The True Athlete Retreat

Head of U.S. Programming at The True Athlete Project, Neil Place is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he spends much of his time trail running, climbing, or biking. He has played and coached competitive ultimate frisbee for nearly two decades, experiences that continue to shape his perspective on sport, effort, and long-term development. Neil holds a Master’s degree in sport psychology and has a background in mental health and youth development. He works locally as a mental performance trainer, supporting young athletes as they navigate pressure, identity, and the emotional demands of sport. His work is grounded in mindfulness, reflection, and relationship, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and wellbeing.

Sam Parfitt is our founder and CEO, and a global leader in sport for social change. Sam is a tennis player, coach, mindfulness teacher and university tutor. Early in his journey, Sam received public service awards for his work mentoring at-risk youth and reimagining sporting environments - weaving together mindfulness, poetry and social action projects through sport. Sport became a place where every young person felt included, seen, and excited about making a difference in the world. And so TAP was born... Now, he brings this approach to life across diverse contexts - from training Olympians in mindfulness, to supporting community volunteers in Scotland, and training young leaders in the Middle East. He is a member of the Euphrates Peace Practice Alliance, and regularly advises sector leaders, contributes to book chapters, and appears on podcasts. Recently, Sam was featured as a leadership case study in “The Long Win”, by Dr Cath Bishop.

Oz is the Head of Community at The True Athlete Project and a a movement play facilitator based in Barcelona,specializing in blending athletic development with playful, exploratory practice, helping people find joy and freedom in their bodies. A former NCAA Division One basketball player, Oz brings over 15 years of professional athletic training and more than a decade of movement study. She holds a Master’s in Sport Psychology and a Master’s in Coaching, and her research in movement is rooted in an ecological approach - soft, relational, and sustainable, while still nurturing her passion for expressive physical practice. Oz has taught workshops internationally for all ages and levels, supporting participants to explore movement, play, and athletic embodiment in ways that support long-term growth and wellbeing.