Meet The Captains

Former England Netball Captain and international star with 114 appearances. Pamela Cookey is a powerhouse on and off the court. With a career spanning over a decade at the top of the game, she possesses deep insight into high-performance leadership, team culture, and the captain's mindset.

Now a broadcaster and sports mentor, Pamela is passionate about developing confident, resilient Captains in sport and beyond.

Born in South Wales, Arran is a talented wheelchair rugby Captains with the Ospreys squad. Arran defies expectations as he plays with all his might despite living with Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth disease. His journey, from overcoming early challenges to mastering his craft makes him a champion of resilience, inspiration, and unyielding team leadership on and off the court.

Captain of Cardiff City FC Women, Hannah anchors the defence and leads the team with both grit and grace. In 2024, she played a pivotal role in achieving the club’s first-ever domestic treble and was named captain ahead of the 2024/25 season. As a leader on and off the pitch, she brings commitment, unity, and a champion’s mentality to every match and training session.

Wales’ most-capped international netballer with 125 appearances between 2005 and 2022, Suzy has captained both her national team and Celtic Dragons franchise (Now Cardiff Dragons) A respected senior lecturer in Sport Development, she now combines academic insight with real-world experience to inspire the next generation. Her Captaincy journey, from midcourt anchor to mentor, embodies dedication, resilience, and passion for empowering others.

​Appointed as the first-ever captain of the newly formed Glamorgan Women’s cricket side in April 2025, Lauren brings a wealth of experience from over 15 years in Welsh women’s cricket. A seasoned right-handed batter (and handy slow left-arm bowler), she debuted at just 11, led Wales to Twenty20 promotion, and starred professionally with Western Storm before stepping up to lead Glamorgan into its professional era. As captain, she’s known for her calm presence, strategic insight, and ability to unite a new squad.

A passionate leader with deep roots in Welsh ice hockey, Mark Robinson is a long-standing Captain of the Cardiff Devils' hockey team. Mark leads by example on the ice and in the dressing room balancing fierce competitiveness with unwavering integrity. Known for his strategic mind and ability to galvanise his team in high-stakes moments, he’s a vocal advocate for inclusion in sport and a mentor to emerging talent. Mark’s captaincy is defined by belief, belonging, and building something greater than himself.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby union players of all time, Sir Gareth Edwards is a true icon of the sport. As a former captain of Wales and the British & Irish Lions, his leadership on the pitch was matched only by his flair, vision, and game-changing ability.

​

With a career rooted in discipline, instinct, and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Gareth embodies high-performance leadership. His influence shaped not just results, but rugby culture itself driving excellence, humility, and courage in every match.

​

Now a respected commentator,  ambassador for sport and charity lead, Gareth continues to inspire future generations. His legacy is a testament to the power of calm authority, tactical intelligence, and unshakable belief qualities every great captain can learn from.

Widely respected as one of Wales’ greatest-ever footballers, Jess Fishlock is the heartbeat of Welsh football. As a central figure in the national team and a leader across multiple top clubs worldwide, her influence extends far beyond her technical brilliance.

With a career defined by relentless energy, resilience, and passion, Jess embodies what it means to lead from the front. Her leadership is rooted in authenticity, emotional connection, and an unwavering commitment to her team.

A trailblazer for the women’s game, Jess continues to inspire through her performances and her voice. Her legacy is one of courage, consistency, and pride,  qualities that resonate deeply with any captain striving to elevate those around them.

A multiple Paralympic champion and world record holder, Aled Sion Davies is one of Wales’ most decorated athletes. His dominance in para athletics is matched by his resilience, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Aled’s leadership is forged through adversity, discipline, and an unshakeable belief in his own standards. He leads not through words alone, but through consistent action and performance at the highest level.

Beyond competition, Aled is a powerful advocate for inclusivity and high performance. His journey reflects the mindset of a true leader, focused, driven, and committed to leaving a lasting impact on sport and society.

A former England captain and one of the most respected defenders in the game, Steph Houghton has been a pillar of leadership in women’s football for over a decade. Her composure, professionalism, and consistency have defined her career at both club and international level.

​

Steph’s leadership style is calm, measured, and rooted in trust. She leads with integrity, setting standards through her actions and creating stability within her team.

​

Off the pitch, Steph has played a vital role in advancing the women’s game, inspiring the next generation of players and leaders. Her legacy is built on quiet strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

A Paralympic gold medallist and key figure in Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby success, Stuart Robinson represents elite performance and leadership at the highest level. His role within the team has been instrumental in driving standards and achieving historic success.

​

Stuart’s leadership is defined by resilience, adaptability, and relentless focus. Competing in one of the most physically demanding sports, he demonstrates courage and commitment in every moment.

​

Having also captained at the Invictus Games, Stuart brings a deeply human, purpose-driven leadership style, leading individuals and teams through challenge, recovery, and shared mission

​

Beyond the court, Stuart is an advocate for inclusion and opportunity within sport. His journey highlights the power of mindset, teamwork, and determination core traits of any exceptional captain.

One of the brightest young leaders in English football, Maya Le Tissier has quickly established herself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence. Captaining at a young age, she represents the next generation of leadership in the modern game.

​

Maya combines maturity beyond her years with a fearless approach to responsibility. Her leadership is proactive, communicative, and grounded in accountability.

​

As she continues to grow, Maya embodies the evolution of captaincy: confident, composed, and ready to lead in high-pressure environments. Her journey is one to watch, offering valuable lessons in stepping up early and owning your role.

A leading figure in British handball, Holly Luke has captained Great Britain and played a pivotal role in the growth of the sport. Her experience across international competitions has positioned her as a respected leader within the team.

​

Holly’s leadership is energetic, vocal, and team-focused. She brings intensity and clarity, ensuring her team remains connected and competitive.

​

As an ambassador for handball in the UK, Holly continues to inspire through her commitment and passion for the game. Her legacy is one of drive, leadership, and dedication to elevating both performance and profile.

A pioneering figure in women’s football, Carol Thomas BEM was the first English woman to reach 50 caps and one of the earliest great leaders of the Lionesses. As England captain from the mid-1970s into the 1980s, she helped lay the foundations for the modern women’s game.

​

With a career built on courage, resilience, and pride in the shirt, Carol led during an era when women’s football fought for visibility, respect, and opportunity. Her leadership was grounded in determination, humility, and a deep love of the game.

​

Awarded the British Empire Medal for services to football and charity, Carol’s legacy continues to inspire today’s players and captains. She represents trailblazing leadership showing what it means to lead before the spotlight arrives.