About Us
- We are North East Sport a community organisation that is driven by young people. It is why we are here!
- We try our best everyday to make a difference
Our Directors
Peter Curtis: Founder & Operational Director
Peter Curtis is the founder and operational driving force of North East Sport, a role deeply informed by his own life journey rooted in the Sunderland community. Growing up in the Town End Farm area of Southwick and leaving school without formal qualifications, Peter’s path was shaped by a formidable work ethic and an early entrepreneurial spirit, which saw him selling pop at just 15 years old.
His diverse career saw him travel the world in the merchant navy and work in security, where he received a formal commendation from Her Majesty’s Government for his outstanding work. He later transitioned into the construction industry, rising to a supervisory position where he managed major national projects and teams of up to 100 men. The 2008 economic crash, combined with personal tragedy, became a pivotal turning point. Driven by a passionate belief that he could make a difference, Peter made the deliberate, values-driven decision to found North East Sport, a choice that came at great personal financial cost.
It is this unique combination of lived experience, real-world leadership skills, and an authentic understanding of his community that has made North East Sport so effective. He describes himself as an “ordinary angry authentic bloke from Sunderland trying to do my best,” and it’s this determination and authentic passion for helping his community that has earned a level of trust and respect that “no money can buy.” This powerful life experience is complemented by professional excellence; Peter is an FA Level 3 (UEFA B) qualified coach, ensuring his passion is channelled through high-quality, structured development. As a true role model whose belief that “anything is possible” fuels the organisation, his 15-year, hands-on leadership is the bedrock upon which the club’s community impact is built.
Lindsay Williams: Director & Finance Officer
Lindsay Williams provides the essential financial stewardship that ensures the long-term sustainability and responsible governance of North East Sport. Her journey with the organisation began in 2009 when, at the age of 21, she took the opportunity to start volunteering, quickly realising that her passion lay in helping people and making a difference.
Over more than a decade of “blood, sweat, and tears,” her role has evolved significantly as she has adapted to the organisation’s needs. Her diverse, hands-on experience includes gaining coaching qualifications, managing the administration for North East Sport Youth F.C., and qualifying as a Level 3 Beach School Practitioner. This practical knowledge perfectly complements her crucial role as Director and Finance Officer, where her financial acumen has been pivotal in the successful application for and management of grants. Her expertise is further broadened by past directorship of another local CIC, giving her a wider familiarity with the unique requirements of community-based social enterprises. Lindsay’s work is driven by a core belief in empowering young people to realise their full potential, and her long-term, dedicated oversight ensures that all funds are managed with prudence, transparency, and a strategic focus on achieving that mission.
Director
Ruth Ibegbuna
Ruth Ibegbuna brings national-level credibility and pioneering models of social impact to the North East Sport directorate. A nationally acclaimed social entrepreneur, she is an Ashoka Fellow, a Clore Social Fellow, and was named by Virgin as one of the top six women change-makers globally.
Her career is rooted in a deep understanding of youth empowerment. She founded RECLAIM, a Manchester-based charity where she served as CEO for 11 years, dedicated to supporting working-class young people into leadership positions. Through this multi-award-winning charity, Ruth used her platform to campaign nationally with young people and their communities for greater levels of equality and to remove the stigma faced by many disadvantaged communities.
Her current work as the founder of The Roots Programme, an initiative to bring influencers from vastly different communities together to learn from each other and increase compassion in our leaders, provides a sophisticated strategic framework for North East Sport’s community cohesion goals. As a proud Northerner, she is fiercely committed to amplifying the region’s voices through her consultancy, Northern Soul. Her presence on the board infuses North East Sport with innovative, system-changing ideas, connecting its vital grassroots work to the national conversation on social change.
Director
Anthony Woods-Waters
Anthony Edward Woods-Waters anchors North East Sport within the wider strategic landscape of the North East, bringing a wealth of experience to the board. Recently retired, Anthony managed the development of the major regional charity Building Futures East from its inception, serving as its Secretary for nearly 16 years.
He has 18 years of experience as a manager in the Public Sector, including strategic and operational management of Services for Children and Young People and Regeneration Programme Management (Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund, Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy). His significant experience spans Project Development, Community Engagement, Funding, and Networking.
Anthony’s extensive non-profit governance portfolio includes being a member of the BE-NE regional advisory group on Social Enterprise, a Director/Trustee of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in Manchester, a Foundation Governor of St. Mary’s Catholic Comprehensive School, and a Trustee of St. Anthony of Padua Community Association. On the North East Sport board, his seasoned, regional-level oversight connects the organisation’s grassroots activities to the strategic priorities of local authorities and major stakeholders, providing the invaluable strategic scaffolding required for sustainable and scalable impact.
- We try our best everyday to make a difference
Our Staff
Coach
Katerina Gibson
Katerina Gibson is a passionate educator and youth leader who has made an invaluable contribution to North East Sport. As the driving force behind our Bambino Ballers program, she instills a love of football in our youngest members. Her commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment ensures that every child feels welcome and encouraged.
Beyond the football pitch, Katerina’s dedication extends to a wide range of activities. She leads engaging PE sessions, after-school clubs, and holiday camps, inspiring young people to stay active and healthy. Her involvement in youth and mini-youth groups demonstrates her versatility and commitment to holistic development.
Katerina’s passion for empowering young people is truly inspiring. Her dedication to North East Sport has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Administrator
Leanne Wilson
Leanne Wilson: The Heartbeat of North East Sport
Leanne Wilson has been an integral part of North East Sport since she was just 13 years old. Her dedication and hard work have been invaluable to the success of North East Sport.
As a full-time employee, Leanne is responsible for a wide range of administrative tasks, including member communications, football administration, data collection, and reporting. She plays a crucial role in securing funding for our programs through detailed impact assessments.
Leanne’s commitment to North East Sport is unwavering. She is a true asset to our team, and we are grateful for her contributions.
- We try our best everyday to make a difference
Our Amazing Volunteers
Volunteers
**North East Sport: Powered by Passionate Volunteers**
We’re incredibly proud of our amazing team of over 40 volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to North East Sport. From coaching young footballers to managing social media, our volunteers play a vital role in making a difference in our community.
**Volunteer with Us!**
We’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities we offer:
* **Coaching:** Share your passion for sport and help develop young athletes.
* **Administration:** Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks, such as data entry and event planning.
* **Social Media:** Help us spread the word about our programs and initiatives.
* **Grounds Maintenance:** Keep our facilities in top condition.
* **Digital Hub Support:** Provide technical assistance and support to our digital initiatives.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us at support@northeastsport.co.uk
**Thank you to all our volunteers for your incredible support!**