Behind every great experience is a dedicated team. Get to know the friendly faces who work hard to make everything run smoothly, bringing passion, expertise and a commitment to providing the best possible service. We’re proud of the people who make our organisation what it is and look forward to welcoming you.
The team
Mark
General Manager
I’m Mark, General Manager of Leigh Sports Village.
I have a wealth of experience in procurement, commissioning, contract management, project, and programme management. I started out my career as a journalist 26 years ago and have held a variety of roles since.
In 2025 I was offered a new role with Leigh Sports Village as General Manager, with responsibility for Pennington Flash Nature Reserve, The Sports Hub, and Leigh Youth Hub. Since taking on this challenge, I have loved so many aspects including building amazing teams, developing fantastic assets, forming new and productive partnerships, meeting so many wonderful people and endeavouring to make a difference.
Leigh Youth Hub is an amazing place and I love everything about it, including the support it provides to the whole community.
Fun Facts about me: I once wrote a crime novel (dreadful and never published), enjoy trail running (very slowly), love old horror films (and old ghost stories), and my favourite food is tapas.
I have a wealth of experience in procurement, commissioning, contract management, project, and programme management. I started out my career as a journalist 26 years ago and have held a variety of roles since.
In 2025 I was offered a new role with Leigh Sports Village as General Manager, with responsibility for Pennington Flash Nature Reserve, The Sports Hub, and Leigh Youth Hub. Since taking on this challenge, I have loved so many aspects including building amazing teams, developing fantastic assets, forming new and productive partnerships, meeting so many wonderful people and endeavouring to make a difference.
Leigh Youth Hub is an amazing place and I love everything about it, including the support it provides to the whole community.
Fun Facts about me: I once wrote a crime novel (dreadful and never published), enjoy trail running (very slowly), love old horror films (and old ghost stories), and my favourite food is tapas.
Suzanne
Duty Manager
I’m Suzanne, one of the Duty Managers & Fitness Instructors at Leigh Youth Hub.
I have over 10 years’ experience in the fitness and leisure industry, which has helped to shape my career into what it is today. I have a foundation degree in sports coaching, and I am also a trained fitness instructor & personal trainer, which has deepened my knowledge and passion for fitness and leisure. My love for sport started at a young age, my favourite being football which led me to play for a Hindley & Wigan Athletic Ladies.
As my passion grew, I qualified in and became a multi-sports coach as well as being a personal trainer.
I joined the Leigh Youth Hub team in 2023 and in my role I ‘wear many hats’. As a full time Duty Manager, I deal with bookings, manage risk assessments and budgets, whilst also overseeing the LinkedIn account along with other marketing duties. My biggest role is ensuring the building is safe for everyone at all times. In addition to my regular duties, I am also a fitness instructor and Duke of Edinburgh Verifier. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the hub; the sky is the limit here!
A fun fact about me: I am a huge marvel comics fan; my favourite character being Iron Man because he is a self-made hero.
I have over 10 years’ experience in the fitness and leisure industry, which has helped to shape my career into what it is today. I have a foundation degree in sports coaching, and I am also a trained fitness instructor & personal trainer, which has deepened my knowledge and passion for fitness and leisure. My love for sport started at a young age, my favourite being football which led me to play for a Hindley & Wigan Athletic Ladies.
As my passion grew, I qualified in and became a multi-sports coach as well as being a personal trainer.
I joined the Leigh Youth Hub team in 2023 and in my role I ‘wear many hats’. As a full time Duty Manager, I deal with bookings, manage risk assessments and budgets, whilst also overseeing the LinkedIn account along with other marketing duties. My biggest role is ensuring the building is safe for everyone at all times. In addition to my regular duties, I am also a fitness instructor and Duke of Edinburgh Verifier. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the hub; the sky is the limit here!
A fun fact about me: I am a huge marvel comics fan; my favourite character being Iron Man because he is a self-made hero.
Ross
Duty Manager
I’m Ross Ashton, a Duty Manager at Leigh Youth Hub.
I joined Leigh Sports Village in 2020, when I accepted a position at the Arena. Covid was a strange time in which the whole world came to a standstill, but as the saying goes, “The show must go on” and as a team, we embraced the challenge. I then transitioned to be a Personal Trainer at Leigh Leisure Centre because of my passion for fitness. This came at the perfect time for me as after covid, my no.1 goal was to help others with their mental health through fitness. It was during my time at Leigh Leisure Centre where a new and exciting opportunity arose at the Leigh Youth Hub opposite, where I now hold the position of Duty Manager.
Rugby has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have also been fortunate enough to play for Bolton Wanderers in 2012 on a two-year scholarship, which sparked my passion for fitness and leisure. This is why working with our partners Leigh Leopards and Manchester United is my favourite aspect of my role at the Hub, it’s amazing to love what you do whilst occasionally seeing some famous faces- the icing on the cake! My role is also rewarding as we work with local colleges and schools for educational aspects too.
If you are interested in hiring a space at the Hub, give me a call or drop me an email and we can have a brew and a chat over what we have to offer. You could be the next part of our amazing journey!
A fun fact about me: I am a huge Wigan Warriors Rugby fan (they are by far the best team the world has ever seen, if you ask me!)
I joined Leigh Sports Village in 2020, when I accepted a position at the Arena. Covid was a strange time in which the whole world came to a standstill, but as the saying goes, “The show must go on” and as a team, we embraced the challenge. I then transitioned to be a Personal Trainer at Leigh Leisure Centre because of my passion for fitness. This came at the perfect time for me as after covid, my no.1 goal was to help others with their mental health through fitness. It was during my time at Leigh Leisure Centre where a new and exciting opportunity arose at the Leigh Youth Hub opposite, where I now hold the position of Duty Manager.
Rugby has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have also been fortunate enough to play for Bolton Wanderers in 2012 on a two-year scholarship, which sparked my passion for fitness and leisure. This is why working with our partners Leigh Leopards and Manchester United is my favourite aspect of my role at the Hub, it’s amazing to love what you do whilst occasionally seeing some famous faces- the icing on the cake! My role is also rewarding as we work with local colleges and schools for educational aspects too.
If you are interested in hiring a space at the Hub, give me a call or drop me an email and we can have a brew and a chat over what we have to offer. You could be the next part of our amazing journey!
A fun fact about me: I am a huge Wigan Warriors Rugby fan (they are by far the best team the world has ever seen, if you ask me!)
Karen
Senior Youth & Community Worker
I am Karen Campbell; Senior Youth Worker at Leigh Youth Hub.
I take on the roles of deputy safeguarding lead and Duke of Edinburgh Manager. I started working with children and young people as a young leader at Brownies aged 14 (big up young volunteers) and then went on to volunteer with Wigan Council’s Youth Service as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and never left!
I have worked as a youth worker for over 20 years and gained my degree in Youth and Childhood studies supported by the Council. My experience ranges from 1:1 sessions with young people, case work, detached youth work, universal sessions and targeted groups based on ethnic background, looked after children, sexuality and gender. When coming to Leigh Youth Hub I wanted to work alongside young people in developing the hub into an inclusive, safe, fun, space which provides various opportunities to young people and that keeps young people at the heart of the decision-making process.
A couple of facts about me: I have met Eddie Eagle (google him for the glasses) and I love attending concerts and spending time with my family on adventures.
I take on the roles of deputy safeguarding lead and Duke of Edinburgh Manager. I started working with children and young people as a young leader at Brownies aged 14 (big up young volunteers) and then went on to volunteer with Wigan Council’s Youth Service as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and never left!
I have worked as a youth worker for over 20 years and gained my degree in Youth and Childhood studies supported by the Council. My experience ranges from 1:1 sessions with young people, case work, detached youth work, universal sessions and targeted groups based on ethnic background, looked after children, sexuality and gender. When coming to Leigh Youth Hub I wanted to work alongside young people in developing the hub into an inclusive, safe, fun, space which provides various opportunities to young people and that keeps young people at the heart of the decision-making process.
A couple of facts about me: I have met Eddie Eagle (google him for the glasses) and I love attending concerts and spending time with my family on adventures.
Hannah
Youth & Community Worker
I’m Hannah, a Youth and Community worker at Leigh Youth Hub.
I wear many hats at The Hub including Mental Health first aider, coordinating our SEN provision and you’ll often see me behind a camera running our social media accounts (young people willing to be in photos, you are legends). I started working with young people as a Cub Scout leader at 19 and had far too much fun! This led me to chase paid youth work opportunities.
For over 13 years, I’ve organised residentials and camps, ran targeted projects for young women, looked after children and SEN specific, mentored young people on a 1:1 basis, detached youth work and virtual youth work during Covid (doing karaoke in my stationary car on my drive on Instagram live was not on my 2020 bucket list). At The Hub, you’ll often find me putting my textiles degree to good use engaging young people in arts & crafts and challenging young people to try new things, make new friends and explore their passions.
Two fun facts about me: I’ve climbed an active volcano and have a new obsession each month, at the minute it’s crochet, last month it was puzzles who knows what’s next!
I wear many hats at The Hub including Mental Health first aider, coordinating our SEN provision and you’ll often see me behind a camera running our social media accounts (young people willing to be in photos, you are legends). I started working with young people as a Cub Scout leader at 19 and had far too much fun! This led me to chase paid youth work opportunities.
For over 13 years, I’ve organised residentials and camps, ran targeted projects for young women, looked after children and SEN specific, mentored young people on a 1:1 basis, detached youth work and virtual youth work during Covid (doing karaoke in my stationary car on my drive on Instagram live was not on my 2020 bucket list). At The Hub, you’ll often find me putting my textiles degree to good use engaging young people in arts & crafts and challenging young people to try new things, make new friends and explore their passions.
Two fun facts about me: I’ve climbed an active volcano and have a new obsession each month, at the minute it’s crochet, last month it was puzzles who knows what’s next!
Declan
Casual Recreational Assistant
Hi there!!
My name is Declan, I am a recreational assistant within the Leigh Youth Hub, I originally joined the team in 2023. As I have always found myself to have a background within youth work being invited to join the team was like a dream come true!! Being able to make a positive impact (hopefully!!) on the local community and beyond has always been my objective and is what I will continue to do the best I possibly can. During my role we have picked up a lot of skills along the way, most recently is my level 2 gym instructor qualification, so if you are ever in the building and fancy a session, pop in and say hello we can always find a place for everyone!!
Ask anyone and they can tell you my favourite sport is football, slightly football mad and of course Liverpool FC is the team for me, if you know me you know people may describe me as a little crazy but what’s life without a little chaos? Whether its providing the energy needed to turn that mundane lift into a spirited curl or whether it’s a turn of the frown upside down I will always do my best to provide the response needed most.
Through my time I’ve developed a few phrases… my most recent masterpiece “LETS GO TEAMMMM!!” if you hear that don’t be alarmed, it’s just meeee!!
Thank you LYH!!
My name is Declan, I am a recreational assistant within the Leigh Youth Hub, I originally joined the team in 2023. As I have always found myself to have a background within youth work being invited to join the team was like a dream come true!! Being able to make a positive impact (hopefully!!) on the local community and beyond has always been my objective and is what I will continue to do the best I possibly can. During my role we have picked up a lot of skills along the way, most recently is my level 2 gym instructor qualification, so if you are ever in the building and fancy a session, pop in and say hello we can always find a place for everyone!!
Ask anyone and they can tell you my favourite sport is football, slightly football mad and of course Liverpool FC is the team for me, if you know me you know people may describe me as a little crazy but what’s life without a little chaos? Whether its providing the energy needed to turn that mundane lift into a spirited curl or whether it’s a turn of the frown upside down I will always do my best to provide the response needed most.
Through my time I’ve developed a few phrases… my most recent masterpiece “LETS GO TEAMMMM!!” if you hear that don’t be alarmed, it’s just meeee!!
Thank you LYH!!
Maisie
I’m Maisie
I joined Leigh Sports Village in 2019, initially working within Catering on matchdays at the stadium. Shortly after, I moved into the safety side of matchday operations, working within various stewarding roles before progressing to my current role as a Stand Manager.
Alongside this, I joined the Sports Hub in 2022 as a Recreation Assistant, a role that also provided me with the opportunity to support other departments across the site, including Pennington Flash and marked the beginning of my involvement with Leigh Youth Hub. Whilst at The Hub, I have enjoyed supporting open access sessions, holiday clubs, gym bookings and birthday parties, helping to create a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment where young people can be themselves and get involved in new activities.
My passion for sport also extends beyond my roles and drove me to complete a degree in Sport Marketing Management from which I recently graduated. Through my studies, I developed a greater understanding of the importance of sport in engaging communities, creating positive experiences and bringing people together, complementing my work across Leigh Sports Village.
A few fun facts about me: I am currently learning Italian, I spend a lot of my free time at concerts and sports events and my favourite pick-me-up is an iced latte and a sweet treat.
I joined Leigh Sports Village in 2019, initially working within Catering on matchdays at the stadium. Shortly after, I moved into the safety side of matchday operations, working within various stewarding roles before progressing to my current role as a Stand Manager.
Alongside this, I joined the Sports Hub in 2022 as a Recreation Assistant, a role that also provided me with the opportunity to support other departments across the site, including Pennington Flash and marked the beginning of my involvement with Leigh Youth Hub. Whilst at The Hub, I have enjoyed supporting open access sessions, holiday clubs, gym bookings and birthday parties, helping to create a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment where young people can be themselves and get involved in new activities.
My passion for sport also extends beyond my roles and drove me to complete a degree in Sport Marketing Management from which I recently graduated. Through my studies, I developed a greater understanding of the importance of sport in engaging communities, creating positive experiences and bringing people together, complementing my work across Leigh Sports Village.
A few fun facts about me: I am currently learning Italian, I spend a lot of my free time at concerts and sports events and my favourite pick-me-up is an iced latte and a sweet treat.
Andrea
Volunteer
Hi, I’m Andrea,
My working background began in supermarket retail, where I worked my way through various departments before becoming a Personal Assistant to an Area Director. After 15 years in the industry, I decided on a change and joined a small sports management company, where there were just four members of staff, including me.
During my three years with the company, I was very hands on when it came to the football events we organised for The Football Association. It was a fantastic role that combined my organisational skills with my love of football, and of course, my passion for all things Liverpool FC!
After three years in sports management, I moved on to an IT company, where I spent the next 11 years working as part of their corporate events team. It was a busy and varied role, giving me the opportunity to organise and support a wide range of events.
Following my redundancy I found my way to Leigh Youth Hub. My first shift as a volunteer was on 8 June 2023. When I first started, I helped with various craft projects, discovered that I was very bad at table tennis and pool, and was a complete failure when it came to gaming on the Xbox.
My real passion, however, has always been baking. Since March 2024, I’ve been supporting the Thursday evening open sessions, where I’ve had the pleasure of baking and cooking with the young adults. Together, we’ve made numerous chocolate brownies, shortbread, which they would happily eat straight out of the oven if I let them! Doughnuts, cream-filled Swiss rolls, chocolate chip cookies, pancakes, bagels, curries, pasta dishes, full English breakfasts, smoothies, mocktails, and the list goes on.
What’s most important to me is that the young adults get to choose what they would like to bake or cook. It’s about giving them the opportunity to try something new, develop their skills, have fun and, hopefully, discover a passion of their own.
I’m incredibly grateful to Leigh Youth Hub for giving me the opportunity to give something back to the community where I live. Volunteering has been hugely rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.
My working background began in supermarket retail, where I worked my way through various departments before becoming a Personal Assistant to an Area Director. After 15 years in the industry, I decided on a change and joined a small sports management company, where there were just four members of staff, including me.
During my three years with the company, I was very hands on when it came to the football events we organised for The Football Association. It was a fantastic role that combined my organisational skills with my love of football, and of course, my passion for all things Liverpool FC!
After three years in sports management, I moved on to an IT company, where I spent the next 11 years working as part of their corporate events team. It was a busy and varied role, giving me the opportunity to organise and support a wide range of events.
Following my redundancy I found my way to Leigh Youth Hub. My first shift as a volunteer was on 8 June 2023. When I first started, I helped with various craft projects, discovered that I was very bad at table tennis and pool, and was a complete failure when it came to gaming on the Xbox.
My real passion, however, has always been baking. Since March 2024, I’ve been supporting the Thursday evening open sessions, where I’ve had the pleasure of baking and cooking with the young adults. Together, we’ve made numerous chocolate brownies, shortbread, which they would happily eat straight out of the oven if I let them! Doughnuts, cream-filled Swiss rolls, chocolate chip cookies, pancakes, bagels, curries, pasta dishes, full English breakfasts, smoothies, mocktails, and the list goes on.
What’s most important to me is that the young adults get to choose what they would like to bake or cook. It’s about giving them the opportunity to try something new, develop their skills, have fun and, hopefully, discover a passion of their own.
I’m incredibly grateful to Leigh Youth Hub for giving me the opportunity to give something back to the community where I live. Volunteering has been hugely rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.
