Our people

Image of a rugby scrum

Everyone involved with London Playing Fields Foundation is passionate about transforming people’s lives by protecting, providing and promoting the capital’s playing fields.

Our Council

Patron

HRH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER KG GCVO

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, HRH has been our patron since 1974. In that time, he has been a great champion of our cause and work to transform lives through sport and physical activity.

President

BARONESS HOEY

A former international athlete and Minister for Sport, Kate became London Playing Fields Foundation President in 2011. She has supported our work since the early 1990s. As a former Commissioner for Sport for the Mayor of London, Kate understands the contribution fully-used playing fields make to increasing participation in sport.

Vice Presidents

MAGGIE ALPHONSI MBE

Former Saracens and World Cup winning England rugby player Maggie became one of our Vice Presidents in 2020. Following her retirement from international rugby she embarked on a second career as a media professional and inspirational speaker. Winner of the 2019 LPFF Made in London Award, Maggie is grateful for those local playing fields in south London where it all began for her.

MARTIN BAYFIELD

As a former England rugby player, Martin acknowledges the golden thread that links grassroots and professional sport. He passionately believes that if we want current and future generations to live happier, more active lives, we must protect and make better use of our playing fields. He joined London Playing Fields Foundation as a Vice President in 2016 after supporting the charity at our Gala Dinners for many years.

THE LORD COE CH KBE

After a stellar career in athletics, Lord Coe has proved to be just as outstanding in sports administration. He was a key figure in making the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games the best ever. Seb has been our Vice President since the 1980s and is a staunch supporter of grassroots sport. He believes playing fields have a pivotal role to play in creating a sustainable legacy.

MIKE GATTING CBE

Mike enjoyed an outstanding career as a Middlesex cricketer and England captain. He is an elected member of Middlesex County Cricket Club’s Executive Board and the Marylebone Cricket Club Committee. Grassroots provision is dear to Mike’s heart and he captained a cricket team to commemorate the opening of the Peter May Sports Centre in June 2000.

EMMA HAYES OBE

Chelsea Women’s Manager Emma became one of our Vice Presidents in 2022. She is right behind our mission to provide a place a place to play sport forever and appreciates that well managed and maintained playing fields can have a lasting impact on the physical, mental and social health of the communities they serve.

PETER NATHAN OBE DL

Peter was our Chair from 1984 to 1997. During that time, he helped to stabilise the charity’s financial position and redevelop Douglas Eyre Sports Centre in 1989. Since his “retirement” he has continued to work tirelessly in raising funds for the charity.

HOPE POWELL CBE

Hope is a long-time supporter of the London Playing Fields Foundation and helped launch our Female Coach Development project in Greenwich in 2008. She was the first ever full-time national coach of the England women’s football team and transformed the landscape of the female game in this country.

MICKY STEWART OBE

Micky has been a Vice President since the 1990s and enjoyed an extremely successful career as a Surrey cricket captain and England batsman. He was also an England team manager and, as England and Wales Cricket Board Director of Coaching, was instrumental in helping plans for Peter May Sports Centre come to fruition.

BOB WILSON OBE

A former distinguished footballer, coach and broadcaster, Bob has been a great supporter of the London Playing Fields Foundation for a number of years. In his early twenties, he combined goalkeeping duties with Arsenal with being a PE teacher. So, Bob understands how important playing fields are to local schools.

Chair

THE HON WILLIAM CADOGAN

Treasurer

DENNIS HONE CBE

Trustees

COLIN AINGER

JAMIE DALRYMPLE

SALLY HOPPER

HENRIETTA MARTIN-FISHER

LUCY McCRICKARD

ANTHONY RATCLIFFE

GEORGE RYAN

ANDY SUTCH

ANDY WEBB

Our Head Office

Chief Executive

  • Alex Welsh

Operations Director

  • Charlie Dehaan

Projects Manager

  • Jo McKenzie

Communications and Events Manager

  • Katherine Hegarty

Administration and Bookings Officer

  • Jade Slater

Development Manager

  • Jeff Neslen