John Powell

Founder/Managing Director

John Powell, Founder and Managing Director of the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, brings a remarkable story and an unwavering commitment to helping young people realise their potential. 

In his early life, John faced uncertainty, instability and experiences that would challenge even the strongest of adults. Despite these difficulties, he showed extraordinary resilience and, with support, was able to turn his life around.
Tennis became a transformative force for John. What began as a personal interest soon grew into a passion that took him from being an average player to becoming a Club Singles Champion and winning a number of  tournaments. More importantly, the journey taught him invaluable lessons about discipline, self-belief and the power of perseverance. John realised that these lessons — shaped both by sport and by his own early life — could profoundly benefit children who might be facing similar challenges.

Determined to create meaningful change, John pursued professional and academic qualifications with the same drive that fuelled his sporting success. Combining his skills with his lived experience, he has developed engaging and inclusive programmes that allow children of all abilities to participate, grow and thrive through sport.

The Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, demonstrates that John’s 'vision' goes far beyond improving fitness. While fun and physical activity lie at the heart of the organisation, the deeper purpose is to help children discover confidence, motivation and a passion they can carry into every aspect of their lives. His belief is simple but powerful: sport can change a child’s future — just as it changed his.

Neil Ejje

Director

Neil is a Non- Executive Director of Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, bringing decades of leadership, mentorship and strategic insight to the organisation. As a Co-Founder of Leathwaite — a global firm recognised for identifying and developing top executive talent — Neil has built a career centred on understanding people, nurturing potential and guiding organisations toward long-term success. 

Neil met John Powell, whose story of resilience and commitment to helping young people through sport deeply resonated with him. Inspired by both John’s mission and his own belief in the transformative power of sport, Neil joined the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC to help shape its vision and expand its reach. 

He understands how encouraging, structured environments can change the trajectory of a child’s life — building confidence, curiosity, friendships and a sense of possibility. As a Mentor and Director, Neil combines commercial acumen with a heartfelt commitment to community impact. His role helps ensure that the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, delivers programmes where children of all abilities can thrive — on the court and far beyond it.

David Carroll

Fitness and Nutrition Coach

With over 35 years’ experience in the fitness industry, David brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge, passion and commitment to every young person he works with. Beginning his career at Kirkby Sports Centre, where he spent more than two decades as a Level 4 Personal Trainer, David has become a trusted specialist in a wide range of disciplines including Spin, Boxercise, Zumba, Fitness Yoga, Legs, Bums & Tums and HIIT Training.

David has spent the last eight years supporting community groups, schools and the NHS, drawing on his Level 4 Obesity and Diabetes qualification to deliver programmes that improve physical health, confidence and wellbeing. His work on the Family Futures initiative, alongside doctors and dieticians, reflects his dedication to helping children build healthier, happier lives.

A lifelong learner and high-level competitor in Karate and Aikido, David brings the same discipline, positivity and resilience to his coaching. He is deeply committed to helping every individual realise their potential — physically, mentally and emotionally.

David believes there are no quick fixes, only the right support. His tailored 1:1 approach ensures every child is listened to, encouraged and empowered to succeed.

Kameel Khan

Retired Judge

Kameel Khan brings a distinguished career in law, education and public service to the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC. A lawyer, judge and former law professor, Kameel has spent his life championing fairness, opportunity and the belief that every individual deserves the chance to reach their full potential — values that lie at the heart of the organisation.

Before entering legal practice, Kameel taught law at University College London, Reading University and the University of the West Indies, and later served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School. During his academic career, he represented individuals on death row across the Caribbean before the Privy Council in the UK, demonstrating both exceptional legal expertise and a deep commitment to justice.

Kameel went on to become a tax partner at a global law firm and later a judge in the UK Tax Court, roles that reflect his integrity, analytical skill and leadership. He now brings this breadth of experience to the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, supporting the organisation’s mission to help young people grow in confidence, resilience and ambition.

Through his guidance, Kameel helps ensure that the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC continues to provide real opportunities that not only inspire children but also empower them to believe in their potential — on the court, in the classroom and in life.

Dana Slade

Director

Driven by a deep belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, Dana is passionate about helping children access opportunities that improve fitness, develop resilience and build healthy habits that support learning both on the field and in the classroom.

Alongside her role at the Elite Tennis and Sports Programme CIC, Dana brings a wealth of commercial expertise from her career at Leathwaite, where she serves as a business development leader across the firm’s global practice. With extensive experience spanning the full spectrum of HR specialisms at executive level, she has partnered with leading global, regional and national organisations to source, assess and secure top talent across a wide range of industries. Her ability to connect people, understand organisational needs and build long-term partnerships brings a strategic edge to the Elite Tennis and Sports, Programme CIC as it grows its impact in schools and communities.

Strategic Advisors

Other talented members of the team

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Costas Kalisperos

Chief Executive Officer, In Tune Executive Coach

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Dr Dagogo Kinigoma

Business Advisor, Knowsley Business Growth Hub

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Claire Lewis

Scholarship Manager, the Longford Trust/Author

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Dave Morgan

Director ‘Entrepreneurs Unlocked’

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George Moffatt

COMPANY DIRECTOR and  charity CHAIR

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Sean Tilson

Senior Business Advisor

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Nour Riahi

Junior Business Advisor

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Dr Zeineb Djebali

Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurial Skills Liverpool University

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ELITE TENNIS AND SPORTS PROGRAMME C.I.C. Registered in England & Wales. Company Number 16484733. Registered Office: Unit 14 Tower Street, Century Building, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, L3 4BJ