OUR
TEAM
Charles Balchin
Chief Executive Officer
Charles is an experienced leader and has worked with non-profit organisations for over 12 years both as a consultant and at board level. His passion for fitness started in his mid twenties and he quickly discovered CrossFit and the incredible community environment it offers. After having been approached back in 2021 to start up the UK arm of a US inclusivity charity, Charles instead felt it was the right time to form a charity locally that helped make fitness accessible to all, and with that, Momentum was born. Fast forward 2 years and Charles says he’s now more excited than ever to be in the privileged position of leading Momentum to make a lasting positive impact in the local community.
Amy Johnson-Mayes
Chief Operating Officer
Amy has experience across the public and non-for-profit sectors, including roles within the NHS and local authority. Amy is also a qualified Weightlifting Coach and Personal trainer, with experience competing as an athlete at a National Level in Weightlifting. She found CrossFit over 10 years ago and it had a huge impact on her life, changing her perspective on exercise and body image for the better. Since experiencing the positive impacts of physical activity for herself, Amy feels passionate about supporting others to experience the same benefits. “Participation in fitness can be a privilege and can feel inaccessible to many – at Momentum, we want to break down the barriers and get as many people involved in physical activity as possible”.
Kelcie Pomfret
Coach
Kelcie is a sports coach, with vast experience coaching adults, young people and children within CrossFit and other sports. Kelcie has experience working within the YMCA in the US, developing a programme for teenagers to get involved in their local communities. Currently Kelcie is a lead Coach for the kids and teens classes at CrossFit Southampton, and hopes to bring together all of her past and present experience working with Momentum to provide others the opportunity to discover the benefits and joy of connecting with their community through exercise and physical activity
Rebecca Palmer
Coach
Becky is an experienced Weightlifting Coach and Personal Trainer, with a BSc degree in Sports Performance Coaching. She has coached young athletes on talent pathways in both Rugby and Weightlifting, supporting them through national and international level competition. With this experience alongside being a lead coach for the kids and teens classes at CrossFit Southampton, Becky is well-placed to support Momentum deliver sessions to adults and young people alike.
OUR
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ross Walters
Chair of Trustees
Ross currently works as a Manager with a local charity supporting vulnerable young people, so brings a great awareness and understanding of how charitable work can make a difference in the local community. His background is in the military, which is where he developed a love for health and fitness over his years of service, as well as building key leadership, communication and problem solving skills alongside a sense of resilience. Ross’s passion is in helping others and says he is honoured to fulfil the role of Trustee at Momentum.
Georgina Salmon
Treasurer
Georgie is an Accountant with a background working within the events and theatre industry, as well as the education sector.
Georgie is local to the Southampton area and recognises that there is a gap in the provision of fitness and exercise services and facilities within the locality which can mean it feels inaccessible to some groups and individuals; “With a cost of living crisis and the groups of vulnerable individuals as identified in our governing document, I feel that Momentum in Fitness can make a real difference to those in need within our local areas.”
Ruth Andrew
Trustee
Ruth currently works as a relationship manager, but has previous experience spanning across the public, private and third sector. Ruth has worked to support charities to raise vital funds for the local community, including taking on her own fundraising challenges such as the London Marathon and trekking in the Himalayas! On her involvement as a Trustee for Momentum, Ruth says, “I can see the transformational impact exercise has on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing, and how this has the potential to positively impact the local community”.
Rebecca Band
Trustee
Becky is a qualified psychologist and has worked in applied health research for the last 15 years, most recently working on a study focused on loneliness and social isolation in Hampshire. Becky is also a long-standing member at CrossFit Southampton, and says that being part of a fitness community has enriched her life on many levels: “My firsthand experience [understanding of the impact of being part of a fitness community combined with my work, [particularly on the role of social circumstances and relationships on mental and physical health outcomes,] really highlights how important the work of Momentum in Fitness is opening access to those who need it the most, and in driving change in our community.”
Penelope Watson
Trustee
Penny’s background is in the Housing sector, where she has experience working closely with local residents and so understands the importance and impact of community services and charities alike. Penny is also a proud member of the Royal Navy reserves and a long-standing member of CrossFit Southampton, so appreciates the importance and benefits of physical fitness for both body and mind. Penny is excited to be a part of momentum, adding that she believes “physical activity should be accessible to all”.
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Unit 3B Barton Park
Industrial Estate
Chickenhall Lane
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 6RR
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02382 182983