WHO WE ARE

We believe that every individual has unique talents and abilities that should be nurtured and developed.

With our focus on creating a supportive and inclusive community, we strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our Mission

As the National Youth Sports Association, NYSA Sweden, we believe our mission is to shape a new world for sport and education.

Our goal is to support the potential in everyone and provide them with the best tools and environment for their personal growth and development.

Through our programs, we aim to strengthen young people’s employability in sports or other careers and help them gain transferable skills which can be applied in real life.

Our Values

Our values work as the company toolkit that enables us to commit to, support and develop each individual we work alongside.

1

Innovation – By challenging the “status quo” of sport and education we ensure that we can constantly evolve and meet the changing needs of our team and customers.

2

Empathy – We embrace the world’s diversity and infuse it with empathy to ensure we are always curious with a desire to know and understand others.

3

Integrity – As a socially driven enterprise we will always lead with moral courage. We believe integrity is the critical connection between our ethics and moral action.

4

Empowerment – People are the centre of everything we do, so we will always work to empower the next generation to take ownership of their sport, education & lives.

Our Values

Our values work as the company toolkit that enables us to commit to, support and develop each individual we work alongside.

Innovation

By challenging the “status quo” of sport and education we ensure that we can constantly evolve and meet the changing needs of our team and customers.

Empathy

We embrace the world’s diversity and infuse it with empathy to ensure we are always curious with a desire to know and understand others.

Integrity

As a socially driven enterprise we will always lead with moral courage. We believe integrity is the critical connection between our ethics and moral action.

Empowerment

People are the centre of everything we do, so we will always work to empower the next generation to take ownership of their sport, education & lives.

Sustainable Development Goals​

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.

Through NYSAs mission we strive to support all human beings to fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.

Meet the team

As a team, our goal is to support the potential in everyone and provide them with the best tools and environment for their personal growth and development.

We embrace diversity and have a specialist team with experience within different types of sporting organisations, educational establishments, NGOs, universities, sports federations, and sports clubs, as well as with governmental bodies.

Owen Southgate

Founder, International Director

Innovative educator and sport development specialist passionate about empowering youth through dual careers, play, and creativity. Blends sport, entrepreneurship, and education to challenge norms and foster lifelong learning.

Emma Cotterill

CEO

Strategic leader passionate about impactful, collaborative projects that empower communities. With a legal background and change management expertise. Builds resilient, equitable systems that uplift marginalized voices.

Lucy Southgate

Chief Operations
Officer

Motivated professional with a proven record of results across industries. Adaptable, proactive, and passionate about learning, leadership, and collaboration. Committed to empowering others, fostering inclusivity, and building a legacy of leaders.

Chris Mingay​

Impact Development Manager & Mentor

Experienced mentor and coach with a diverse background spanning youth inclusion, high-performance sport, and leadership. Passionate about empowering individuals through mentoring, coaching, and EU sport initiatives.

Nikoo Herafmaher

Recruitment Manager & Student Services

Dedicated education and VISA advisor with experience in international recruitment and media strategy. Passionate about empowering students through personalized guidance and teamwork.

Ben Tew

Relations Manager & Athlete Coordinator

A motivated and dedicated professional and leader from a strong background in teaching, sport and coaching. Enthusiastic and energetic about creating positive environments for people to develop, learn and enjoy their sport, education and life.

Geri Junghausz

Business Development Officer

Aspiring business professional and current student, passionate about innovation, growth, and building meaningful partnerships. Supports development initiatives with fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit.

David McDermott

DC Expert

A values-driven leader who integrates wellbeing and performance to create inclusive, high-performing teams. With experience across sectors, leading with a strengths-based approach that fosters trust, purpose, and meaningful impact.

Kristoffer Pilmalm

Project Development Officer

Experienced football professional with a sports science background, passionate about community, teamwork, and long-term development. Focused on inclusive, sustainable structures and values-driven results.

Simon Forsberg

Project Development Officer

Passionate about inspiring young people to follow their dreams, with a strong background in high-level sports. Energetic, social, and driven, with a constant desire to learn, grow, and take on new challenges every day.

Yoana Ivanova

Media & Content Developer

A creative professional with a background in New Media Design, working across graphic design, branding, website development, and social media to deliver engaging visual content.

George Cork

Esports Development Officer

Visionary esports education leader with expertise in curriculum design, industry partnerships, and academic innovation. Passionate about empowering students and redefining the intersection of gaming and education.

Conor Heeney

Performance Sport Analyst

Experienced performance coach specializing in strength & conditioning, sport science, and athlete development across combat. Committed to advancing athlete performance through evidence-based training and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ben Voyce

Strength & Conditioning Coach

High-performance strength & conditioning coach with dual roles in elite women’s football and academia. Specializes in athlete development, load management, and bridging cutting-edge sport science with practical application at the highest level.

Interns

Hossein Taromirad

IFA Program Developer

Zeinab Alamgard

IFA Program Developer

Jack Jolland

Business & Project Developer

Leonarda Baltina

Sport Developer

Anass Kherraz

Marketing & Project Developer

Vala Armani

Financial Developer

Get in contact with us today!