With 20 months to go until the next Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, Team England has announced it's Games-time leadership team. 

Dr Paul Ford MBE, Francesca Carter-Kelly and Louise Mackie have been named as the three Deputy Chefs de Mission in the areas of performance, sport and athletes and operations respectively.

Dr Paul Ford MBE will be seconded from his day to day role at the British Olympic Association to lead on performance. He said:

"I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity; it is a real honour to act as Deputy Chef de Mission for Performance for Team England at the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Having been part of the Home Games in London 2012 for Team GB, I’m acutely aware of the excitement and opportunity for the Host Nation. I look forward to supporting our talented group of athletes on their journey to the Games."

Francesca Carter-Kelly had her first experience of a Chef role in 2019 as the Chef de Mission for Team Great Britain at the Winter World University Games in Russia and oversaw the development and delivery of Team England’s preparation camp for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. She said:

"Birmingham is sure to be a fantastic stage for Team England to compete on and it is an honour to be appointed Deputy Chef de Mission for sport and athletes in the build up to a home Games. I am excited to work closely with NGBs and the wider leadership team as we prepare and I will ensure athletes are at the centre of our planning. We will do all we can to best prepare the team so they are setup to achieve their potential and make the nation proud in the summer of 2022."

Louise Mackie, who was Deputy Chef de Mission for the Gold Coast 2018 Games will take on the role again for a home Games in 2022. She said:

"The excitement and energy of Glasgow 2014 was my first experience of working team side just up the road. It will be so exciting to be even closer to home and the impact of a home Games. I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead and operating in new ways in an ever-changing world that we are now in. And delivering a world-class environment for our athletes to deliver the best performances possible and put on the greatest of shows for their home audience."

Dr Mike Rossiter will be the team's Chief Medical Officer and Nicki Combarro will be Chief Physiotherapist. 

Dr Mike said:

“I am delighted and honoured to reprise my role as Chief Medical Officer for Team England, particularly as this is a home Games. I am looking forward to one again working again with friends and colleagues from previous Games with either England or Great Britain. As always, the aim will be to provide exemplary support to all the athletes and support staff involved with Team England.”

Nicki said:

“I am really honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Team England’s Physiotherapy provision at a home Commonwealth Games. As we discovered in London 2012, a home Games is a truly unique experience for all involved. I am really excited about being able to work as part of the medical team to provide support to all our athletes,  enabling them to achieve their performance potential whilst representing their country on home turf.“

The  team will be led by Team England's Chef de Mission for Birmingham 2022, Mark England OBE.

The Games will be held from the 28th July across Birmingham and the West Midlands with cycling in London at the Lee Valley Velo Park. 

Find out more about the team here.