Sports Speakers

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Jamell Anderson is a professional basketball player and Great Britain international, celebrated for his athleticism, leadership, and commitment to the game. A long-serving member of the Leicester Riders, he has won multiple trophies in the British Basketball League and represented Team England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Known for his defensive strength and versatility on court, Jamell is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation, regularly engaging in community outreach, mentoring, and using his platform to promote education, wellbeing, and opportunities through sport.

Charlie Austin is a professional footballer whose prolific goal-scoring has made him one of the most respected strikers in English football. Rising from non-league football to the Premier League, he has enjoyed successful spells with clubs including Burnley, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, and West Bromwich Albion, earning a reputation for his sharp finishing and determination. Beyond the pitch, Charlie is admired for his honesty, resilience, and connection with fans, sharing insights from his career and inspiring others with his journey from humble beginnings to the top level of the game.

Peter Bakare is a former Team GB volleyball player, Olympian, and writer whose journey from East London to the London 2012 Games is as inspiring as it is unique. Alongside his sporting career, Peter has worked as a scriptwriter for Skins and other creative projects, combining his passion for storytelling with his background in elite sport. He is also a dedicated advocate for youth engagement, using sport and the arts to inspire young people to overcome challenges, build confidence, and explore their potential. Through his speaking, Peter shares lessons on resilience, creativity, and the power of following unconventional paths to success.

Jonathan Broom-Edwards MBE is a Paralympic high jumper and motivational speaker, recognised for his resilience, determination, and sporting excellence. Born with congenital talipes (club foot), he discovered para athletics in his twenties and quickly rose to the top of his sport, winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and multiple World and European Championship medals. Beyond the track, Jonathan is a qualified performance coach and advocate for disability sport, using his platform to inspire others to overcome challenges, embrace their potential, and pursue their goals with passion and belief.

Frank Bruno MBE is a British boxing legend and one of the nation’s most beloved sporting figures. Renowned for his power, determination, and charisma, he became WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World in 1995 after a career that captured the hearts of millions. Beyond the ring, Frank has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, sharing his own experiences with honesty and courage to raise awareness and break stigma. His journey, both as a champion athlete and as a campaigner, continues to inspire resilience, hope, and strength.

Steven Caulker is a former England international footballer whose career has spanned the Premier League, Championship, and international stages. Having played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Swansea City, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool, as well as captaining Sierra Leone at the Africa Cup of Nations, he is recognised for his leadership on and off the pitch. Alongside his football journey, Steven has been open about his battles with mental health and addiction, using his experiences to inspire change and support others through advocacy, mentoring, and public speaking.

Anthony Clark is a former Great Britain badminton player and Olympian, recognised as one of the most successful doubles specialists in English badminton history. Competing at the highest level for over a decade, he represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, won medals at the World and European Championships, and secured multiple national titles. Since retiring from competition, Anthony has dedicated himself to coaching and developing the next generation of players, sharing his experience of elite sport, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the court.

Karl Dickson is a former professional rugby union player turned elite referee, whose career has spanned both the Premiership and the international stage. As a scrum-half, he represented Harlequins over 170 times, winning the Premiership title in 2012 before making the transition to refereeing. Since then, Karl has quickly established himself as one of the game’s top officials, overseeing matches in the Gallagher Premiership, European competitions, and at Test level. His unique perspective as both a player and referee allows him to share valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and decision-making at the highest level of sport.

Simon Grayson is a former professional footballer and highly respected manager, with a career spanning more than three decades in the game. As a player, he made over 500 appearances for clubs including Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Blackburn Rovers. Transitioning into management, Simon became renowned for his ability to guide teams to success, earning promotion with four different clubs — Blackpool, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, and Preston North End. Known for his leadership, resilience, and tactical acumen, he now shares lessons from his extensive experience in football to inspire and motivate audiences beyond the pitch.

Matt Jarvis is a former Premier League and England international footballer, best known for his pace, skill, and consistency as a winger. Over a career spanning more than 400 professional appearances, he played for clubs including Gillingham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United, and Norwich City, earning his England cap in 2011 against Ghana. Renowned for his professionalism and positive attitude on and off the pitch, Matt has become a respected voice in football since retiring, sharing insights into resilience, teamwork, and life at the highest level of the game.

Yona Knight-Wisdom is an Olympic diver who made history as Jamaica’s first-ever male Olympic diver, competing at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games. Known for his powerful performances from the springboard and his trailblazing role in Caribbean sport, Yona has become a source of pride and inspiration for athletes across the region and beyond. Alongside his international career, he is passionate about promoting diversity in aquatics, raising awareness of mental health in sport, and motivating young people to pursue their goals with discipline and resilience. His journey embodies determination, representation, and breaking barriers on the world stage.

Dean Macey is a former Olympic decathlete and one of Britain’s most admired all-round athletes. Nicknamed “The Dean Machine” for his grit and determination, he represented Team GB at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and won a World Championship silver medal, Commonwealth Games gold in 2006, and multiple top 10 finishes on the world stage. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Dean became a symbol of resilience and perseverance in athletics. Since retiring, he has built a successful career as a broadcaster and speaker, sharing his insights on mindset, overcoming adversity, and life at the highest level of sport.

Shona McCallin MBE is an Olympic gold medallist and former England and Great Britain hockey international. A key part of the squad that made history by winning gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, she went on to represent her country at multiple European and World Championships, earning over 100 caps during her career. Renowned for her work ethic, resilience, and leadership on and off the pitch, Shona has also been open about the challenges of injury and recovery, using her experiences to inspire others in sport and beyond. Today, she continues to make an impact through her speaking, mentoring, and advocacy for women in sport.

Mark O’Brien is a former professional footballer whose career included spells at Derby County, Motherwell, Luton Town, and Newport County, where he became a fan favourite for his leadership and determination. Remarkably, Mark overcame a life-threatening heart condition that required open-heart surgery at just 16 years old, defying the odds to return to the professional game and go on to make over 200 senior appearances. Forced to retire early due to injury, he now shares his powerful story of resilience, mental toughness, and adapting to life after football, inspiring audiences both within and beyond sport.

Paul Parker is a former England international footballer best known for his time at Manchester United, where he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup under Sir Alex Ferguson. Renowned as a quick and intelligent right-back, he earned 19 England caps and played a key role in the team’s memorable run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup. Since retiring, Paul has forged a successful career as a broadcaster, pundit, and speaker, sharing insights on football at the highest level, life in the spotlight, and the lessons of teamwork and resilience.

Ashleigh Plumptre is a Nigeria international footballer and former Leicester City Women defender, celebrated for her strength, composure, and leadership on the pitch. After beginning her career at Leicester and spending time in the US collegiate system, she returned to help her hometown club win promotion to the Women’s Super League. Choosing to represent Nigeria through her heritage, Ashleigh has become a key figure for the Super Falcons, playing at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) where she lifted the trophy, and competing on the world stage at the Women’s World Cup. Beyond football, she is admired for her authenticity, advocacy, and commitment to inspiring the next generation.

Dean Richards is a former England rugby international and highly respected coach, renowned as one of the game’s great leaders. As a powerful number eight, he earned 48 caps for England, featured in three Rugby World Cups, and represented the British & Irish Lions. At club level, he was a key figure in Leicester Tigers’ dominance during the 1980s and 90s, before moving into coaching where he guided clubs including Leicester, Harlequins, and Newcastle Falcons. Known for his deep understanding of the game, resilience, and leadership, Dean now shares lessons from his career in elite rugby to inspire audiences beyond the pitch.

Kemar Roofe is a professional footballer renowned for his versatility, technical ability, and eye for goal. Starting his career at West Bromwich Albion before making his name at Oxford United, he went on to star for Leeds United, Anderlecht in Belgium, and Rangers, where he became a key figure in their Scottish Premiership title-winning side under Steven Gerrard. Known for producing spectacular goals and performing on the European stage, Kemar has built a reputation as a hard-working, intelligent forward. Beyond football, he is passionate about giving back, using his platform to inspire young people and support community initiatives.

Matt Scott is a Scotland international rugby union player, recognised for his skill, strength, and consistency in the centre. Since making his debut in 2012, he has earned numerous caps for his country, representing Scotland at the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup. At club level, Matt has enjoyed successful spells with Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester, and Leicester Tigers, where he became part of the squad that lifted the Gallagher Premiership title in 2022. Respected for his professionalism and resilience, he continues to be a key figure on and off the pitch, inspiring teammates and supporters alike.

Alice Sharpe is an Irish Olympic cyclist who has represented her country at the highest level on both road and track. After switching from triathlon to cycling while at Manchester Metropolitan University, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a two-time Irish National Road Race Champion (2019, 2022) and an integral part of Ireland’s Team Pursuit squad, which broke the national record by almost six seconds and went on to secure Olympic qualification. She has also won European Championship bronze, Nations Cup silver, and competed at Paris 2024, inspiring the next generation of Irish cyclists. Beyond competition, Alice is passionate about promoting women’s sport and encouraging young people to pursue their goals with commitment and resilience.

Dr. Paul Stewart is a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool, enjoying a career at the highest level of English football. Since retiring, he has courageously spoken out about the abuse he suffered as a young player, becoming a leading advocate for safeguarding, welfare, and mental health within sport. Awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his campaigning, Paul now works tirelessly to raise awareness, support survivors, and ensure future generations are protected. His powerful story of resilience and determination continues to inspire change across football and beyond.

Robin Tarr is a Paralympian and inspirational speaker whose story embodies resilience, determination, and the power of sport to transform lives. Representing Great Britain on the international stage, Robin competed at the Paralympic Games and has since dedicated himself to advocating for disability sport and inclusion. Through his speaking, he shares powerful insights into overcoming adversity, building confidence, and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to reach their potential. Passionate about giving back, Robin continues to inspire audiences with his lived experience and commitment to making a difference.

Steve Walsh is a former Leicester City captain and club legend, renowned for his leadership, versatility, and wholehearted commitment on the pitch. During his 14 years at the club, he made over 450 appearances, playing both as a commanding centre-half and a powerful striker, and famously captained Leicester to two League Cup triumphs in 1997 and 2000. A fan favourite for his passion and never-say-die attitude, Steve remains one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history. Since retiring, he has continued to represent Leicester through media, community, and charity work, inspiring audiences with stories from his remarkable career.

Rebecca Wilde is an Olympic medallist rower for Great Britain, recognised for her dedication, resilience, and achievements on the international stage. She has represented her country at the highest level, winning medals at major championships and embodying the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that define rowing. Alongside her sporting career, Rebecca shares her story to inspire others, highlighting the lessons elite sport can teach about resilience, leadership, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Passionate about giving back, she continues to engage with communities and young people, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.