James started today, April 15th. He comes to us fresh out of student politics where he was Vice President of Equality and Citizenship for the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). In his student career, James has shown his dedication to inclusion in all areas. James even deferred his start date with TENI in order to make sure that the Trans Healthcare Policy he had been working on was passed in USI before he left.

James has this to say about his appointment:

“I’m so excited to be working in this brand new role in TENI! During my undergrad in Sports Science and Health, I had always questioned about the lack of inclusion of trans people within sports and how we should not be stopping trans people from participating in sports. In my last role as Vice President for Equality and Citizenship for the USI, I had focused a lot on trans rights and trans healthcare with other Students’ Unions across the country. I hope to use my experiences that I have gained from my degree and from my work as a Students’ Union Officer to help develop this role into the best it can be for trans inclusion within sports.”

And the team is also excited!

“I can’t wait to get started on this really exciting project with James. He really excelled in his interview and his sports knowledge and expertise will be so valuable” Hannah Solley– Family Support and Education Lead

 “It’s so important to promote trans people’s inclusion in sport at the moment, and I’m so excited to have someone with James’s experience and energy in this role. Welcome aboard James!” – Aisling Dolan, Operations Manager.

“I’m delighted that James is joining us in TENI. I know his expertise will be invaluable to this role and I look forward to working with him over the coming weeks and months” – Saoirse Mackin, Community Engagement Officer