DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT

Natalie is the Director’s right hand and works very closely with Sian to support families, volunteers and clubs in the South West.

Natalie, having graduated with a teaching degree, spent 20 years as a police officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary working in Bristol. Her experiences working in Child Protection gave her an in depth knowledge of ACES and their impact on young people. She then went back to teaching primary aged children where she gained a deeper insight into the complexities of socio-cultural challenges and deprivation.

Outside of work, Natalie is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

EVENTS

With a Marketing & Events background over many years, Rosie’s experience includes working for a number of national companies in both retail and leisure / food & beverage markets.

Rosie will be channeling her energy & experience into her star* role by organising key events throughout the year to maximise fundraising opportunities and raise awareness of star* scheme.

Rosie is a keen rugby spectator who has supported her 2 boys over many years, whilst playing both school and club rugby.