Our Squad

Mike was an Army Officer for 8 years, where he saw the impact that positive leadership and mentoring had on the lives of young men. He served two tours of Afghanistan and took part in dozens of exercises around the UK and abroad. Mike has a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Nottingham and an MRes in Strategy & Security from Exeter University. 

​Inspired to found the project after volunteering in Feltham Young Offenders Institution, Mike was convinced of the need to combine team sport, mentorship, and role modelling for young men. As the project's Founder & CEO, Mike has seen the project grow from a pilot in HMP Wandsworth, to delivering ongoing projects in the community, Prisons and YOIs in both London and the Midlands.

Jen joined 3Pillars to develop future programme capabilities and opportunities through partnerships for the charity. With a strong set of values derived from playing and coaching rugby herself, she now uses her experience to help others thrive in society. From studying an MSc in the Sociology of Sport, working in Sport Development within Higher Education, and at Dallaglio RugbyWorks, Jen saw first-hand the power of sport to mobilise communities. "I love working with people, whether that be participants, colleagues, partners, or stakeholders. Together we are stronger." Also a Mental Health in Sport trainer and RFU Coach Educator, Jen is always keen to develop herself and embrace life-long learning. 

Naomi joined 3Pillars Project having been a prison officer for 4 years and most recently working in a role as part of a task force that specifically coordinated with police, counter terrorism and the DST (designated search team) to target contraband items in prisons across the Southwest and Wales. Having done a two-week placement with 3Pillars whilst on the Unlocked graduates masters programme in 2020, Naomi has joined in a full-time position!

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Naomi is a keen athlete, having competed in netball and heptathlon.

Sarah joins 3Pillars Project as our Midlands Coordinator and brings with her 15 years of youth work experience. Sarah’s previous role was a Senior Youth Violence Intervention Practitioner for a charity based in hospital A&E departments, supporting young people who were affected by serious youth violence, abuse, and exploitation. Sarah has also delivered health-based programmes in schools, universities, and youth clubs around Nottinghamshire. 

Sarah has a passion for sports and in particular, Netball which she plays competitively and is a firm believer in the positive outcomes that sports-based mentoring can provide.

Phil joins the 3Pillars Project team with 8 years teaching experience in the state education sector, where he taught a range of subjects in boys' comprehensive schools across south London. His career in rugby coaching has ranged from working for the RFU and in Premiership development pathways, in schools, clubs, county and international age-grade sides, women and girls' programmes and most pertinently, prisons and Pupil Referral Units. 

Phil has a genuine passion for providing opportunities for young men that they may otherwise be deprived of, and hopes to bring his diverse experience to support the sports-based mentoring advocated by 3Pillars.

Pickle is a Semi-Pro Rugby player for Nottingham Rugby Club, playing in the Championship. He continues to work closely with us in aiding our delivery in the midlands. 

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"I have enjoyed my experience with 3Pillars so far and working closely with Sarah to help coach and facilitate rugby sessions for vulnerable children in the school system. I’ve had the privilege of leading an 8 week rugby programme at Notts Academy in Sneinton alongside Sarah which became the highlight of my week. I hope that I can make a positive impact with the children I get the opportunity to coach and hopefully I can become more of a role model for them and someone to look up to. I am looking forward to making a difference in the Nottinghamshire community while working closely with the 3Pillars family. "

Josh Poullet is a professional rugby player and coach with over 12 years of experience in the sport. With a background in Sports Science and a Masters in Exercise Physiology, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coaching style. 

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In addition to his sports career, Josh is dedicated to making a positive change in the community through the power of sports. He has a passion for working with men who are in prison and looking to make positive changes in their lives. Through sports, Josh helps these individuals understand the value of teamwork, hard work, and determination in overcoming obstacles. His 7 year coaching experience spans from community work for Nottingham Rugby to coaching Nottingham Trent’s 2nd and now 1st team!

Ade is a recent First class business and accounting graduate from the University of Herefordshire who has a great interest in basketball and athletic development. He has experience working with students struggling with mental health issues and depression. 

Ade spends his weekends coaching basketball to the next generation of players and is actively involved in the delivery of our in custody rugby programme from an engagement, mentoring and coaching perspective. 

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Kevin is an experienced sports and fitness coach with a specialism in boxing. He currently leads the coaching on our Community Gym activities as well as supporting delivery on the Sports Leaders programme.

Kevin's grounded approach to mentoring makes him highly effective at engaging the young men we work with. He is particularly at home when using sport to build mentoring relationships with the young people we support.

Sonny is an experienced boxing coach  and personal trainer working with a range of organisations. He currently supports the coaching on our Community Gym in Vauxhall.

Sonny is always popular with our training groups whether they are children or adults, his high standards and commitment make him a much sought after coach.

Bringing a breadth of experience to the team including working in multiple prisons as well as working with victims of all crime. Milka has a background in Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and uses psychological approaches in mentoring which underpin her ability to engage with mentees. Milka initially worked in a number of gyms, qualifying at the age of 16 as a Fitness Instructor, then later a Personal Trainer, and now a Consultant Mentor for 3Pillars Project. Milka says "sport has taught me resilience; the ability to learn that even if you’re knocked down, you can pick yourself up and bounce back even stronger."

An experienced boxing coach and former semi-pro footballer. Steve first volunteered as an Assistant Coach in Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institute, alongside the 3Pillars delivery team. Working with Young Offenders in prison and forming positive mentoring relationships has been Steve's most rewarding work with 3Pillars to date. 

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A former professional boxer, National Amateur Champion and Level 3 Personal Trainer, Steve joins 3Pillars as a Coach. He is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider and Choice Theory Mentor. Steve believes in the sense of team that 3Pillars brings. 

Freya has joined 3Pillars Project while studying a masters in Forensic Psychology. She is particularly interested in forms of rehabilitation for those transitioning through the prison services as well as those at risk in the community.