Community
Advisory Panel
England
Sporting Equals is proud to launch the Community Advisory Panel England — a dedicated group established to support and scrutinise the work being done to engage ethnically diverse communities in sport and physical activity at a grassroots level.
The Panel plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the voices, needs, and experiences of underrepresented communities are central to the future of sport in England.
Panel members have been carefully selected for their experience and expertise across sport and physical activity, as well as their deep understanding of the barriers faced by ethnically diverse communities. Their collective voice will help drive meaningful, long-term change in the sector.
Together, we are committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and representative sporting landscape for all.
Our Panel:
Azi Mohammed
Salaam Peace
Hi, I’m Azi, Chief Operating Officer at Salaam Peace—a user-led community organisation in East London. We deliver sports and education programmes that foster community, improve wellbeing, and inspire positive change.
Harmander Singh
Sikhs in the City
Sikhs In The City (SITC) was formed in 2009 by a group of older runners, including 98-year-old Fauja Singh, after completing the Edinburgh Marathon team relay. Based in East London, SITC has become a well-established running club, participating in marathons worldwide, often alongside interfaith groups, and raising money for charity. In 2019, SITC became a registered charity to promote racial and religious harmony through sport. While primarily a running club, SITC supports individuals across Olympic sports. With members from nine different faiths and none, SITC prides itself on being one of the most diverse clubs in the world.
Hasna Kahlalech
Step Up 2 Fitness
Hasna Kahlalech is the founder of Step Up 2 Fitness (SU2F). She has been running fitness sessions and wellbeing programmes in the community for over 15 years.
SU2F was founded by Hasna and a group of women living locally to North Paddington. Their aim was to ensure there was greater representation of ethnically diverse women and girls in physical activity. SU2F now operates across Westminster, Brent, Kensington and Chelsea. There are over 125 beneficiaries on a weekly basis now and the organisation has a strong record of empowering women to take part in their first half and full marathons, as well as taking up tennis, swimming and other water sports.
Jasbir Batt
Sporting Khalsa
Sporting Khalsa FC, founded in 1991, has grown from grassroots to a competitive non-league club. After a brief pause due to financial issues, it was revived in 2004 and made history in 2005 as the first British South Asian semi-professional club in England to own its ground. The club has since seen league promotions, FA Cup and Vase runs, and major upgrades, including a 3G pitch. Recently, the men’s team reached the Northern Premier League play-offs, and the women’s team earned promotion to tier 3. Community engagement, including disability football, remains central to Sporting Khalsa’s mission and identity.
Jessica Milloy
Asian Girls Run
Asian Girls Run inspires inactive women from all Asian backgrounds to prioritise physical activity in a safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental space. We focus on building a strong, social community where like-minded women can connect, get active, and enjoy the benefits of movement together. Our beginner-friendly approach supports women in taking their first steps into running and progressing toward larger races as part of the wider UK running community. We host a free weekly social run every Saturday, followed by coffee or matcha. Learn more, register, and join us at **AsianGirlsRun.com**. Let’s run, connect, and grow—together.
Khadija Patel
Krimmz Girls Youth Club
KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club is a vibrant community group in Bolton, empowering young women, girls, and their families through sport, leadership, and personal development. The club provides a safe, supportive space to build confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. Activities include martial arts, cycling, netball, archery, outdoor adventures, and leadership training—offering something for everyone. KRIMMZ champions inclusivity and works to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation to be confident, resilient, and active members of their community. Through empowerment and opportunity, KRIMMZ helps young people thrive and realise their full potential.
Marlon Commock
Pulse Social Sports CIC
Founded in 2018, Pulse Social is a not-for-profit community sports enterprise dedicated to increasing involvement, inclusion, and confidence in sports across London and surrounding areas. We offer a range of inclusive sporting activities and workshops for all ages, aiming to create a “Sporting Smile” on every participant’s face. At Pulse Social, we prioritize exceptional care, coaching, and supervision for all attendees. All coaching sessions are led by DBS-checked, qualified coaches and officials, ensuring the highest standards of safety and support for everyone involved.
Mohammed Ali
Communities For All
Communities for All operates in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, offering local residents, young and old, opportunities to connect with peers. We provide youth clubs, coffee mornings, and various activities at our centre, parks, and leisure centre to encourage physical activity and social interaction. Our goal is to promote community cohesion by engaging disadvantaged individuals in positive activities, developing social skills, and preventing involvement in anti-social behaviour. Most services are run by volunteers and are free of charge, ensuring everyone has access to opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
Nicky Iginla
Caring and Sharing Rochdale
Nicky Iginla (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Caring and Sharing Rochdale, a charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged community members. A passionate advocate for racial equality and empowerment, Nicky has extensive experience working with marginalized groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of abuse. Her work focuses on mental health awareness, social integration, and dismantling systemic barriers. Nicky amplifies the voices of ethnically diverse communities, addressing intersectional challenges and creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and heard.
Shannia Richardson-Gordon
Power Mobile Gym CIC
Our organisation unites communities through boxing and personal development programs. Combining physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience, we create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals build confidence, develop life skills, and form meaningful connections. We offer training for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes, along with workshops on goal-setting, leadership, and personal growth. Our mission is to empower individuals, break down social barriers, and inspire positive change, promoting health, respect, and unity for a brighter, more connected future.
Shiv Krishhan
Bradford Hindu Council
The Bradford Hindu Council (BHC) represents over 20 Hindu organisations in the Bradford Metropolitan District. Its purpose is to unite the Hindu community to benefit both members and wider society. BHC ensures the voice of Hindus in Bradford is heard, addressing issues that impact their lives. The council leads initiatives that contribute positively to the local community and works with local authorities to ensure active participation in Bradford’s development. By promoting Hindu customs, traditions, and festivals, BHC enhances Bradford’s reputation as a multicultural hub, uniting the Hindu community for the city’s prosperity and global recognition.
Dr Sukhdev Gill
Barford Tigers
Barford Tigers Hockey Club, with a rich 60-year history, is a model of sporting and community excellence. We have five men’s teams, two women’s teams, and a thriving junior section, catering to ages 6 to 70+. The club promotes healthy living by offering advice on health and nutrition, while encouraging a winning mentality in all members. Youth members benefit from mentoring by senior members with successful careers, fostering important life skills. Known for our diversity, we pride ourselves on being one of the friendliest and most inclusive hockey clubs in the country, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Tasha Thompson
Black Girls Do Run
Black Girls Do Run UK is a community empowering Black women to embrace running. Founded to challenge stereotypes and increase representation, it creates a supportive, inclusive space for women of all abilities. Through group runs, mentoring, and advocacy, the group encourages Black women to run for fitness, mental well-being, and joy. They participate in major races, charity events, and initiatives like the Strava Run Around the World challenge. Committed to visibility and community, Black Girls Do Run UK aims to break barriers, ensuring Black women feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated in the running world.
Aura Chacón Godoy
Leicester City in the Community Health and Wellbeing Coach and Active Women Project lead.
My role is to develop and deliver a wide range of sports interventions, health and physical activity opportunities and workforce development strategies to engage with the diverse communities in Leicester.
I liaise with community assets and local organisations to identify needs and develop resources that are implemented on a long-term basis as well as identifying, foster and implementing partner system collaborations with various NGB to bridge the sport representation gap within Leicester city.
I am also Sporting Equals 2023 Leaderboard Academy alumni and Coach Core Women in Sport Network panel member
