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Richard Hunt – Community Sport Strategist & Inclusive Development Leader - 

Senior Advisor, Citizens Sports.

Richard Hunt brings over three decades of leadership and impact in community sport, higher

education, and inclusive sports development to his role at Citizens Sports. 

With a career spanning national governing bodies, higher education institutions, and grassroots clubs, Richard stands as a widely respected figure in UK sport development.

Currently serving as a School Games Organiser for Tendring, Richard plays a key role in

advancing school sport participation and inter-school competition across Essex. 

His academic career is equally distinguished—he spent over 20 years at the University of East London as a Head of Department and Principal Lecturer in Sport, where he shaped degree programs, mentored future practitioners, and championed inclusive sport education. He also holds a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and an MSc in Recreation Management from Loughborough University.

Richard's leadership extends beyond the classroom and pitch. 

He has held trustee and committee roles with a range of organizations, including Essex Cricket in the Community, Colchester United Community Foundation, and the English Federation of Disability Sport. His governance expertise and hands-on delivery—ranging from cricket and football coaching to disability awareness training—demonstrate a rare blend of strategic oversight and grassroots engagement.

At Citizens Sports, Richard contributes his deep expertise in community partnership building,

coach education, inclusive sport strategy, and youth programming design. 

His proven commitment to equity and participation ensures Citizens Sports’ initiatives are both visionary and rooted in the real needs of communities.

Richard’s lifetime of service exemplifies Citizens Sports’ mission: to transform youth and

community sport through sustainable models, inclusive leadership, and purpose-driven growth.

Mark Hutchinson, known across the global lottery industry as “Hutch,” is the Founder and Managing Member of Gaming Solutions International LLC, a Colorado-based company pioneering the next generation of public games of chance—including raffles and lotteries—with a mission-driven focus on global impact and social good.

With over 33 years of experience in the lottery industry, Hutchinson brings an unmatched depth of knowledge, having played a foundational role in the launch of Lotto America in the 1980s, the precursor to what became the internationally renowned Powerball. 

His work has taken him around the world, where he has contributed to the design, development, and successful management of regional and state lottery systems in diverse markets.

Now based in Colorado, Hutchinson launched Gaming Solutions International in 2024 to reimagine gaming as a force for positive change.

Under his leadership, GSI operates both as a retailer of public games—earning commissions through sales—and as a creator and manager of original gaming formats. 

In these proprietary games, 50% of proceeds are directed to prizes, and 25% are earmarked for impactful social causes, including youth sports development, a core commitment of the company.

Hutchinson oversees all major aspects of Gaming Solutions International’s strategy, licensing, and partnerships. His long-standing industry relationships, regulatory expertise, and entrepreneurial drive position GSI to be a global leader in purpose-driven gaming.

Emiliano de Laurentiis is the visionary Founder and CEO of Knowledge Avatars, an education technology company pioneering the future of AI-driven learning. 

With decades of experience at the intersection of education, automation, and digital innovation, Emiliano leads the development of Knowledge Avatars™—AI-powered tutors designed to emulate the best human educators.

Knowledge Avatars are animated, interactive characters that engage learners through personalized text or voice dialogue. Built on a proprietary platform, these AI tutors can be embedded across websites, mobile apps, social media, and even the Metaverse—making them highly adaptable tools for teachers, students, and enterprise training environments. 

Unlike traditional e-learning platforms, Knowledge Avatars adapt to each user’s knowledge gaps and learning style, creating a more individualized and less stressful experience.

Under Emiliano’s leadership, Knowledge Avatars has emerged as the only platform combining AI tutoring, intuitive content creation tools, and a creator marketplace—empowering educators and organizations to design, deploy, and monetize intelligent learning companions at scale.

A lifelong innovator and educator, Emiliano’s work has consistently focused on harnessing technology to humanize learning. 

His approach blends advanced artificial intelligence with pedagogical insight, making Knowledge Avatars a transformational force in the global education landscape.

Andy Golding brings over three decades of expertise at the intersection of sports business, education, and governance to his role. As a distinguished lecturer in Sports Business, Sports Law, and Governance at UCFB—the UK’s premier higher education provider situated at Wembley Stadium—Andy has shaped the next generation of sports leaders through undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programsucfb.ac.uk+3ucfb.ac.uk+3economicsobservatory.com+3.

Throughout his career, Andy has combined academic rigor with real-world impact. For the past 18 years, he has owned and managed an education solutions firm offering face-to-face, online, and blended learning across UK and international universities ucfb.ac.uk. As a recognized quality expert, he has advised more than 30 UK further-education institutions and contributed to numerous Erasmus+ initiatives. His research focuses on professional rugby's growth and sustainability, and he is currently developing a PhD framework on the same topic ucfb.ac.uk+1economicsobservatory.com+1.

Beyond the classroom, Andy demonstrates a deep commitment to sports at every level. He actively participates in rugby as director of rugby at Maidstone Rugby Club following a storied playing and coaching history. He also serves as a trustee of the Kent Cricket Youth Trust and as a non-executive director with FC Inter London, aiding the integration of displaced Ukrainian children through football ucfb.ac.uk+1economicsobservatory.com+1.

As a Senior Advisor to Citizens Sports, Andy applies his strategic acumen in governance, media rights, and sponsorship, advising sports organizations on sustainable growth and brand development. His unique blend of educational leadership, sports administration, and legal insight enables him to craft nuanced sponsorship strategies and media partnerships grounded in both theory and practice.

Professor Rob Wilson is a globally recognized expert in sports finance, media rights, and sponsorship strategy. Rob brings a rare blend of academic depth and real-world commercial experience, advising on how to maximize value at the intersection of broadcasting, sponsorship, and fan engagement. His expertise helps leagues and teams structure and monetize media and sponsorship assets in ways that are both financially sound and strategically aligned with brand and audience development.

Rob currently serves as Professor of Applied Sport Finance at UCFB, the UK’s leading institution for sports-focused higher education, and also leads academic programs with VSI Executive Education, where he develops future leaders in global sport. His influence extends beyond the classroom as Editor-in-Chief of Managing Sport and Leisure, where he helps shape the academic discourse around sports management and commercial strategy. He is also the founder of InvestInSoccer.com, a platform that connects investors with opportunities in professional football, reflecting his deep commitment to innovation and access in the sports business sector.

Rob’s consulting work centers on optimizing media rights and sponsorship models for new and growing leagues. He supports teams and central offices in navigating the shifting media landscape—from traditional broadcast to OTT and digital platforms—while designing sponsor activation strategies that enhance fan experiences and brand value. His guidance also extends to executive training and leadership development for commercial teams, equipping them with the tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Widely respected as a speaker, mentor, and strategic thinker, Rob combines academic rigor with a practical understanding of how sport operates as both passion and business. His work helps sports organizations unlock new revenue, build sustainable commercial ecosystems, and elevate their presence in a rapidly evolving media and sponsorship environment.

Dr. Dan Plumley is a leading authority in the finance, economics, and governance of professional team sports. With over 15 years at Sheffield Hallam University and holding the roles of Principal Lecturer in Sport Finance and Associate Head at the Sheffield Business School, he brings deep analytical and strategic expertise to Citizens Sports LinkedIn+6Sheffield Hallam University+6Chris Platts+6.

Dan's research-driven approach is rooted in his PhD, which pioneered models for assessing financial and sporting performance in English professional football. His portfolio includes extensive publications and funded studies—covering competitive balance in elite leagues, financial distress in sports clubs, and economic impacts of major events like the London Marathon and Women’s British Open Sheffield Hallam University+1ResearchGate+1.

At Citizens Sports, Dr. Plumley applies rigorous academic insight to commercial strategy, guiding new leagues and sports ventures through data-backed financial planning, governance frameworks, and investment evaluation. His ability to translate complex fiscal models into practical decision-making has helped organizations balance commercial objectives with community and stakeholder interests.

In addition to his consulting work, Dan is an influential voice in the sports media, regularly contributing to platforms like the BBC, Sky News, GiveMeSport, and academic journals LinkedIn+4Sheffield Hallam University+4Chris Platts+4GiveMeSport. A Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), he combines technical financial acumen with strategic foresight—enabling sports entities to thrive financially, operationally, and socially in today’s competitive market.

Tariq Cassim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Koach Hub, a leading sports technology company focused on the transformation of grassroots sports through digital innovation. Through a strategic partnership between Koach Hub and Citizens Sports, Tariq plays a key role in delivering customized digital solutions to support coaching, player development, and organizational operations within emerging sports ecosystems.

Under Tariq’s leadership, Koach Hub has developed an advanced platform that connects coaches, players, and parents in a dynamic, data-driven environment. His work has enabled football federations and youth academies across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa to digitize their coaching systems, streamline curriculum delivery, and enhance player performance tracking. Notable partnerships include national-level initiatives in Singapore, India, and Laos, reflecting Koach Hub’s growing international footprint in grassroots football.

Tariq’s vision centers on empowering communities with accessible, scalable technology that makes high-quality coaching and player development possible at every level. His ongoing collaboration with Citizens Sports is focused on integrating Koach Hub’s tools into large-scale programs like the Renaissance League, ensuring that age-grade structures, coaching pathways, and regional team operations are supported by best-in-class digital infrastructure.

With a passion for sport, innovation, and social impact, Tariq continues to lead the way in redefining how grassroots development is delivered, measured, and scaled across the world.

Rebekah Bryant is a seasoned leader in sports tourism, event housing, and strategic partnerships, bringing over 12 years of experience at the intersection of hospitality, technology, and live events. A trusted advisor and dynamic relationship-builder, Rebekah has cultivated a distinguished career supporting destinations, rights holders, and event organizers in delivering exceptional travel experiences for athletes, fans, and participants.

Most recently, Rebekah served as Director of Business Development at EventPipe, a technology platform revolutionizing event housing operations. In this role, she led partner engagement with sports commissions, CVBs, and housing service providers, while also spearheading sales strategy, sponsorship activations, and product education across the industry. Her deep understanding of RFP processes, event operations, and long-lead pipeline management positioned her as a go-to resource for sports organizations evaluating scalable housing solutions beyond traditional stay-to-play models.

Previously, Rebekah spent six years with Drury Hotels in national sales roles focused on sports and religious group travel. She consistently exceeded revenue targets, led high-performing sales teams, and was recognized with numerous awards for sales leadership and operational excellence. Her earlier roles in hotel group sales across Colorado and Texas further shaped her comprehensive understanding of the event lifecycle, from initial lead generation through execution and post-event evaluation.

Rebekah is a frequent presenter at industry conferences such as the Sports ETA Symposium, where she has led discussions on housing trends, technology integration, and market intelligence tools. A proud former athlete herself, she brings a personal appreciation for the player experience and a passion for supporting the communities that power youth and amateur sports.

With a degree in Hospitality Management and a background that bridges tech, travel, and team dynamics, Rebekah continues to shape the future of sports events through innovation, empathy, and strategic insight.

James Fealey is an accomplished business development and account management professional with over 20 years of progressive experience delivering exceptional results across sectors including travel, education, and sports. He currently serves as Director of Business Development – University Travel at Corporate Travel Management (CTM), where he leads efforts to expand and support travel partnerships with higher education institutions across North America.

James is also a Special Advisor for Group Travel, bringing deep expertise in coordinating complex travel logistics for large-scale sporting events, academic programs, and youth engagement initiatives. Known for his customer-centric approach and strategic mindset, James has built a reputation for crafting seamless, customized travel experiences that meet the diverse needs of clients and stakeholders alike.

During his tenure at STA Travel, James increased regional revenue by 325% over five years while managing more than 150 key accounts. His ability to foster strong relationships, align internal and external teams, and deploy creative travel solutions played a critical role in consistently exceeding growth targets. He also managed complex travel packages that included accommodations, transportation, and detailed itineraries for academic and youth travel groups.

Earlier in his career, James served as Associate Director of Admissions for the Institute for Shipboard Education/Semester at Sea, where he implemented successful recruitment and enrollment strategies. As Assistant Director at Club Getaway, he led a team of over 170 staff in delivering exceptional group programming and guest services.

A lifelong rugby player, team captain, and club president, James continues to support sport and community initiatives through his advisory work. His professional background, leadership qualities, and commitment to excellence make him a trusted partner in managing travel solutions that enhance both organizational outcomes and individual experiences.

Peter Gilbert is a digital media and broadcast technology specialist working with Citizens Sports to lead the development of streaming infrastructure for the Renaissance League. As the founder of a premier streaming services company, Peter brings over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality live and on-demand sports content to global audiences.

Peter’s expertise lies in end-to-end streaming solutions, including multi-camera production, platform integration, content delivery, and viewer engagement tools. His work ensures that fans of the Renaissance League will have seamless access to matches, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content across a range of digital platforms.

In his role with Citizens Sports, Peter and his team will:

• Design and implement a customized streaming platform tailored to the Renaissance League’s needs.
• Oversee live broadcast production, encoding, and distribution of matches and league content.
• Ensure reliable, scalable, and professional-grade streaming to elevate the fan experience and expand the league’s digital footprint.

Peter’s partnership with Citizens Sports reflects a shared vision: to make the Renaissance League one of the most accessible and engaging women’s professional sports properties through cutting-edge streaming technology and innovation.

Aaron Wilson brings a rich blend of investment strategy, technology innovation, and operational leadership to Citizens Sports, where he will lead groundbreaking efforts to tokenize investments in the Renaissance League and expand tokenization across league operations, ticketing, and merchandise.

Aaron currently serves as Managing Partner at EONXI, a venture investment firm focused on consumer tech, AI, gaming, and XR. Since joining in 2020, he has steered the firm’s investment strategy across high-growth sectors—most notably leading EONXI’s investment in Aimlabs, a top cognitive training platform for esports athletes

He also co‑founded Approved Jets, a fast-growing private aviation brokerage serving high‑net‑worth individuals and Fortune 500 clients, demonstrating his ability to scale innovative businesses eonxi.com. Further, Aaron originally founded Wilson Talent Solutions, a recruiting and workforce strategy firm that helped enterprises attract top-tier talent. His early career includes leadership roles in SaaS, private equity, human capital firms, and a stint at JPMorgan Chase.

Tokenized investment Infrastructure

Aaron will engineer a robust framework allowing investors to participate in Renaissance League through tokenized investment vehicles—improving transparency, liquidity, and access for digital-native investors.

Tokenization of League Operations

He will lead strategic design and implementation for token-based systems that can support:

• Ticketing, using tokens to streamline sales, resale, and loyalty rewards.
• Merchandise, unlocking new forms of fan engagement through NFT-based collectibles, exclusive access passes, or digital memorabilia.
• Operations and Governance, exploring token utility for community voting, sponsorship access, or stakeholder incentives.

Future-Ready Token Ecosystem

With Aaron’s background in scaling ventures and operational insight, Citizens Sports will benefit from iterative frameworks that allow future layers of tokenization—expanding into sponsorship, franchising models, and decentralized fan-engagement platforms.