At Leeds Rhinos Foundation we are delighted to welcome four new trustees to the board, each bringing a unique array of skills and experience to help us continue Changing Lives Through the Power of Sport.
It is amazing to be joined by Chris Young, Martyn Long, Bethan Oates and Alastair De Costa CBE. We look forward to seeing what exciting new opportunities arise from this and seeing how positively they can impact our community.
Chris Young is Director of Finance at Genomics England Ltd, where he leads financial strategy, governance and risk management across a range of national genomics programmes. Based in Leeds, he is passionate about developing high-performing teams and supporting organisations to deliver lasting public value. Outside of work, Chris is a father of two young sporty children, he enjoys sport and is actively involved in youth grassroots football in his local community. He is also proud to serve as a Trustee of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, helping to support the charity’s mission
Bethan is an Associate Solicitor at a commercial law firm. She has worked closely with charities and not-for-profit organisations through extensive pro bono volunteering. Before qualifying as a solicitor, Bethan worked in a university social impact team, focusing on widening participation in law. Alongside her studies, she also worked for Leeds Rhinos across the retail, ticket office and commercial sales teams. Outside of work, Bethan enjoys playing netball, running and exploring the Yorkshire countryside with her two cockapoos. Having grown up and continuing to live in the local community, Bethan is passionate about supporting the work of Leeds Rhinos Foundation. As a lifelong Leeds Rhinos supporter, she is proud to contribute to the Foundation’s work across the city. Her experience in both the sports and law fields will act as a valuable asset to Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Martyn Long is an entrepreneur, education innovator and co-founder of Creaticity, a Leeds-based innovation company working across education, skills and technology, and Virtual Sport Group, a specialist sport technology studio. With more than 20 years’ experience working across sport, education, community impact and digital innovation, he has founded and led several organisations focused on helping people develop skills, confidence and opportunities for young people. A former rugby union player, Martyn has experienced first-hand the positive impact that sport can have on individuals, families and communities. His appointment reflects a long-standing belief in the power of sport to change lives, alongside a commitment to supporting the Foundation’s work in improving health, wellbeing, inclusion and aspirations across Leeds and beyond.
Alastair Da Costa has extensive leadership experience across education and professional services sectors. He also has an active love of sport. Alastair is Chair of Council at the University of Leeds, Chair of trustees at Lift Schools, a national multi-academy trust group, and he was a previous director and Chair of Capital City College for 13 years, one of the largest further education groups. Between 2018-21. Alastair served as a commissioner to the UK Government’s Social Mobility Commission. A solicitor and corporate lawyer by profession, Alastair had a long international career with DLA Piper for over 20 years and he has advised and served on the boards of a number of other professional services organisations. Alastair participates in many sports; he is a lifelong season ticket holder at Leeds United, an active runner still competing and he is Chair of Leeds Tykes, the professional rugby union club in Leeds which has regularly partnered with LRF through community engagement. Alastair was awarded a CBE in 2025 for services to further education. His experience and knowledge will provide us with a fresh set of skills to use in the future.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Chair, Mariana Pexton, commented on the appointments: “As Chair of the Foundation, I am delighted to welcome the appointment of four new trustees to our Board.
“Each brings a wealth of experience, and I am confident they will help us continue to deliver on our mission as a charity through their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
“We look forward to the insight and commitment they will contribute as we move forward together to deliver the Ambitions of the Foundation and have a positive impact on individuals and their communities.”