Our story

Philip Newborough

Chairman and Co-Founder

Philip is Co-Founder of Bridges Fund Management. He founded The Gym Group and has invested in brands including The Hoxton Hotel and Viva Gym Group.

Andrew Mathews

CFO

Andrew is a seasoned CFO with 25 years' experience across Esporta, The Gym Group and Viva Gym, including The Gym Group's 74-gym IPO.

Sally Grace

Director and Co-Founder

Sally was a successful former tennis player who won the Nationals as a junior and played tennis for Great Britain. She is a successful published photographer and has had her own business for 25 years which she recently sold. She is also passionate about interior design and ran a home styling business.

Sally began playing pickleball in 2022 and went on to win several gold medals at National and Open events. At Hurlands Sally will be Head of Partnerships, Sponsorship and Events.

Richard Love

General Manager

Richard has substantial experience in facilities
management including the managing of a London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venue.
He has a proven track record in operational management of leisure centres. Richard has
proven track record as a tennis educator and representing his home county of Norfolk as a
player. He currently is Captain of the 50+ England Pickleball Team. Richard's key
responsibilities are to develop the programme of events and build the coaching team.

Emma Taylor

Executive Assistant to the Chairman

Emma is Executive Assistant to the Chairman. With a background in events, marketing and project management and previously Executive Assistant in a leading wealth management firm, supporting at board level. Highly organised, proactive and people focussed. Emma is a passionate advocate for wellbeing, maintaining an active and balanced lifestyle.

Sophia Hill

Marketing Executive

Sophia has a background in marketing and joins the team as Marketing Executive, responsible for developing and leading the Hurlands brand story across all platforms. With a strong focus on digital marketing, content and community building.

Tom Ward

Duty Manager - Health and Fitness

Tom brings over 15 years of experience in the health and wellbeing industry, including personal training and health coaching. He is a qualified Personal Trainer, Life Coach, and Nutrition Advisor, and has led the development of successful coaching programmes.

Tom takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, combining physical health, mindset, and lifestyle support. As Wellbeing Manager, he is focused on delivering high-quality experiences for members and instructors alike.

Amy Cairns

Head of Padel

Amy Cairns, Head of Padel, is a nationally ranked GB international padel player, achieving a highest LTA ranking of 5 and a career-high world ranking of 336. She has extensive experience leading junior academies, community programmes and corporate events across the UK, and is passionate about supporting players from first introduction through to tournament-level competition using a game-based coaching approach.

Ellie Tomkinson

Pickleball Coach

Ellie is a nationally recognised pickleball player and coach, and the 2025 Singles National Champion, as well as a highly ranked European player. She brings four years of tennis coaching experience, having transitioned fully into pickleball coaching 1.5 years ago.

Ellie has significant experience leading both group sessions and individual coaching, and provides a thematic and individualised coaching style that helps players focus on tactical understanding alongside technical skills. She is passionate about supporting players at all stages, from first introduction to high-level competitive performance.

Flynn Crosthwaite

Pickleball Coach

Flynn is equipped with a strong sporting background, currently competing nationally and internationally in Pickleball, and with previous national-level experience across multiple sports. His educational pathway focused on specialisation in sports coaching and leadership, sports development, and sport performance.

Bringing a high level of enthusiasm, Flynn ensures that enjoyment of the sport remains paramount for all participants. He delivers sessions using a structured and methodical approach, with a detailed focus on technical skills aligned with strategic and tactical understanding.

Flynn is passionate about introducing new players to Pickleball while continuing to support and develop those already established in the sport.