One Island. One Vision. One Sporting Future.
Graham Biss (Chair)
Whether you are a talented athlete, an enthusiastic team member or one of the many volunteers who keep our clubs or groups alive, sport is such an important part of Island life. Sporting Island aims to support all parts of the sporting community to realise its full potential. By working together, we can make a real difference.
Lee Matthews (IOW Council)
Sport has played a central role in my life as a player, coach, volunteer and team manager. For more than 35 years, I have worked in sport on the Isle of Wight, helping to increase participation, develop clubs, improve facilities and secure investment through strong partnerships. I have also supported major events including the World Island Youth Games and Island Games, and remain an active participant in golf, tennis and padel
Claire Beasley (IW Sports Foundation)
I’ve always been a keen sportsperson and since moving to the Isle of Wight 10 years ago, have enjoyed running, gig-rowing, playing tennis and padel here. My teenage son plays football, rugby, hockey and cricket and so it seems like we are always out and about at one sports venue or another on the island. I’m keen to support the development of quality, accessible sports facilities for all”.
Sacha Nicholas (Hampshire FA)
I’ve worked in grassroots football for 25 years and seen the difference it can make especially when you provide the right sporting infrastructure, we want to make this happen on the IOW!”
Kevin Winchcombe, (Island Games Association)
Having been involved in sport for nearly 50 years as a player, coach, official and administrator, I have seen first-hand the positive impact it can have on people's lives. Sport builds confidence, resilience and self-discipline, creates lasting friendships, and brings communities together. I firmly believe it provides unique opportunities for personal growth and develops valuable life skills that extend far beyond the field of play.
Ross Edmunds (Sporting Island )
Sport has shaped much of my life, both through my professional career and voluntary involvement. I know how important local clubs are as places where people come together, stay active and feel part of a community. Sporting Island exists to support those clubs by providing a central place to connect, share experiences and work together for the benefit of sport across the Island.
Alex Minns (IOW Council)
Sport and Leisure has always been my main interest from a personal and professional perspective. My early career saw me managing sport and Leisure facilities across the country and large-scale events. More recently as a Service Director for the Isle of Wight council sport and leisure sits in my portfolio of services and I am very passionate about ensuring Islanders have the best sporting opportunities they can.
Nathan Persaud (Sported)
Nathan joined Sported in 2024 as Head of Operations, leading delivery across the UK. Passionate about the power of sport to change lives, he brings extensive experience across community sport, programme delivery, fundraising and governance. At Sported, the UK’s largest grassroots sport charity, Nathan helps support thousands of clubs that use sport to empower young people, strengthen communities and ensure no one is left on the sidelines.
Alan Marriot ( IW Sports Foundation/IW Sports Achievement Awards)
Since moving to the Isle of Wight in 1984 as sports editor of the IW County Press, I have developed a lifelong passion for Island sport. Now semi-retired, I continue to support local clubs and organisations, drawing on over 25 years with Island Bakeries CC, 12 years with Real Vectis Veterans, and personal experience of the importance of quality sporting facilities for local families.
Maddy Bune (Public Health)
Being active has always been an important part of my life, and I am passionate about helping others experience the benefits that movement, physical activity and sport can bring. In my role in Public Health, supporting people to move more and lead healthier lives is a key focus of my work, working alongside partners across the Island to improve opportunities for people to be active and to make physical activity and sport more accessible to all. Sporting Island plays an important role in supporting local clubs, strengthening provision and helping more people access high-quality opportunities to participate.
Alex Barton (IW Cricket Board)
I believe sport has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and create stronger communities. Through my work in cricket development across the Isle of Wight, I collaborate with clubs, schools, volunteers, and community organisations to grow participation, create inclusive opportunities, and help people experience the many benefits of being active and connected through sport.