OUR TEAM
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Management and TRUSTEES
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
"A lifelong sportswoman, my passion is, and always has been, to inspire women and girls to be more active and gain all, or at least some of the benefits that I have gained from sports participation and from being active throughout my life.
As a girl and young woman participating in and often excelling at a range of sports at school, county, club and university level including: athletics, netball, football (with the boys because there was no girls football at school) volleyball and tennis, I gained confidence, strength and leadership skills as well as acceptance from my peers as a ‘new girl’ at 13 schools.
Sport and the great outdoors have saved my mental health when things have been tough; given me immense pleasure; lots of fun and introduced me to new friends and experiences. But most of all an active lifestyle has continued to mean that I remain physically and mentally in good health.”
Sarah has been working in the charity sector as a fundraiser and senior manager for twelve years, successfully developing fundraising income across most fundraising streams she has particular expertise in corporate and trust fundraising.
Sarah has a background in television and in corporate communications as a Senior Producer and Director. She spent five years running a sports specialist production company, working with some of the world's major brands, public sector organisations, government departments and sports organisations -experience that has been invaluable in her fundraising leadership roles.
Sarah loves walking in the great outdoors; cycling; playing tennis and golf; she does regular HIIT training and is a qualified Pilates teacher.
Fiona Laurence, Chair
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
Fiona is a commercial litigation solicitor with broad experience gained both in private practice and in-house in a major UK public authority. Her experience spans a variety of case types ranging from fraud, injunctions and contract disputes to regulatory matters, judicial review and health and safety issues.
In her role as Head of Law at the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Fiona was involved in several sensitive and high profile matters including the Marchioness and Ladbroke Grove Public Inquiries.
Fiona spends a lot of time in the countryside, she rides and does regular Pilates.
Suzanne Cave, Trustee
Sarah Robbie, Charity Lead
Florence Lock, Trustee
“Trying out and being involved in all manner of sports has always been an integral part of my life. I love the visceral aspect and tangible benefits of swift physical improvement and clarity of mind.
I would hate any girl or woman to miss out or feel they didn’t belong in the world of sport. It’s the opportunity to understanding your own character, get the endorphins going and lose yourself for a while.
"Over the last few years Suzanne has built herself a portfolio career. Originally an actor working across all media, her focus is now mainly divided between engagements as a vocal artist and as a performance coach working with leaders on their personal impact. As a vocal performer, Suzanne spent six months on The Archers, presented as Voice of God for a televised global music event introducing artists such as Beyoncé and Madonna and most recently fronted the recent multi media PPI campaign for the Financial Conduct Authority. In her work as facilitator and coach, she is practised at grasping high level concepts quickly and presenting them in an engaging and straightforward manner.
Other related experience includes creating and teaching a number of courses on Personal Impact and Public Speaking for undergraduates at Hult University, London. She is a certified NLP practitioner, an accredited I.L.M. Level 7 Executive Coach (100 hours).Suzanne lives in London with her husband and children.
In her spare time, Suzanne loves to run, and she plays tennis on a regular basis.
Florence Lock, Trustee
Florence Lock, Trustee
Florence Lock, Trustee
Florence is a qualified doctor and Member of the Faculty of Public Health. Since August 2020 she has been
Public Health Registrar, South West Public Health Training Programme.
Florence competed in rowing in her home town of Henley on Thames as a teenager and is now a member of Exmouth Rowing Club. She participates in many active hobbies including: walking, cycling and swimming. She also enjoys paddleboarding , skiing and climbing.
"As you can see from the list above, I love being active and getting outside as much as possible. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do these things over the course of my life, and am keenly aware of the benefits this has brought and continues to bring me in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, friendships, and transferable skills for other aspects of life.
I know that physical activity and time in nature can be much less accessible for many individuals, and that women and girls can face particular barriers. I am passionate about all women and girls having opportunities to experience, and develop a passion for, being active (and ideally doing so outside).
My work in public health has reinforced my understanding of both the unfair obstacles that can be faced by particular groups in this country, and the evidence-proven benefits that these people are missing out on. I hope that my passion about the importance of the work of your charity, along with the knowledge and skills from my work in public health, can make me a valuable addition to AWGF and its beneficiaries."
Florence Lock, Trustee
OUR ambassadors
Jasmine Hartman
Assistant Coach of Abresham FC the Afghan girls football team - a club that empowers young Muslim girls by using sport as a way to improve confidence levels and teamwork skills.
I’m excited to be an ambassador for the AWGF because I believe that every girl/woman deserves a space where she can feel accepted and empowered in a world where so much negativity exists. Everyone deserves Ithe space to grow, make friends, and feel accepted for who they are.
Ever since I was a little child, I remember watching and playing football. But when I started playing football, I met a lot of resistance from boys and even coaches They didn’t want me on their team. After a couple of years. I started training, becoming tougher, and also tried forming girls' teams and coaching. It was really difficult, but all of that made me more motivated to empower other girls to join and play.
When I came here to University, at Royal Holloway to study Psychology, I really missed this community and being able to play football. This is where I found the Afghan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), and started volunteering as a football coach. Having graduated I am now employed as a coach. I hope to be able to continue working with ACAA, and also working to develop football for girls, especially those in underdeveloped and discriminate areas.
I still think that many girls around the world meet resistance when playing football. Football teaches important lessons about teamwork, confidence, and athletic ability, all skills that they will need in later life.
Whenever I think about women's football and my journey, I think of how a group of diverse girls can come together and support each other to be the best and happiest versions of themselves that they can be, which is why it's so important to make sure girls have access to that kind of community.
Vanessa Ruck
Motorcycle racer and traveller, freelance consultant, writer, presenter, social curator, model & adventurer. AKA 'The Girl on a Bike'
"What’s my mission? To make the most of each day and help others do the same"
Born and raised in England. I’m a go-getter, a chase-your-dreams kind of girl. I grew up in the great outdoors, getting muddy and messing around keeping fit with horses and quad-bikes and always up to mischief. At 18 I flew the nest to find my place in the world, university, first job, career driven. Life took a turn in 2014 when I was hit by a red-light-jumping car, and since that day I’ve made it my goal to make the most out of life, and to also help others do the same.
My escapism has always been through sports, whether that’s kite surfing, snowboarding or mountain biking, it’s always been about getting physical, but the accident changed that and motorbikes came into my world. They’ve swiftly become my favourite form of adventure; the open road, the power, the ability to simply disappear into the unknown and travel the world.
I started @TheGirlOnABike when bed bound after my 3rd surgery following the accident, the first on my hip, and decided that I needed something positive to channel my energy into. Since this day I have continued to share my journey with you, but not just the happy days you expect on social media. I’ve also tried hard to be real, showing the down days, the days you have to find all your inner strength to even just get out of bed.
Ultimately, life is short, so it’s so important we don’t waste time or let life just slip through our fingers. Even with injuries and full-time jobs, we have so much to be grateful for and can do so much with our precious existence.
Watch Vanessa's inspirational story on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FVEqGIUCq7g
Ellie Temple
Ellie has recently completed an MA at St Mary's University, Twickenham
"Growing up I was a first hand witness to how young girls and women experience increasing barriers to participation in sport, and my current degree in Sports Science is allowing me to gain a greater theoretical understanding to these social cultural factors."
‘I have been an active sports person since a young age, running long distance and xc events throughout my school years, and now competing in ultra marathon events across the UK. When I’m not running I like to try my hand at pretty much anything, being a keen climber, rower and cyclist too.
My area of interested is into women’s health, both how an active lifestyle can improve Heath and wellbeing, but also how the lack of research and understanding into women’s physiology within the sporting world can put many at a great disadvantage from a grass-root to elite level.
As a result, I take particular interest in educating women on the systemic issues surrounding women in sport and exercise, with the aim to make a long lasting change.’
Sue Martineau
Sue has a 30-year career leading both corporate and not-for-profit entities.
“I have played sport all my life, including county hockey, and also tennis and netball. At Loughborough university I studied Sport Science and Ecology and I was introduced to women’s rugby”.
Earlier in her career, Sue successfully established and grew a multi-million-pound event business including extensive partnership network development, fundraising, and operational management before transitioning to the charity sector.
She also has an exceptional understanding of sports as a community development tool having worked with England Hockey and Wandsworth Council to establish youth programmes.
After leaving university Sue founded and captained Wasps Womens' rugby team. She was a Great Britain squad member in 1988 and captained the first womens’ rugby team to play at Twickenham in 1987.
Sue is still involved with sport, running, yoga, gym and her new love paddle boarding. She plays hockey for Barnes 5th team every Saturday and enjoys supporting young players coming through the club.
Sue lives in SW London with her husband and four sport loving daughters.