Greenhouse Sports appoints director of impact

London-based Greenhouse Sports has appointed Professor Camilla Knight as director of impact, innovation and engagement to enhance its data-led approach to youth development through sport.

Professor Knight, an expert in youth sport psychology, joins the London-based charity from Swansea University in June 2025 following a transitional consulting period. 

She has worked with leading organisations, including Sport Wales, the Rugby Football Union and Swim Wales, to improve parental involvement in youth sport.

In her new role, she will ensure Greenhouse Sports' programmes are insight-driven, maximising their impact on young people.

Professor Knight said: “I am really excited to have an opportunity to draw on my research insights and knowledge to support Greenhouse Sports to further make a difference in the lives of young people. 

“Over the last 15 years, I have been able to really dive into the world of youth sport and particularly understand the experiences and development of young people, parents, and coaches. 

“Research consistently shows that sport can be a beneficial vehicle for social change when it is provided in appropriate ways and with the necessary support, I am hoping to be able to bring these insights to help Greenhouse Sports impact even more effectively and efficiently on young people.

“Greenhouse Sports use sports and physical activity as a vehicle to develop young lives and has proven what is possible, with a fantastic model placing coach-mentors in schools for extended periods of time to support young people. 

“This long-term support of these coach-mentors is so important in supporting the holistic development of young people and from everything I hear they are magic.

“I can’t wait to work with them and the whole Greenhouse Sports team soon.”

The charity places coach-mentors in schools, offering free sports coaching and mentorship to support children’s wellbeing and school attendance.

It works with more than 8,500 young people annually, focusing on areas of high deprivation.

Don Barrell, chief executive officer at Greenhouse Sport, added: “Very few people understand young people and sport better than Camilla, which is what makes her the perfect person for this exciting and transformational role at Greenhouse. 

“She has spent her career creating a powerful understanding and knowledge of the youth sport sector, with industry-leading insights into optimising the experiences of sport for young people, and parents.

“Camilla’s experience aligns greatly with the work we do day-in-day-out at Greenhouse, helping to shape the lives of young people through sport, who may not otherwise have these opportunities. 

“She is a key step in our mission to become the first thought in positive youth development and ultimately, ensure that every child we work with gets a fair chance to succeed.”

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