The charity hopes the appointments will bring a wealth of expertise to its cause as it sets out on a new 13-year strategy to raise public awareness of the generational impact of a life without sport and play. 

Neil Davidson CBE, Chair of the Youth Sport Trust, said:  

“This is an exciting time for the Youth Sport Trust as we embark on our new strategy. The charity’s mission has never been more important, and we welcome the appointments of Claire, Sajid and Shweta to our Board of Trustees.  

“They will bring a wealth of expertise to our new strategy which affirms our commitment to do things differently and be even more ambitious. We need to reach new audiences, going beyond education and politics to mobilise different types of changemakers. We are a rapidly growing charity and are ready to meet ambitious plans to ensure that every child grows up having a positive relationship with sport and play.” 

Movers and Shakers 

Claire Boakes has over 20 years’ experience leading industry-winning marketing, brand and partnership campaigns. Currently managing Land Rovers global sport & humanitarian portfolio, Claire has a passion for championing the next generation and purpose lead strategy. 

Sajid Gulzar is a National Leader of Education, has previously inspected for Ofsted and has worked internationally on behalf of the National Association of Special Educational Needs (NASEN) and Cambridge Education. Sajid is a guest lecturer at the University of Birmingham’s Education Leadership Academy and has served on the West Midlands Regional School’s Commissioner’s Head Teacher Board since 2017.    

Shweta Sharma is an experienced commercial strategist, business and technology leader. She has extensive experience creating and managing the end-to-end delivery of innovative digital products and services. She is passionate about creating fun, engaging and climate appropriate services, which are consumer first. Shweta was Director Entertainment at Xbox Europe, Middle East and Africa where she built a new commercial division by creating and scaling new sports, TV and apps products and services. She has led digital businesses spanning various industries, such as Navico, Disney and Harvey Nichols. Shweta is a non-executive board member of BT Group’s Technology Advisory Board and works across a diverse portfolio of companies. She is a proud mentor to women in tech and a champion for evolving culture in the workplace. 

The charity has also announced the appointment of two new observers to its Board of Trustees as rugby union player Shaunagh Brown and Executive Headteacher for two inner London primary schools, Abi Misselbrook-Lovejoy. 

To find out more about the Youth Sport Trust's people please visit www.youthsporttrust.org/about/our-people