Sports Speakers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asmir Begović is a Premier League–winning goalkeeper and international footballer with over 60 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who has played at the highest level for clubs including Chelsea, Stoke City, Bournemouth and Everton. Known for his leadership, resilience and professionalism, Asmir brings first-hand insight into performing under pressure, elite mindset and life at the top of professional sport, alongside a strong commitment to charity and giving back.

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.

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.