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. 

Sarah joins 3Pillars Project as our Midlands Programme Leader 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.

Fay has achieved much in her life, including 10 years working as a Professional Fundraiser in London, running her own Personal Training business, and 11 years working within the criminal justice system. Fay proudly acknowledges that everything she has achieved has been after leaving school at 15 due to her family situation, with no qualifications . Her own young life has led to her being passionate about encouraging others, supporting them to see beyond their history, and know that they can achieve amazing things in life.

Away from her professional life, Fay has swum the English Channel solo, completed Ironman and double Ironman triathlon events, along with a number of other sporting accomplishments. She does however say that her greatest achievement is raising her son who is now shining his own light out in the world!

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. "

Peter returns to 3Pillars Project as a willing generalist to support the delivery team, having worked with them from 2020 - 2022.  He draws on a broad range of experiences;a full military career, a 5 year shift in the renewable energy sector and the 2 years with 3Pillars Project.  

Peter has a calm head and a sense of purpose.  This together with a warm heart, a ready smile and a humble view makes him an effective ally to those whom he works with and for.  Having worked with 3Pillars Project before he well understands the level of commitment required to help young men in and post custody. The reward is always in the shared experience and the smile!

Gen joined the team to work on the 3Pillars strategy, programme development and innovation. She brings with her a varied career in the criminal justice remit. Gen graduated with a degree in Psychology and started working life as a prison officer before moving to an employability charity for young men leaving prison. Now a qualified behavioural coach, an author and a public speaker with a passion for looking at prison life and criminality through a different lens, Gen loves working alongside and learning from our ROTL apprentices and lived experience community.

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!

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.

Dave served 23 years in the military serving all over the globe deploying on 7 operational tours. In 2018 as part of his transition to civilian life he trained to become an auto locksmith.

Dave enjoys rugby and has played for several teams around the midlands and within the military.

Dave coaches at Stafford RUFC and also supports schools that are introducing rugby to students.

Dave has help deliver an 8 week programme at Dovegate.

“Delivering rugby skills training and help mentor sports leaders within the a prison setting has been a challenge but it has also been so rewarding. 

The progress we saw on the last course was truly inspiring, working with the 3 Pillars Project team has an amazing experience. It’s been the thing I’ve been looking for to get involved with since living the military”

Steve has coached and mentored rugby coaches and players, in numerous countries for over 25 years. He holds a current position as Head Coach of Burntwood RFC and Staffordshire Counties U20 men's programme. Over the past year, Steve has worked with 3Pillars Project, coaching an 8 week course at HMP Dovegate. He has found so much fulfilment in his experience working with people in prison, aligning with his philosophy:  ‘Coaching is an opportunity to change peoples lives!’

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. 

Adam started his working career in the military with the Royal Marines before successfully completing UK Special Forces selection. He served across the globe before deciding to leave after 23 years service and enter the private sector. Adam then worked in 3 multi national companies (National Grid, Unilever, and GSK) as their Chief Security Officer, the global lead for security & investigations.

Adam has a passion for working with people, developing talent and building teams. 

He has a masters degree in War Studies from Kings College, London.