Our Team
Meet the people who bring the Pioneer Club to life!
From inspiring teachers to dedicated Trustees, our amazing team works tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment where young people in the St Albans community can thrive.
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Jon Prayer
Music and Commercial Director
Jon brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for music to The Pioneer Club. With a strong history of successful event organisation, he has curated a diverse range of sold-out events here since 2019. Beyond his professional achievements, Jon is committed to using music to positively impact our community programmes.
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Sue Frost
Office Manager
Sue brings diverse experience from a banking career spanning management, recruitment, and risk. A long-time Pioneer supporter (her sons participated here!), she excels at event planning and understands the needs of skaters, particularly those with ASD. Her work with a charity supporting autistic adults provides unique insights to her role.
Matt Bigg
Chair of Trustees
Matt has worked and lived in St Albans for the last 25+ years. His journey at the Pioneer started in 2001, when he become a volunteer at the skatepark. He has recently returned as a Trustee, helping the Pioneer grow as a youth focused charity, benefitting from a brilliant music venue and host to the UK’s oldest indoor skatepark.
Jez Farmer
Trustee
Jez, a long-time St Albans resident, is a dedicated community member. He's a Cub Scout leader, school governor, and local business owner. As a Trustee of The Pioneer Club since 2023, Jez is passionate about its role in community development and youth well-being. He believes in the power of hobbies and activities to enhance personal growth and foster a sense of fun.
Ele Stevens
Trustee and Treasurer
Ele is a CIMA-qualified accountant with extensive experience in industry, charity, and practice. She specialises in setting up efficient systems for timely management data. Her passion for music and experience in the creative sector make her an ideal fit for The Pioneer Club.
Andy Cooper
Trustee
Andy Cooper lives in London Colney with his wife and two teenage sons. He works in IT security and has been a dedicated trustee of the Pioneer Club for almost 10 years. Outside of work, Andy still DJs drum and bass, and enjoys snowboarding, cycling, and going to gigs.
Chris Willoughby
Trustee
Chris, a trustee of The Pioneer Club, and proud owner of an extensive Hip-Hop collection, initially worked with the Pioneer Club by supporting his sons at the skatepark. Over time Chris became more involved, managing the kitchen and BBQ at Sunday Skate Jams until the pandemic. We're pleased to welcome Chris to our Board of Trustees!
Jez Levy
Trustee
Jez, a St Albans resident on and off since the mid-seventies having been kicked out of Verulam School in 1983, has forged his way in the eyewear & eyecare industry, culminating in opening EYES on St Albans in Marshalswick in 2018. A huge supporter of local charitable causes, Jez is currently one of the District Councillors for Bernard’s Heath ward, where The Pioneer is situated.
Sam McEwan
Youth Programme Lead & Designated Safeuarding Lead
Sam runs the youth group at the Pioneer and is also our DSL. She is a qualified children’s counsellor and has a wealth of experience that she brings to the team. She loves working with youngsters, designing projects and building spaces where they feel safe, supported and part of a community. Having spent time at the Pioneer as a teen during the glory days of the 1990s, she is passionate about continuing the Pioneer legacy for generations to come.
Skate Team
Meet the brilliant team who bring the energy and excitement to the Pioneer Skatepark!
Our dedicated instructors are skilled skaters who love sharing their passion with young people. They create a fun and supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and express themselves creatively. Get ready to roll with the best!
Charlie Spelzini
Skatepark Manager
Charlie Spelzini, a lifelong Pioneer Club member and professional skateboarder for Death Skateboards, has been teaching here for over a decade. He's passionate about sharing his love for skateboarding and creating a positive environment for young people. As Skatepark Manager, Charlie aims to build on The Pioneer Club's legacy and continue to inspire the next generation of skaters.
Josh
Assistant Skatepark Manager
Josh has skated Pioneer since 15, now 8 years later, he's still here! He joined the team in 2021, driven by a passion for teaching and community. Josh loves helping others progress and enjoys skating the park himself. He believes The Pioneer's unique sense of community is unmatched!
Kris
Skate Teacher
Kris truly enjoys working as a skate coach because he finds it incredibly rewarding to see people improve and gain confidence in their skills. He finds it fulfilling to watch their excitement as they progress. Being able to play a part in their development and helping them to reach new milestones is something which he deeply enjoys and finds very rewarding.
Ilirian
Skate Staff
Ilirian enjoys working in the vibrant atmosphere of the Pioneer Skatepark, witnessing skaters of all ages learn, grow, and connect. He finds the energy and creativity at the skatepark is contagious, and he is inspired by the passion and sportsmanship that he sees every day. He is proud to be part of a community that fosters individual growth and celebrates the joy of skateboarding.
Tamar
Skate Staff
Tamar enjoys being a skate coach at The Pioneer because of the amazing community and great atmosphere there. She finds coaching people incredibly rewarding, and enjoys being part of their skateboarding journey.