GIS GLobal sports summit London
Thursday 14th May - Thursday 21st May 2026
Tuesday 19th
Thursday 21st
Wednesday 20th
Saturday 16th
Monday 18th
Friday 15th
Thursday 14th
sunday 17th
From pavillion to pitch
The Rise of the Women's game
Arrival Day
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY
LEGACY AND LAUNCHPAD
the premier league live experience
HOME OF RUGBY TO CENTRE COURT
DEPARTURE DAY
Accommodation Details
Conference day at Arch View House
Guest Speaker Session: Leaders in Women's Sportswear @CopperJax Community Stadium
Conference day in Wembley stadium with various guest speakers Attendees will take part in a case study task
Check out of Accommodation and Depart.
Tour of Lords Cricket Ground followed by Guest Speaker Discussions
Free Morning/Early Afternoon to explore London
Timings for the day!
Pre-Travel Checklist
Guest speakers from Euros UK & Ireland 2028, The FA & The Premier League + more!
Click on any coloured tab to find out more!
Match Day Control Seminar followed by Tour of Allianz Stadium
How to get there!
Timings for the day!
Official Welcome
Arrive in London and check-in at the accommodation.
Speaker Biographies
Timings for the day!
Timings for the day!
London City Lionesses VS Aston Villa KO 13:00
Speaker Biographies
BrentfordVS Crystal Palace KO: 15:00
Timings for the day!
Case Study Task
AND
Rooming List
Have any questions?Reach out to the GIS Event Team via email!
Speaker Biographies
Tour of Wembley Stadium
Speaker Biographies
Middlesex V Derbyshire
Tour of Wimbledon Grounds & Museum visit
Speaker Biographies
Speaker Biographies
Sports Industry Networking Evening @Wembley Stadium!
BOXPARK evening social should you wish to join.
Timings for the day!
Free Evening to explore London
Speaker Biographies
NOTE:Additional summit activities, speaker biographies & daily timings will be added to this document in due course!
*Schedule is subject to change
🚇 From Wembley Park Station Exit the station and follow signs for Wembley Stadium. Walk down Olympic Way toward the stadium arch. Continue past the stadium toward First Way. Turn left onto First Way. Arch View House is around an 8–10 minute walk. 🚆 From Wembley Stadium Station Exit onto Olympic Way and walk toward Wembley Stadium. Continue toward First Way and turn right onto First Way. Arch View House is around a 10–12 minute walk. 🏨 From Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium Hotel Exit the hotel and head toward Wembley Stadium/Olympic Way. Walk toward First Way and continue past the stadium area. Arch View House is approximately a 5–8 minute walk depending on the hotel entrance used. 📍 Address: Arch View House, First Way, Wembley HA9 0JD
🚇 From Wembley Park Station Exit the station and follow signs for Wembley Stadium. Walk down Olympic Way toward the stadium arch. Continue past the stadium toward First Way. Turn left onto First Way. Arch View House is around an 8–10 minute walk. 🚆 From Wembley Stadium Station Exit onto Olympic Way and walk toward Wembley Stadium. Continue toward First Way and turn right onto First Way. Arch View House is around a 10–12 minute walk. 🏨 From Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium Hotel Exit the hotel and head toward Wembley Stadium/Olympic Way. Walk toward First Way and continue past the stadium area. Arch View House is approximately a 5–8 minute walk depending on the hotel entrance used. 📍 Address: Arch View House, First Way, Wembley HA9 0JD
Rooming List
Rohan Shukla, Partnerships Manager, Cardiff City FCHolding a Masters in Sports Management with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a keen sports and fitness enthusiast, having been associated with this field for over 5 years. Career aspiration is to be play a pivotal role in sports club management and strategic partnerships planning, and excel in areas, such as Commercial, Sales, Marketing, Media and Communications and Business Administration. Currently pursuing my dream job as Partnerships Manager at Cardiff City Football Club. Previously having worked at West Ham FC, Watford FC, and Portsmouth FC.
Alfie Crickmar, Higher Education Manager for West Ham United Foundation/UEL & International Community Lead, The Premier League A football coach, educator, and sport development professional with experience across elite football, higher education, and international programmes. He currently works with the Premier League, delivering coach education and international development initiatives, and has supported programmes globally to develop community coaches and expand access to the game. Alongside this, Alfie has held a range of coaching and leadership roles within the women’s game, including working with West Ham United Women’s Academy, Arsenal Girls Academy, and as Head of Women’s Football at the University of East London. He also works in higher education as a lecturer, supporting students pursuing careers in sport, and is an active coach currently involved in the senior women’s game. Passionate about the power of sport to inspire and transform lives, Alfie brings practical insight into coaching pathways, player development, and the evolving landscape of football.
Catherine Watson, Director of Strategic Projects, Pitch International Leading multi-disciplinary initiatives, including major strategic advisory projects with an emphasis on event creation, investment and commercialisation. Catherine is passionate about professional development and sharing practical insights from her career journey with emerging talent. Has also been a Member Board of Directors at the Netball Player Association and worked for the Arnold Clark Cup and England Rugby World Cup 2015.
Amy Wickham, Senior Client Manager (Qatar Airways), Pitch International A sports events and client services professional currently working with Pitch International, where she delivers and supports high-profile global sporting events and hospitality programmes. A graduate of the University of Birmingham with First Class Honours in Sport and Exercise Health Sciences, Amy has gained hands-on experience across major events including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA EURO 2024, the Commonwealth Games, and the Great Manchester Run. Her work focuses on event delivery, client experience, and operations, managing VIP programmes and large-scale logistics for international audiences. With a strong passion for sport and live events, Amy brings first-hand insight into the fast-paced world of global sports event management and the opportunities within the industry.
Hotel Details
The group will be staying at the Premier Inn located next to Wembley Stadium for the entirety of the summit. All attendees who have selected a summit ticket to include accommodation will be allocated a room mate for the duration of the summit.
Check in from: 3pm Thu 14 May 2026
Check out by: 12pm Thu 21 May 2026
Check-in Address; Hotel Address: London, United Kingdom, HA09 0GG
Transport and local information:
London Designer Outlet - 0.1 mile
Wembley Stadium - 0.1 mile
Wembley Stadium Railway Station – 0.2 miles
Wembley Arena – 0.4 miles
London Heathrow Airport – 18.5 miles
Breakfast is included!
Pre-Travel Checks
Passport (if required)CurrencyMobile PhoneVisa (if required)Business cards
Dress code
Saturday 16th May
Renee Fraser-Shepherd, Founder and CEO, Sloobie
The founder of Sloobie, an innovative skiwear brand focused on making outdoor and winter sports more accessible and inclusive for women. She is a First-Class graduate of Northumbria University and has built a strong following as an entrepreneur working across design, branding, and product development. Renee is also passionate about social impact, with volunteer experience supporting community food initiatives. She brings practical insight into entrepreneurship, creative industries, and building purpose driven brands.
Emma Swords, Professional Rugby Player @Harlequins Women and Founder of Below The Shoulder A professional rugby player with Harlequins Women and the founder of Below The Shoulder, a brand focused on athlete identity, lifestyle, and community beyond sport. A graduate of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Emma combines elite sporting experience with entrepreneurship, working across product launches, events, and customer engagement. She is passionate about empowering athletes to build sustainable careers alongside and beyond competition.
Friday 15th May
Michael Kennoy, Finance & Operations Officer, ICC A professional working with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he contributes to the development and delivery of international sport at a global level. He is an alumnus of Coventry University, graduating with distinction and receiving the Course Tutor’s Prize for Academic Achievement. With experience spanning education and high-performance sporting environments, Michael brings valuable insight into careers in international sport, governance, and professional development.
Esther Jones Russell, Senior Volunteers Manager, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) A sport-for-development professional specialising in inclusion, policy, and social impact. Previously, Esther worked in international football, including as Head of Policy: Social Inclusion at the Fare network, and with the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), delivering global inclusion projects at major events such as the FIFA World Cup. Alongside her professional work, Esther has extensive grassroots experience and is currently Chair of the Amateur FA Inclusion Advisory Group, supporting efforts to make football more inclusive and accessible for all. She is a passionate advocate for using sport as a tool to create more equitable and welcoming communities.
Friday 15th May
Michael Kennoy, Finance & Operations Officer, ICC A professional working with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he contributes to the development and delivery of international sport at a global level. He is an alumnus of Coventry University, graduating with distinction and receiving the Course Tutor’s Prize for Academic Achievement. With experience spanning education and high-performance sporting environments, Michael brings valuable insight into careers in international sport, governance, and professional development.
Esther Jones Russell, Senior Volunteers Manager, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)A sport-for-development professional specialising in inclusion, policy, and social impact. Previously, Esther worked in international football, including as Head of Policy: Social Inclusion at the Fare network, and with the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), delivering global inclusion projects at major events such as the FIFA World Cup. Alongside her professional work, Esther has extensive grassroots experience and is currently Chair of the Amateur FA Inclusion Advisory Group, supporting efforts to make football more inclusive and accessible for all. She is a passionate advocate for using sport as a tool to create more equitable and welcoming communities.
Mark Clemmit, BBC Broadcaster and Event HostMark Clemmit, known to many as Clem, is a renowned TV and radio broadcaster, event host, and presentation coach. He is celebrated for his relaxed, access-all-areas style as the features reporter on BBC One's Football Focus and as part of the studio presentation team on Final Score. Mark is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live, where he has hosted flagship programs like 5 Live Sport and covered major events such as The Great North Run. With extensive experience in English football, Mark has facilitated numerous activities for the Football Association and regularly hosts events for the Professional Footballers Association and the League Managers Association. Sharona Friedman, President, Founder, Global Institute of Sport Sharona Friedman is a dynamic leader in the field of sports education. As the President of GIS, she is at the helm of the world’s leading destination for education in sport. Her vision and strategic goals drive GIS’s mission to empower the next generation of sports professionals. Before taking on her role at GIS, Sharona served as the Chief Marketing Officer at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB), where she remains a Director. Her experience in sports marketing and education has positioned her as a key influencer in the industry. GIS, powered by a global network of industry leaders and elite stadium venues, is committed to raising standards and providing exceptional academic delivery. Under Sharona’s leadership, GIS continues to shape the future of sports education worldwide. James McKeown, Chief Operating Officer, Global Institute of Sport James McKeown is the Chief Operating Officer of the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), where he leads the world's premier sports education institution. With a background in professional basketball and sports marketing, James has worked with high-profile clients such as the NBA and the London 2012 Olympic Games. He joined UCFB in 2014, launching their Wembley Stadium campus and expanding GIS internationally to cities like London, New York, and Melbourne. James is dedicated to improving diversity in sports education, spearheading scholarship initiatives and mentoring programs to inspire students from all backgrounds.
Elena Murphy, Head of International Stakeholder Relations, League Managers AssociationOver 15 years’ sports industry experience, specialising in developing member-based organisations through innovative stakeholder engagement, operational excellence, and cross-cultural partnership development. Proven track record of driving organisational growth, managing complex multi-stakeholder environments, and advancing strategic initiatives in global sports ecosystems. Currently sits as a Board Member for Football Coaches Australia and has been a Global Consultant for GIS since 2024. She now has a new job role with GIS that you can ask her about.
Jennie Cooper, Head of Planning & Operational Readiness - UEFA Euro 2028 UK & Ireland Jennie is a leading figure in major sports event strategy and operations, currently serving as Head of Planning and Operational Readiness at UEFA Euro 2028 UK & Ireland. With over a decade of experience across Olympic, Paralympic, and international sporting events, Jennie has held senior roles with the British Paralympic Association, UEFA EURO 2020, the ECB Cricket World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, and the Invictus Games.
Her expertise spans strategic planning, team operations, and multi-stakeholder coordination, including serving as Deputy Chef de Mission for Paralympics GB at Beijing 2022 and leading operational delivery for Team UK at the Invictus Games. Jennie’s work continues to shape the delivery of world-class sporting experiences across the UK and beyond.
Chris Ramsey, MBE, Professional Development Phase Lead for England National Teams, The FA Chris Ramsey MBE is one of the most respected voices in English football, recognised for his outstanding contribution to coaching, player development and diversity in sport. A former professional footballer, Chris has played and coached across every level of the game, including leadership roles with the English FA, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to football and diversity in sport.
Known for his commitment to inclusion, Chris has become a sought-after speaker on high-performance culture, diversity and equality, leadership under pressure, and talent development. Drawing on more than four decades in elite sport, he shares powerful insights on resilience, teamwork and creating environments where people can thrive.
Todd Howley, Finance Business Partner (Teams & Performance), The FA & GIS Alumnus Specialising in football development, talent identification, and performance analysis to support the England national teams. He holds a UEFA C Licence and multiple PFSA qualifications across scouting, reporting, and data analytics, with academic experience from the Global Institute of Sport MSc International Sports Management.
Mikhela Treon, Marketing & Content Coordinator, WSL Specialising in sports media, marketing, and digital communications within elite women’s sport. Her career focuses on using strategic storytelling, content, and audience engagement to support the growth and visibility of the women’s game.
She holds an MSc in Sports Marketing and Media (Distinction) from the Global Institute of Sport, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture, bringing a creative and analytical skill set to her work. Mikhela has led and contributed to applied projects across women’s football, including content strategy, CRM, and global marketing work linked to clubs, leagues, and national team campaigns.
A South Asians in Football Leadership Scholarship recipient and GIS President’s Award winner, Mikhela is also a co founder of the Women in Sport Society, championing inclusion and leadership development across the sports industry.
Jay Treloar, General Manager, AFL Europe Treloar works with AFL Europe and has an extensive background in secondary education and school leadership. He is an experienced senior leader who combines expertise in education, leadership, and sport to support young people’s development both in and beyond the classroom.
Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree from Griffith University and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after moving to the UK. Through his work in education and international sport, he brings valuable insight into leadership, career pathways, and the transferable skills developed through sporting and educational environments.
GIS Global Sports Summit London 2026
Carena Guthrie
Created on March 10, 2026
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Transcript
GIS GLobal sports summit London
Thursday 14th May - Thursday 21st May 2026
Tuesday 19th
Thursday 21st
Wednesday 20th
Saturday 16th
Monday 18th
Friday 15th
Thursday 14th
sunday 17th
From pavillion to pitch
The Rise of the Women's game
Arrival Day
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY
LEGACY AND LAUNCHPAD
the premier league live experience
HOME OF RUGBY TO CENTRE COURT
DEPARTURE DAY
Accommodation Details
Conference day at Arch View House
Guest Speaker Session: Leaders in Women's Sportswear @CopperJax Community Stadium
Conference day in Wembley stadium with various guest speakers Attendees will take part in a case study task
Check out of Accommodation and Depart.
Tour of Lords Cricket Ground followed by Guest Speaker Discussions
Free Morning/Early Afternoon to explore London
Timings for the day!
Pre-Travel Checklist
Guest speakers from Euros UK & Ireland 2028, The FA & The Premier League + more!
Click on any coloured tab to find out more!
Match Day Control Seminar followed by Tour of Allianz Stadium
How to get there!
Timings for the day!
Official Welcome
Arrive in London and check-in at the accommodation.
Speaker Biographies
Timings for the day!
Timings for the day!
London City Lionesses VS Aston Villa KO 13:00
Speaker Biographies
BrentfordVS Crystal Palace KO: 15:00
Timings for the day!
Case Study Task
AND
Rooming List
Have any questions?Reach out to the GIS Event Team via email!
Speaker Biographies
Tour of Wembley Stadium
Speaker Biographies
Middlesex V Derbyshire
Tour of Wimbledon Grounds & Museum visit
Speaker Biographies
Speaker Biographies
Sports Industry Networking Evening @Wembley Stadium!
BOXPARK evening social should you wish to join.
Timings for the day!
Free Evening to explore London
Speaker Biographies
NOTE:Additional summit activities, speaker biographies & daily timings will be added to this document in due course!
*Schedule is subject to change
🚇 From Wembley Park Station Exit the station and follow signs for Wembley Stadium. Walk down Olympic Way toward the stadium arch. Continue past the stadium toward First Way. Turn left onto First Way. Arch View House is around an 8–10 minute walk. 🚆 From Wembley Stadium Station Exit onto Olympic Way and walk toward Wembley Stadium. Continue toward First Way and turn right onto First Way. Arch View House is around a 10–12 minute walk. 🏨 From Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium Hotel Exit the hotel and head toward Wembley Stadium/Olympic Way. Walk toward First Way and continue past the stadium area. Arch View House is approximately a 5–8 minute walk depending on the hotel entrance used. 📍 Address: Arch View House, First Way, Wembley HA9 0JD
🚇 From Wembley Park Station Exit the station and follow signs for Wembley Stadium. Walk down Olympic Way toward the stadium arch. Continue past the stadium toward First Way. Turn left onto First Way. Arch View House is around an 8–10 minute walk. 🚆 From Wembley Stadium Station Exit onto Olympic Way and walk toward Wembley Stadium. Continue toward First Way and turn right onto First Way. Arch View House is around a 10–12 minute walk. 🏨 From Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium Hotel Exit the hotel and head toward Wembley Stadium/Olympic Way. Walk toward First Way and continue past the stadium area. Arch View House is approximately a 5–8 minute walk depending on the hotel entrance used. 📍 Address: Arch View House, First Way, Wembley HA9 0JD
Rooming List
Rohan Shukla, Partnerships Manager, Cardiff City FCHolding a Masters in Sports Management with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a keen sports and fitness enthusiast, having been associated with this field for over 5 years. Career aspiration is to be play a pivotal role in sports club management and strategic partnerships planning, and excel in areas, such as Commercial, Sales, Marketing, Media and Communications and Business Administration. Currently pursuing my dream job as Partnerships Manager at Cardiff City Football Club. Previously having worked at West Ham FC, Watford FC, and Portsmouth FC.
Alfie Crickmar, Higher Education Manager for West Ham United Foundation/UEL & International Community Lead, The Premier League A football coach, educator, and sport development professional with experience across elite football, higher education, and international programmes. He currently works with the Premier League, delivering coach education and international development initiatives, and has supported programmes globally to develop community coaches and expand access to the game. Alongside this, Alfie has held a range of coaching and leadership roles within the women’s game, including working with West Ham United Women’s Academy, Arsenal Girls Academy, and as Head of Women’s Football at the University of East London. He also works in higher education as a lecturer, supporting students pursuing careers in sport, and is an active coach currently involved in the senior women’s game. Passionate about the power of sport to inspire and transform lives, Alfie brings practical insight into coaching pathways, player development, and the evolving landscape of football.
Catherine Watson, Director of Strategic Projects, Pitch International Leading multi-disciplinary initiatives, including major strategic advisory projects with an emphasis on event creation, investment and commercialisation. Catherine is passionate about professional development and sharing practical insights from her career journey with emerging talent. Has also been a Member Board of Directors at the Netball Player Association and worked for the Arnold Clark Cup and England Rugby World Cup 2015.
Amy Wickham, Senior Client Manager (Qatar Airways), Pitch International A sports events and client services professional currently working with Pitch International, where she delivers and supports high-profile global sporting events and hospitality programmes. A graduate of the University of Birmingham with First Class Honours in Sport and Exercise Health Sciences, Amy has gained hands-on experience across major events including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UEFA EURO 2024, the Commonwealth Games, and the Great Manchester Run. Her work focuses on event delivery, client experience, and operations, managing VIP programmes and large-scale logistics for international audiences. With a strong passion for sport and live events, Amy brings first-hand insight into the fast-paced world of global sports event management and the opportunities within the industry.
Hotel Details
The group will be staying at the Premier Inn located next to Wembley Stadium for the entirety of the summit. All attendees who have selected a summit ticket to include accommodation will be allocated a room mate for the duration of the summit.
Check in from: 3pm Thu 14 May 2026 Check out by: 12pm Thu 21 May 2026
Check-in Address; Hotel Address: London, United Kingdom, HA09 0GG
Transport and local information: London Designer Outlet - 0.1 mile Wembley Stadium - 0.1 mile Wembley Stadium Railway Station – 0.2 miles Wembley Arena – 0.4 miles London Heathrow Airport – 18.5 miles
Breakfast is included!
Pre-Travel Checks
Passport (if required)CurrencyMobile PhoneVisa (if required)Business cards
- Notebook/folder/pens
Dress codeSaturday 16th May
Renee Fraser-Shepherd, Founder and CEO, Sloobie The founder of Sloobie, an innovative skiwear brand focused on making outdoor and winter sports more accessible and inclusive for women. She is a First-Class graduate of Northumbria University and has built a strong following as an entrepreneur working across design, branding, and product development. Renee is also passionate about social impact, with volunteer experience supporting community food initiatives. She brings practical insight into entrepreneurship, creative industries, and building purpose driven brands.
Emma Swords, Professional Rugby Player @Harlequins Women and Founder of Below The Shoulder A professional rugby player with Harlequins Women and the founder of Below The Shoulder, a brand focused on athlete identity, lifestyle, and community beyond sport. A graduate of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Emma combines elite sporting experience with entrepreneurship, working across product launches, events, and customer engagement. She is passionate about empowering athletes to build sustainable careers alongside and beyond competition.
Friday 15th May
Michael Kennoy, Finance & Operations Officer, ICC A professional working with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he contributes to the development and delivery of international sport at a global level. He is an alumnus of Coventry University, graduating with distinction and receiving the Course Tutor’s Prize for Academic Achievement. With experience spanning education and high-performance sporting environments, Michael brings valuable insight into careers in international sport, governance, and professional development.
Esther Jones Russell, Senior Volunteers Manager, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) A sport-for-development professional specialising in inclusion, policy, and social impact. Previously, Esther worked in international football, including as Head of Policy: Social Inclusion at the Fare network, and with the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), delivering global inclusion projects at major events such as the FIFA World Cup. Alongside her professional work, Esther has extensive grassroots experience and is currently Chair of the Amateur FA Inclusion Advisory Group, supporting efforts to make football more inclusive and accessible for all. She is a passionate advocate for using sport as a tool to create more equitable and welcoming communities.
Friday 15th May
Michael Kennoy, Finance & Operations Officer, ICC A professional working with the International Cricket Council (ICC), where he contributes to the development and delivery of international sport at a global level. He is an alumnus of Coventry University, graduating with distinction and receiving the Course Tutor’s Prize for Academic Achievement. With experience spanning education and high-performance sporting environments, Michael brings valuable insight into careers in international sport, governance, and professional development.
Esther Jones Russell, Senior Volunteers Manager, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB)A sport-for-development professional specialising in inclusion, policy, and social impact. Previously, Esther worked in international football, including as Head of Policy: Social Inclusion at the Fare network, and with the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), delivering global inclusion projects at major events such as the FIFA World Cup. Alongside her professional work, Esther has extensive grassroots experience and is currently Chair of the Amateur FA Inclusion Advisory Group, supporting efforts to make football more inclusive and accessible for all. She is a passionate advocate for using sport as a tool to create more equitable and welcoming communities.
Mark Clemmit, BBC Broadcaster and Event HostMark Clemmit, known to many as Clem, is a renowned TV and radio broadcaster, event host, and presentation coach. He is celebrated for his relaxed, access-all-areas style as the features reporter on BBC One's Football Focus and as part of the studio presentation team on Final Score. Mark is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live, where he has hosted flagship programs like 5 Live Sport and covered major events such as The Great North Run. With extensive experience in English football, Mark has facilitated numerous activities for the Football Association and regularly hosts events for the Professional Footballers Association and the League Managers Association. Sharona Friedman, President, Founder, Global Institute of Sport Sharona Friedman is a dynamic leader in the field of sports education. As the President of GIS, she is at the helm of the world’s leading destination for education in sport. Her vision and strategic goals drive GIS’s mission to empower the next generation of sports professionals. Before taking on her role at GIS, Sharona served as the Chief Marketing Officer at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB), where she remains a Director. Her experience in sports marketing and education has positioned her as a key influencer in the industry. GIS, powered by a global network of industry leaders and elite stadium venues, is committed to raising standards and providing exceptional academic delivery. Under Sharona’s leadership, GIS continues to shape the future of sports education worldwide. James McKeown, Chief Operating Officer, Global Institute of Sport James McKeown is the Chief Operating Officer of the Global Institute of Sport (GIS), where he leads the world's premier sports education institution. With a background in professional basketball and sports marketing, James has worked with high-profile clients such as the NBA and the London 2012 Olympic Games. He joined UCFB in 2014, launching their Wembley Stadium campus and expanding GIS internationally to cities like London, New York, and Melbourne. James is dedicated to improving diversity in sports education, spearheading scholarship initiatives and mentoring programs to inspire students from all backgrounds.
Elena Murphy, Head of International Stakeholder Relations, League Managers AssociationOver 15 years’ sports industry experience, specialising in developing member-based organisations through innovative stakeholder engagement, operational excellence, and cross-cultural partnership development. Proven track record of driving organisational growth, managing complex multi-stakeholder environments, and advancing strategic initiatives in global sports ecosystems. Currently sits as a Board Member for Football Coaches Australia and has been a Global Consultant for GIS since 2024. She now has a new job role with GIS that you can ask her about.
Jennie Cooper, Head of Planning & Operational Readiness - UEFA Euro 2028 UK & Ireland Jennie is a leading figure in major sports event strategy and operations, currently serving as Head of Planning and Operational Readiness at UEFA Euro 2028 UK & Ireland. With over a decade of experience across Olympic, Paralympic, and international sporting events, Jennie has held senior roles with the British Paralympic Association, UEFA EURO 2020, the ECB Cricket World Cup, Rugby League World Cup, and the Invictus Games. Her expertise spans strategic planning, team operations, and multi-stakeholder coordination, including serving as Deputy Chef de Mission for Paralympics GB at Beijing 2022 and leading operational delivery for Team UK at the Invictus Games. Jennie’s work continues to shape the delivery of world-class sporting experiences across the UK and beyond.
Chris Ramsey, MBE, Professional Development Phase Lead for England National Teams, The FA Chris Ramsey MBE is one of the most respected voices in English football, recognised for his outstanding contribution to coaching, player development and diversity in sport. A former professional footballer, Chris has played and coached across every level of the game, including leadership roles with the English FA, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to football and diversity in sport. Known for his commitment to inclusion, Chris has become a sought-after speaker on high-performance culture, diversity and equality, leadership under pressure, and talent development. Drawing on more than four decades in elite sport, he shares powerful insights on resilience, teamwork and creating environments where people can thrive.
Todd Howley, Finance Business Partner (Teams & Performance), The FA & GIS Alumnus Specialising in football development, talent identification, and performance analysis to support the England national teams. He holds a UEFA C Licence and multiple PFSA qualifications across scouting, reporting, and data analytics, with academic experience from the Global Institute of Sport MSc International Sports Management.
Mikhela Treon, Marketing & Content Coordinator, WSL Specialising in sports media, marketing, and digital communications within elite women’s sport. Her career focuses on using strategic storytelling, content, and audience engagement to support the growth and visibility of the women’s game. She holds an MSc in Sports Marketing and Media (Distinction) from the Global Institute of Sport, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture, bringing a creative and analytical skill set to her work. Mikhela has led and contributed to applied projects across women’s football, including content strategy, CRM, and global marketing work linked to clubs, leagues, and national team campaigns. A South Asians in Football Leadership Scholarship recipient and GIS President’s Award winner, Mikhela is also a co founder of the Women in Sport Society, championing inclusion and leadership development across the sports industry.
Jay Treloar, General Manager, AFL Europe Treloar works with AFL Europe and has an extensive background in secondary education and school leadership. He is an experienced senior leader who combines expertise in education, leadership, and sport to support young people’s development both in and beyond the classroom. Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree from Griffith University and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) after moving to the UK. Through his work in education and international sport, he brings valuable insight into leadership, career pathways, and the transferable skills developed through sporting and educational environments.