Brian Dickens: Director

Since representing Great Britain internationally in 400m athletics, I have been involved in developing community sport and leisure activities in both Lambeth and Southwark for the past 28yrs. I was appointed Director of the SAZ in 2002 and work specifically on the national and local strategic development of community based sport and physical activity programmes. In addition I sit on the following: The Football Foundation Community & Education panel, Respect Task Force Advisory Group, Sport England’s London Regional Equalities Group, Street Games National Charity, The Football Foundation Social Inclusion Focus Group and London PRO-ACTIVE Board.

Helen Clayton: Programme Development Manager

Having started my career as a sixth form teacher I then moved on to work in Southwark as a part time coach and then as a School Sports Coordinator before joining the SAZ in 2003 as Programme Development Manager. I have run a number of programmes over the years and my remit now is geared towards the development of healthy lifestyle programmes in relation to sport and physical activity as well as the management of several of the Community Sports Coaches.

Qualifications include: BA Degree in Sports Science and History, City & Guilds Teaching Adults and coaching qualifications in rugby, volleyball, hockey and basketball. I also played rugby for England for 12yrs and took part in 4 World cups and am the most capped English women’s player.

Somora Rattray: Lambeth Community Sports Programme Manager

Beginning as an Administrator at Fulham Football Club 8 yrs ago I progressed on to become their Education Coordinator prior to being promoted to Programme Manager of the Lambeth Community Scheme which I ran for 4yrs. In May 2006 I joined the Sport Action Zone and am responsible for managing the North Lambeth Partnership, Lilian Baylis old School and all the activities and staff that work there. I also sit on many local partnerships such as the Youth Practitioners, the Safer Neighbourhood Panel and Lambeth Football Partnership.

Qualifications include: FA Child Protection, FA Generic Tutor Training, Managing Community Sports Projects and Emergency Aid.

Nilgun Direncay: Programme Support Officer

Having worked in local government for 17yrs, the UN in Cyprus for 2yrs and Southbank Employers’ Group for a year I then moved to the Sport Action Zone in October 2006 where I have a dual role as PA to Brian and Support Officer to the rest of the team. I assist with the day to day administration as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the programmes.

Qualifications include: Certificate in Management and a Certificate in Management Studies.

Karim Habibi: Activities Coordinator

I worked for Fulham Football Club for 7yrs prior to joining the SAZ in 2006. My main responsibilities include the delivery of a Youth Inclusion Programme to train and mentor football coaches, organising festivals and tournaments and running a football inner city league. In addition I run sports activities for schools within the zone, estate based programmes, holiday programmes and provide advice and help to young coaches and local football clubs.

Qualifications include: BA Degree in Linguistics, FA qualified tutor.

Philip Bobia: Aylesbury Healthy Living Fitness Coordinator

I have worked in the leisure industry all my life and have worked in Southwark teaching fitness classes to all ages and abilities for a number of years. I currently work on the Aylesbury estate delivering classes to all age groups but my main focus is on classes for the over 50s. Classes include sit and stretch classes, healthy walks and a running club.

Qualifications include: Health Trainer, Exercise to music 1,2 & 3, Personal Trainer, Counselling and Athletics Coach.

Steve Francis: Youth / Adult Development Officer

Having worked in the provision of community sports and activities throughout my working career within a variety of roles such as Youth Club Manager, Youth Club founder and organiser of Harmonious Youth, Arts and Entertainments Officer and Facilities Manager, I joined the Sport Action Zone in August 2005 working at the Lilian Baylis old School Site. Working primarily on the delivery of vocational training programmes, my energy is now focused on ensuring that the young people I work with have a positive experience within sport and then transfer some of that enthusiasm into their every day lives.

Qualifications include: Diploma in PE & Gymnastics, Coaching instructor for volleyball, football, basketball, badminton and windsurfing, CSLA Tutor and Black History Tutor.

Sonia Oscar: Facilities Manager

I joined SAZ in May 2007 prior to that I was Office Manager at South Bank Employers’ Group.  I have a strong background in administration, office management, communication and project/event management.

I am responsible for managing Lilian Baylis old School site, event management, co-ordinating groups, site visits, bookings, finance and administration.

Qualifications include:  BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business.