Sport and Social Change Launch

This webinar will mark the official launch of our new BA Sport and Social Change undergraduate degree at St Mary’s.

The focus of the event will be “exploring the wider social role for sport” with a focus upon how sport can be used as a tool to challenge inequalities. Speakers will discuss what they believe are the key tools and strategies to promote positive change.

Devin Ibanez

The first openly gay rugby player in Major League Rugby. Devin is also involved in using his platform to be a voice in supporting LGBT+ issues in sport.

Sam Sawhney

Community Coordinator at Laureus Sport for Good, Sam works with Laureus’ Model City programme, a new partnership between Laureus Sport for Good, Nike and the Mayor of London, aimed at improving social integration through sport and empowering local people to drive the change they want to see in their community.

Maisie Ward

Maisie is the St Mary’s Student’s Union Sports President. Her role is to advocate for students whilst also creating/developing sport and health lifestyle campaigns that reflect equality and inclusion of our student body. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she had to adapt, take a broader approach and be creative in my role this year to maintain engagement in sport. This year she has focused engaging minority groups within sport and breaking down barriers to ensure inclusivity across our sport and physical activity programme at St Mary’s.

Jonathan Reid

Project Coordinator at Chelsea Football Club Foundation, Jonathan is a St Mary’s graduate and works in alternative education provision with the Chelsea FC Foundation

Steve O’Connor

Steve is the founder and CEO of Fulham Reach Boat Club, an award-winning charity working towards a vision of Rowing for All.“ From schools to prisons, FRBC works to use the power of sport to help improve the lives of those most in need.”

Jodie Whitford-Stark

Coach Development Officer at the FA High Performance Centre at St Mary’s, Jodie will present on challenging attitudes within women’s Football and what needs to be done in order to work towards gender equality and excellence in women’s football.