As a Lecturer and Teaching Fellow in Sports Management at the University of Stirling, I am dedicated to fostering academic and professional excellence in higher education. My personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching drives my work in equipping the next generation of sports industry leaders.I coordinate key modules such as Sports Finance, Sports Management and Marketing Challenges (Postgraduate), and Research Methods for Sports Studies… Show more As a Lecturer and Teaching Fellow in Sports Management at the University of Stirling, I am dedicated to fostering academic and professional excellence in higher education. My personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching drives my work in equipping the next generation of sports industry leaders.I coordinate key modules such as Sports Finance, Sports Management and Marketing Challenges (Postgraduate), and Research Methods for Sports Studies (Undergraduate). My deep expertise in sport finance and governance enables me to deliver valuable insights, fostering a rich learning environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.In the past 12 months, I have received four teaching observations, which have highlighted my use of interactive teaching techniques and innovative assessment methods. I regularly employ technologies like Mentimeter and Padlet to enhance student engagement, while integrating real-world case studies and current financial data to make the content accessible and relevant.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:- Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and recipient of two 2024 RATE Awards: Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Academic Mentorship.- Coordinator of Sports Finance, Sports Management and Marketing Challenges, and Research Methods for Sports Studies.- Supervisor of 4th-year and MSc dissertations, mentoring students throughout their research journey.Recognised for innovative teaching methods and student engagement strategies.In addition to teaching, I contribute to scholarship through research on community-based sports governance and by co-authoring chapters for an upcoming Bloomsbury textbook on Sports Management. My initiative, "Stirling on the Ball," provides MSc students with hands-on sports management experience, further bridging the gap between academia and the sports industry. Show less

As the Founder and Head of Club Development Consultancy, I have led the growth of one of the UK's premier Sports Consultancy units. Established as a social enterprise, Club Development Consultancy focuses on empowering community clubs by building capacity in critical areas such as funding, governance, and community engagement.Since its inception, I have directed all aspects of the consultancy's operations, from developing free-to-access resources to delivering hands-on services tailored… Show more As the Founder and Head of Club Development Consultancy, I have led the growth of one of the UK's premier Sports Consultancy units. Established as a social enterprise, Club Development Consultancy focuses on empowering community clubs by building capacity in critical areas such as funding, governance, and community engagement.Since its inception, I have directed all aspects of the consultancy's operations, from developing free-to-access resources to delivering hands-on services tailored to clubs. I have successfully guided numerous professional and grassroots clubs, including notable partnerships with St Mirren, Annan Athletic, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, and Dunbar United. My work has resulted in clubs adopting new governance structures, becoming charitable entities, and fostering stronger community ties.Key Achievements:- Spearheaded the incorporation of over 50 sports clubs across the UK, transforming them into community-focused, charitable entities.- Led governance reviews, feasibility studies, and facility development partnerships for various sports clubs.- Secured over £100,000 in grant funding for community-based sport programs, helping clubs like Lismore Rugby Football Club and AM Soccer Club.- Formed strategic partnerships with national governing bodies such as SportScotland, Scottish Athletics, Bowls Scotland, and Scottish Golf, delivering workshops and ongoing support to clubs on governance, incorporation, and community asset transfers.- Supported sports organisations in raising more than £6 million through community shares and other funding initiatives.By fostering sustainable and community-oriented club structures, Club Development Consultancy has become a trusted partner for sports organisations across the UK. Show less

As Chief Executive of Supporters Direct Scotland, I was responsible for empowering and developing sustainable community sport clubs and democratic supporter organisations. Appointed in 2014, I led SD Scotland through a period of significant growth, focusing on enhancing community engagement and driving forward initiatives that supported Scottish football fans and clubs alike.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:- Spearheaded the incorporation of SD Scotland as a… Show more As Chief Executive of Supporters Direct Scotland, I was responsible for empowering and developing sustainable community sport clubs and democratic supporter organisations. Appointed in 2014, I led SD Scotland through a period of significant growth, focusing on enhancing community engagement and driving forward initiatives that supported Scottish football fans and clubs alike.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:- Spearheaded the incorporation of SD Scotland as a community-owned, non-profit organisation.- Successfully generated £450k in income through a combination of grants, consultancy services, and sponsorship, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the organisation.- Led SD Scotland’s representation to the Scottish FA Congress, securing its role as the official National Supporters' body in Scotland.- Established and managed SD Scotland's consultancy arm, Club Development Consultancy, which continues to provide strategic support to sports clubs across the UK.- Developed the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) Development Programme, ensuring best practices in fan engagement. I also had the honour of presenting the progress of this project to UEFA.- Secured funding from The Paul Hamlyn Ideas and Pioneers fund to assess the feasibility of a community development-focused social investment fund for sports clubs.My tenure at SD Scotland was defined by a commitment to community ownership and sustainable development in Scottish sports, with a focus on empowering supporters and community clubs to take active roles in their governance and operations. Show less