Team Scotland is pleased to confirm the appointment of its media staff, to provide first class specialist support to the athletes competing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Sophie Ashcroft has been appointed as Head of Media for the Games and joins the team with a wealth of experience working across a variety of sports and major events.

Currently the Head of Marketing and Communications at leading football charity, the Foundation of Light, Sophie brings a large amount of multi-Games experience having worked in press operations at Tokyo 2020 and Glasgow 2014. Sophie has also held senior communications roles within Sunderland AFC, UK Anti-Doping, British Athletics and British tennis. She has a close connection with Scottish sport having sat on the Scottish Hockey Board and is a retired FIH international hockey umpire.

Commonwealth Games Scotland’s Digital Services and Communications Manager, Gillian Cooke – a former international long jumper and bobsleigh world champion – has been appointed as Deputy Head of Media for Birmingham 2022. During her third Commonwealth Games, Gillian will lead a strong digital team as well as provide support for seven media officers.

Pete Matthews and Louise Stewart, who were both part of Team Scotland at Gold Coast 2018, have returned for their second Games. Both have extensive experience working within major Games environments, with Pete heading up communications for Scottish Cycling and Louise working for Glasgow Life.

Sarah Bell, Media Manager at Scottish Rugby has been appointed for her first Commonwealth Games alongside Tom Everett, Corporate Communications Manager for The Football Association; Beth Moorley, Communications Officer for UK Sport; and Paul Elliott who is a well-known face within Scottish Hockey having led their communications for over five years.

Josephine Watkinson, who has worked many multi-sport Games with organising committees, has been appointed to look after the celebrating success processes, whilst Julia Stenhouse has been appointed as Digital Media Officer, following her work with Team GB during Tokyo 2020.

Sophie Ashcroft commented “I am honoured to be leading this fantastic media team at the Games this summer. We have secured some of the best press officers in the country and I have every confidence that the team will provide a first-class service to not only the Team Scotland athletes but also the journalists and media attending the Games.”

Elinor Middlemiss, Team Scotland Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022 said: “I am delighted we have appointed such a hugely experienced team of media specialists, ready for Birmingham this summer.

“Our media team plays a key role in supporting our athletes, helping to promote their achievements up to and at the Games themselves. With less than six months to go until the Games, the excitement is really starting to build, and we are looking forward to a really exciting summer.