About Us
Meet the Team Behind Progress Network
We're a group of dedicated volunteers united by a simple belief: every young person in St Leonards deserves access to opportunities that help them discover who they are and what they're capable of.
Progress Network began when a small group of community members saw young people in St Leonards with talent, energy, and ambition - but limited places to channel it. We started with football sessions in the park. Today, we run year-round programmes serving 200+ families annually.
We're not a large organisation with corporate backing. We're neighbours, parents, coaches, and volunteers who believe in investing our time, skills, and resources into the community where we live. Every programme we run, every space we create, comes from that commitment.
Our Team
Jerry Odibi
Founding Member & Chairman
Progress Network CIC
Jerry is an entrepreneur, development engineer, and professional chef dedicated to driving community growth. He oversees strategy, finance, and local development projects while proudly running Mama Putts African Caribbean Restaurant in St Leonards-On-Sea. Passionate about empowering people through enterprise, collaboration, and shared opportunity.
Claire Oram
Sparks Football Club Coach & Secretary
Progress Network CIC
Claire plays a key role at SPARKS Football Club and Progress Network, as Secretary helping create safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive. A qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and Wellbeing Coach with additional training in children's fitness and youth mental health, she's passionate about building confidence, strength, and community through movement and mindfulness. Empowering young people to grow inside and out.
Tony Odegbami
Chief Financial Officer
Progress Network CIC
Tony is a computer engineer with over 20 years of experience in networking, PC building, and CCTV systems. As Chief Financial Officer, he oversees the organisation's finances while supporting community projects with both technical and financial expertise. Tony is dedicated to building strong, reliable systems in technology and within the community.
Kele Buay
Head Coach & SPARKS Football Club Manager
Progress Network CIC
Kele leads the SPARKS team, nurturing young talent through coaching, mentorship, and structured development. He is the owner of SystemX and a Level 4 Referee, with a strong background in youth work, leadership, and design engineering. Kele is dedicated to inspiring the next generation through sport, innovation, and community engagement.
Mama Sila Kanyua
Head of Gardening Project & Wellbeing
Progress Network CIC
Mama Sila leads the Gardening and Wellbeing Project at Progress Network, nurturing growth both in the garden and in the community. An award-winning playwright, librettist, lecturer, and researcher, she brings creativity and compassion to everything she does. A registered nurse and assistant teacher of Vipassana meditation, Mama Sila is dedicated to cultivating wellbeing, mindfulness, and connection.
Gabriel Arinze
Assistant Head Coach SPARKS Football Club
Progress Network CIC
Gabriel leads the SPARKS Over-10s team, designing engaging training sessions that build confidence, skill, and teamwork. With a professional background in the health sector, he brings care, discipline, and compassion to every role. Gabriel is deeply committed to supporting youth development and promoting wellbeing through sport and mentorship.
Beez Fedia
Strategic Advisor
Progress Network CIC
As a Strategic Advisor at Progress Network CIC, Beez develops strategies that empower communities to have a real voice in the services they use through active participation and collaboration. A co-founder of Works For All, he supports community-led growth and helps local people shape the future of their communities. Passionate about building stronger voices, sustainable ideas, and more connected communities.
Built by the Community
Beyond our core team, Progress Network is sustained by volunteers, parents, and supporters who give their time, expertise, and energy to make our programmes possible. From coaching sessions to event planning, from gardening support to fundraising efforts, this work happens because people care.
If you want to be part of what we're building, we'd love to hear from you.