Sports charity strengthens board with three new trustee appointments

Sport 4 Life UK, a leading sport-for-development charity delivering life changing programmes to young people, has announced the appointment of three new trustees to its Board: Carolyn Keenan, Gurdeep Boparai, and Chris Sharman.

The appointments bring a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, governance, sustainability, and youth sport to the charity, strengthening its leadership as it continues to expand its impact across Birmingham and beyond.

Carolyn Keenan is head of Aston University’s Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Team and programme manager for the Aston Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

With over a decade of experience creating enterprise and entrepreneurship educational opportunities, Carolyn has supported more than 900 students and graduates to launch successful businesses in Birmingham.

She also brings fifteen years of private sector experience in advertising and recruitment consultancy, alongside a master’s degree in Careers Studies & Coaching from the University of Warwick.

Gurdeep Boparai is interim deputy general counsel at IPF plc, with a career that began in private practice specialising in corporate mergers and acquisitions. She has held senior roles in the financial services sector, including company secretary and head of Governance at Coventry Building Society, where she led the governance oversight of a multi-million-pound banking acquisition, developed ESG strategy, and achieved the first B Corp accreditation in the mutual sector.

Gurdeep has been recognised as the Legal 500’s In-House ESG Champion and in the DMJ Governance Hot 100’s ‘Deal Maker’ category, bringing expertise across legal, governance, sustainability, and strategic insight.

Chris Sharman is the founder of Kidztivity and a certified non-executive director with over 30 years’ experience in the sport, leisure, and fitness sectors. He has worked with start-ups, entrepreneurs, and global brands including David Lloyd, Disney, and Youth Sport Trust.

Chris is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through sport and physical activity, specialising in programmes, mentoring, and training that help young people to be more active, build confidence, and develop brighter futures.

A keen tennis, padel, and running enthusiast, Chris brings his belief in the life-changing power of sport to his role with Sport 4 Life UK.

Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder & CEO of Sport 4 Life UK, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Carolyn, Gurdeep, and Chris to our Board. Each brings exceptional skills, experience, and passion that will strengthen our governance and help us deliver even greater impact for the young people we serve. Their insight will be invaluable as we continue to develop and adapt in an ever-changing environment.”

Sport 4 Life UK supports young people aged 11–29 to move into sustained education, training, and employment, using sport as a vehicle to develop key life skills. In the past year alone, the charity has supported almost 4,000 young people to improve their confidence, resilience, and employability.

Pictured (L-R): Carolyn Keenan, Gurdeep Boparai, and Chris Sharman