MEET THE COMMITTEE
Committee members are appointed by our membership at our Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in the early autumn of each year.
Our Welfare Officers are the exception to this and are appointed by the Committee directly.
All committee members can be contacted via the club email address:
trafford.metro@swimclubmanager.co.uk.
Jonathan Giles
I’ve been a member of the Masters squad since 2007. Trafford Metro has given me so much over the past 20 years: opportunities to develop, compete, make friendships and challenge myself as a Masters swimmer. I train 3-4 times a week and do a few masters competitions throughout the year including Nationals and ‘specialise’ (loosely!), in distance events (400-1,500m) as my body and technique are just not cut out for sprinting!
Aside from the actual swimming side of things, I am a qualified Timekeeper and Team Manager (TM 1 & 2), so you’ll also see me at gala’s trying to find swimmers/helping them get to marshalling on time and also attending swim camps such as Ellesmere.
Both my children swim for the club (NS & JC) having started in Mini-Mets. This means that I go the leisure centre at least twice a day, so I'm sure you'll see me around!
The club now gives my children the same opportunities: to develop not only as swimmers, but as young people, surrounded by coaches, volunteers, teammates and families who all contribute to making this such a special community.
Steve Sadler
I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Club’s finances to help ensure the Club remains financially healthy and on track. I’m relatively new to the Treasurer role, but not to the world of finance — or to swimming.
I’ve 30+ years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and have served as Finance Director for several companies.
I’ve also been involved with swimming since age 10 and Trafford Metro for more than 25 years, initially as a Masters swimmer and more recently as an official at swimming galas.
Jonathan Altoft
Communications & Brand Officer
I work alongside Vicky, supporting our internal communications, social media, website, kit, and other branding elements. Professionally, I’m a Producer and filmmaker at one of the largest advertising corporations in the world - which lends itself quite nicely to working on cool stuff for Trafford!
I joined Trafford in 2022 after 11 years out of the water and really fell back in love with swimming, largely due to the wonderful community we have here. After swearing I’d never race again, I’ve since gone on to win medals at National, European, and World level, none of which would have been possible without support from my teammates.
I love the club and wanted to give back, so in 2025 I joined the Committee in the newly formed role. We’ve got a great group of people on the Committee who are committed to driving the club forward, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
Mala Rajput-Driver
Vice Chairperson
My role as Vice Chair is to support the Chair and to ensure the Club operates effectively and in the best interests of its swimmers, coaches, volunteers and wider membership.
I am a Solicitor with over 24 years’ experience working for various law firms in Manchester and the North West.
I have been a competitive swimmer since the age of 9, competing at Commonwealth Trials and regularly at National level. I swam for a small, local club in the Midlands and for the City of Birmingham. My legal career brought me to the North West, and I now compete with the Masters’ Squad. I also volunteer for the Club at various competitions.
I have a daughter who used to swim for the Club in the age group squads. After her A-levels she hopes to join the Masters’ Squad and continue her swimming journey.
Swimming is in my blood, and I am very passionate about the swimming community! I love being a member of the Club and hope to provide the practical support it needs to help it grow and achieve its goals.
Louisa Zolkiewski
I’ve been a member of Trafford Metro since 2008, joining as an age group swimmer from Altrincham Swim Club. Now, I’m an active member of the Masters squad, regularly competing at National and International competitions. You might also sometimes see me competing at age group competitions, including the Arena League galas!
I was a squad coach for several years, overseeing squad 1 and the masters fitness squads. I continue to volunteer as a timekeeper and qualified official at many of our club galas.
My role as secretary is mostly administrative, largely ensuring the club is compliant with SwimMark regulations, but also supporting the committee to make sure the club is somewhere everyone feels welcome and supported!
Victoria Cunningham
Communications & Brand Officer
My focus is our Communications & Brand, looking after our kit, website, and other brand elements. I have professional experience in marketing, branding and copywriting — so if you spot a typo, it’s usually my fault…!
I’m a member of our Masters squad, and having competed at the last two Worlds I love making the most of swim-tourism.
I’ve experienced a wide breadth of the swimming world in the UK and USA, from teaching to Olympic Trials, and I’m keen to help others enjoy the sport I love.
Michelle Gilberthorpe
Tracy Dale
I have been a member of Trafford Metro for 13 years, since 2012, when I moved back to the UK after living in South East Asia. I joined the club with my 11-year-old daughter, Sophie, so she could continue her love of swimming.
I decided to join the Masters Fitness group in 2013, but this was short-lived as I realised I was better off on the poolside than in the water! So, I took on the role of Competition Secretary and Club Admin later that year. My daughter later gave up swimming at 16 years old after a serious operation, and 8 years later, I am still here!
I love being a member of the club and still enjoy the role after 12 years, which I do alongside running my own business, CT Trophies, and working as a PA for two of my family members with disabilities. You'll often see me running around Sale between jobs and Grandma duties - trying to keep things under control! I also serve as a committee member of the BCM Swimming & Water Polo Association and run their Mini League.
Tracy London
I started my volunteer journey when my daughter was a Trafford swimmer. I now help volunteers complete their DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, in accordance with Swim England and Club requirements, working closely with other Committee members.
Even though my daughter is not currently swimming with the club, I continue to volunteer.
It’s engaging and challenging and — most of all — allows me to give back to the Club that has provided my daughter with so many life skills and opportunities.
Arran Francis
Sponsorship Officer
I'm excited to help support Trafford Metro's relationships with our commercial partners and develop new opportunities for the growth of our club.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back to the club and teammates who have reignited my love for swimming after almost a decade away from the sport.
Mandi Sturmey
I started as a poolside volunteer when my daughter swam at the Club, and now I manage the membership of our 580+ swimmers, volunteers, coaches, and lifeguards, working closely with Swim England and other Committee members.
Adhering to Swim England requirements for our large Club is no small feat. I have been managing the Club's admin systems and data protection, organising training for officials and volunteers, and ensuring our Welfare Officer is aware of specific swimmer needs for over 18 years.
Lisa Webster
I began my volunteer journey as a swimming parent helping out poolside while my daughter swam. Now my role on the Committee is encouraging and organising other volunteers.
From coordinating support for galas and events to arranging the Sunday office rota, I’ve become a lot more involved in the Club.
I continue to volunteer as a Team Manager myself, helping take care of swimmers at competitions or on residential camps. Another important part of my role is to represent the interests of the junior squad swimmers at Committee meetings.
James Simpson
Sponsorship Officer
As one of our Sponsorship Officers, I build relationships with the local community, local businesses, and our existing sponsors to support the club and its members.
I grew up swimming for Flixton SC before joining Swim Trafford. I've found a forever home as part of our Masters programme, where I've been for 5 years now, and I want to give back to the club I love.
I'm passionate about creating opportunities for all members - ensuring our swimmers have the support they need to fulfil their goals in and out of the water.
Judy Zolkiewski
Swimmers Liaison
I represent the interests of our Masters & Masters Fitness swimmers on the Committee, but my involvement in the Club goes much broader.
As both a swimming mum (who’s seen her daughter continue to love the sport as a Master) and a swimmer myself, I realised how many helpers are needed to ensure competitions can run.
You’ll probably see me poolside as a timekeeper and judge, and I’d encourage anyone to consider volunteering — you get a much better view of your swimmers and deeper understanding of the sport.
Siân Jones
Swimmers Liaison
I’ve been part of Trafford for only a couple of years, having lived and swam down south previously, but I quickly learnt what an amazing club it is.
I wanted to get involved and thought Committee was more up my street than officiating!
Whilst at University, I served on the swim team committee and co-founded what is now the British University Swim League (with another Trafford swimmer no less), so hopefully that will stand me in good stead.
Michelle Gilberthorpe
Swimmers Liaison
I support engagement with Mini Mets and Club Fitness families and am passionate about promoting opportunities for people to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles that support their wellbeing.
Through my daughter's experience, I've seen how swimming with our club can foster fitness, confidence, and lasting friendships.
I'm committed to identifying further opportunities to strengthen family engagement, so all club members can enjoy a positive, supportive swimming experience.
Graham Hughes
Social Secretary
As Social Secretary, I build strong relationships within the Club. I organise social events that bring our members, families, and supporters together, helping to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Focused on communication, engagement, and collaboration, I’m passionate about strengthening the club so we continue to thrive in and out of the pool.