About Expat Sport

Alan has dedicated his entire working life to the travel industry, having started as a 16-year-old trainee at Thomas Cook, before moving on at 24 to set up an independent travel agency and golf tour operator.

Alan moved with his family to Dubai in 2007 and set up Expat Sport, bringing together his passions: travel and sport. Today Expat Sport is one of the most respected and trusted sports tourism companies in the Middle East.
  
Most memorable sporting achievement: Completing the London Marathon is my most satisfying sporting achievement, but my most favourite sporting memory is scoring the winning goal for my Sunday league team with a half volley from close to the half way line. Sadly, no footage (proof) is available!  

Most memorable sporting event:  My fellow director Steve has already claimed the 2002 World Cup (we travelled together) so it has to be with the Lions tour of South Africa. This was my introduction to rugby - when I fell in love with the game.

Steve spent 15 years running Bena Travel, specialising in golfing holidays. He grew the Bena Travel brand and arranged many golf tournaments across Europe including the Jimmy Tarbuck and Frank Carson classics.  Bena Travel was sold to Owners Abroad and Steve then became Managing Director of First Choice - one of the leading travel companies in the UK.

Steve is passionate about football and it has played a major part in his life. In 1983, he became the Football League's youngest director on appointment to the board of Peterborough United. Three years later he became the team's Chairman.

Most impressive sporting achievement: Winning the obstacle race in the last year of infant school!

Most memorable sporting event attended: The FIFA World Cup in Japan in 2002 - I attended with fellow director Alan. Particularly the England victory against Argentina in Sapporo. Fantastic atmosphere and great result.

Paul is a board director and vice chairman of Lindum Group, a UK construction company with a £100m turnover. He was fundamental in establishing Lindum as the top- rated construction employer (Sunday Times Top 100).

Paul is involved in several Public Private Sector Partnerships, delivering commercial schemes with a social and community emphasis. 

Once a county under-19s footballer, Paul still plays today aged 50. Having qualified at Loughborough University he spent 2 years coaching in the USA .

Greatest sporting achievement: Cycling from London to Cannes, covering over 150 miles each day

Most memorable sporting event attended: The Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament. You can get so close to the players and feel the tension, it makes you feel part of the event. I was also lucky enough to meet some of them.

John has had a lifetime career in travel. Starting as a trainee with Thomas Cook, he became Managing Director, UK at  36. He then went on to become MD of the international business, covering 54 countries, and introduced the famous strapline “Don’t just book it, Thomas Cook it”. In 2000 John moved to become the MD of Lunn Poly and subsequently Retail Director of TUI UK.

In 2009 John was elected chairman of ABTA  and in the same year was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Later inducted into the Travel & Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame, he received an outstanding achievement award in 2012.

Greatest sporting achievement: Playing football to semi-professional level in the North West counties league

Most memorable sporting event attended: The 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta - getting to see the great Michael Jordan win gold in both the 100 and 200 metres.

James has over 20 years’ experience in travel, starting his career with Airmiles in the UK running the VIP/Groups/Incentive Travel Team.  

After 3 years travelling the world, James was part of a 5-man team that started the UK Bed Bank and helped grow trade sales from zero to £20M.

James moved to Dubai in 2007 and joined Expat Sport in 2010. He works with our global network of tour operators and partners, understanding their client’s requirements and ensuring their teams visiting Dubai have the experience of a lifetime.  

Greatest sporting achievement: As a keen sportsman James can boast a few achievements but a hole in one on the Par 3 13th at the Address Montgomerie Dubai is the one he talks about the most.

Most memorable sporting event attended: The 2015 ICC World Twenty20 final in Kolkata…..THAT last over! when Carlos Brathwaite hit 4 sixes in the final over off Ben Stokes, Eden Gardens erupted! Although gutted England lost, the atmosphere was absolutely electric and he then had the pleasure of sitting next to Bumble on the flight home!

Mayka is an experienced business executive with a demonstrated history of working in different industries. She is responsible for the company’s daily financial, administrative, personnel and database management. Mayka is also the primary contact for visa applications and assists our operations team to host sports dinners, events and visiting sports teams.  

Greatest sporting achievement:  Mayka admits to not knowing much about sport before joining the Expat Sport team, but Mayka was quite a serious ballet dancer in her youth!

Most memorable sporting event attended: My favourite sporting event is the first one I ever attended and that is the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens. To experience such a diverse event and look after such passionate clients  was unforgettable. I also learnt that when somebody scores it is called a try! I look forward to returning to the Dubai Sevens every year and hope to attend the Hong Kong Sevens one day.