Our Trustees
Eamonn O’Rourke
Chairperson
Eamonn O’Rourke joined the association as Chairperson in January 2023, bringing significant strategic experience and expertise. Eamonn is currently Chief Executive of Manchester Active as well as having board positions with a number of National Governing Bodies and community sports organisations. Prior to this Eamonn was Head of Community and Cultural Services for Manchester City Council where he played a key role in the establishment of the infrastructure associated with the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
David McHendry
David is the Managing Director at Knight Kavanagh & Page Ltd., one of the UK’s largest sport, leisure and open space management consultancy companies. He has over 30 years’ experience in the sport and leisure industry, with his early experience in facility management and sports development.
Aaron Saxton
Aaron aka: Sax is a long serving Trustee of TeamMCR, supporting the charity’s mission to develop the whole child through physical activity, sport, wellbeing, and life skills. With over 25 years’ experience in education, leadership, and digital innovation, he brings strategic insight, governance expertise, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Since joining the Board in 2018, Aaron has supported TeamMCR’s digital transformation, governance, and growth, helping ensure the charity continues to create positive, lifelong impact for young people across Manchester.
Amy Fletcher
Amy is Head of People Change at BUPA. She is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Human Resources professional who has worked extensively in both the health and education sectors comprising 8 years at BUPA and 9 years at University of Salford.
Nigel Birkett
Nigel is a chartered accountant and spent over 20 years with professional services firm Deloitte, specialising in corporate finance. He recently set up his own consultancy practice to advise UK SMEs in relation to raising finance. In addition, he sits on the Lancaster University Finance and General Purposes Committee. He is also a good quality Tennis player currently playing in national masters tournaments
Martin Roberts
Martin has extensive experience in the community and education sectors. He is currently Chair of the North Manchester Sports and Activity Forum and a Trustee of Collyhurst and Moston Boxing Club. Previously Martin spent 5 years as Community Sports Development Manager at Manchester City Council before spending 13 years as a Senior Leader at Manchester Communication Academy while also spending 6 years as a Governor of a North Manchester Primary School.
Chris Edmunds
Sue Whatmough
Sue is Headteacher at Manchester Communication Academy. Having started her career teaching PE, she is currently working at a national level on a number of projects with the Youth Sport Trust and brings valuable insight to the board
Eileen Anderson
Headteacher at Saviour Primary School, Eileen joined the board in October 2024. She is passionate about the difference that High Quality Physical Education, Sport and Physical Activity can make to the lives of Young People.
Melanie Haworth
Ruth Lindsey
Gary Lintern
Head of Faculty at Connell College, Gary joined the board in 2022 and is our Further Education representative