EFA Appoints New CEO

29/08/25: Earlier this year, the EFA Board resolved to recruit a CEO to take forward the development of the sport. I am delighted to announce that, after an open competition involving a number of strong candidates, Alex Knight has been appointed the first Chief Executive of the Eton Fives Association.

Alex begins in his new role on 1 September, for an initial period of two years.

The CEO, who reports to the Chair of Trustees and to the Board, will work with colleagues and volunteers across the sport, to meet our key objective which is ‘to ensure that more Fives is played on a sustainable basis’. An important aspect of the role will be to ensure that the work of the many volunteers who help to sustain the game is coordinated effectively, and that the collective interests of the Fives community are championed and progressed.

The CEO’s early priorities will include:

• Providing further support to Fives at schools and clubs;

• Finding ways of promoting the transition of more school Fives players into the adult game; and

• Identifying additional sources of funding to support and grow the game sustainably in the longer term.

Commenting on his appointment Alex said: “I am honoured to become Chief Executive of the Eton Fives Association. Eton Fives has a remarkable history and a passionate community, and I have enormous admiration for the volunteers whose dedication keeps the game alive. My aim is to support and celebrate their work while bringing our community closer together, across clubs and schools, so that we can strengthen the game as a whole. The sport has so much to offer players today, and I am committed to helping secure its future for the generations to come.”

I would like to thank all who were involved in the process, as well as our donors to the Centenary Appeal and our sponsors, Advanta Wealth. Without your support, this exciting appointment would not have been possible.

Matt Chinery

Chair, Eton Fives Association