Meet the Staff
Olly Toomey
As Head of ACE Rugby at Bishop Burton College, I am responsible for supporting the development of talented young rugby players, both academically and within their rugby performance pathway. My coaching philosophy is centered on developing well-rounded individuals and players, providing them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress within the game and enjoy lifelong opportunities in rugby.
My playing background includes progressing through the Exeter Chiefs Academy pathway from U15 through to U18 level. I also represented Exeter College, winning the ACE League in 2016, and now compete at fly-half for Harrogate Rugby Club in the National League.
Alongside my role at Bishop Burton College, I am currently the Yorkshire PDG Foundation Lead Coach and serve as Attack and Backs Coach at Harrogate Rugby Club. I am also in my second year of the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award and hold a degree in Sports Coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
Through my coaching, I am committed to creating a positive and challenging environment that supports players to fulfil their potential, develop as individuals, and build a lasting connection with the game.
Jenna Randall - Therapy Coordinator
Jenna is passionate about helping horses feel and look their very best. With a degree in Equine Performance and Rehabilitation, she combines her knowledge and experience with a genuine love for horses and their wellbeing.
Jenna takes the time to understand each horse as an individual, making their welfare her top priority and creating a personalised therapy plan tailored to their specific needs.
Jenna can be contacted at equinetherapy@bishopburton.ac.uk and 01964 553087.
Daniel Ward
An experienced educator, lecturer, and mentor with over 15 years’ experience across primary, secondary, and further education. Currently a Lecturer and Mentor at Bishop Burton College, with expertise in teaching, mentoring, coaching, educational leadership, and digital technologies, including AI. A qualified teacher with a strong background in education, English, media, and pastoral support, they are passionate about developing resilient, confident learners and supporting colleagues through effective mentoring and professional development. Their research interests include leadership in education, technology and AI in teaching, mentoring and coaching, behaviour management, and pedagogical practice.
Sophie Mankel
As our Head of Medical, Sophie is passionate about supporting student-athletes to train, compete and perform at their best. She works closely with the sports therapists and performance teams to manage athlete care, coordinate rehabilitation pathways, and support athlete development.
Sophie holds a BSc in Kinesiology and Human Performance, which she completed whilst playing football on scholarship in the United States, alongside an MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Medicine from the University of Nottingham. She has played football professionally, competing in both the Women's Super League 1 and Women's Super League 2 before returning home to continue playing for Hull City Ladies and begin her role at Bishop Burton College.
Having experienced the demands of balancing education, performance and rehabilitation throughout her own career, Sophie understands the physical and psychological challenges that student-athletes face. Her experiences as both an athlete and Head of Medical enable her to build strong relationships with students and create an environment where young athletes feel supported to achieve their full potential.
Max Longley
Max Longley is the Women and Girls Sports Therapist at Bishop Burton College, supporting the Rugby, Football, and Netball programmes. He provides injury assessment, rehabilitation, pitch-side cover, and preventative care to help athletes perform at their best.
Max graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2024 with a Master’s Degree in Sports Therapy and is a registered member of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST). He holds a Level 4 FAW/UEFA Pitch-Side qualification and Level 3 First Aid.
Now entering his third season working within elite sport, Max has also gained valuable experience as a Sports Therapist with Hull City Academy. In this role, he has supported the development of young athletes within a professional football environment.
Emma Slater
Emma Slater is the Academy Sports Therapist at Bishop Burton College, where she plays a key role in supporting both the boys’ rugby and football academies. In this position, she is responsible for the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of student-athletes, helping them maintain peak performance and recover effectively from injury.
Emma is Level 2 PHICIS qualified and fully accredited by BASRaT. She is a graduate of the University of Hull, where she developed a strong foundation in sports therapy and rehabilitation practices.
Alongside her work at the college, Emma also holds the role of Head of Medical at Hull City Ladies, where she oversees all aspects of player health, injury prevention, and medical care within the team environment.
Emma is passionate about supporting athletes on their journey to recovery and performance. She particularly enjoys working closely with players to help them overcome injuries and return to doing what they love most - competing in sport with confidence and resilience.