Leadership Team
The Team Behind the Vision
AFSVHCL™ is led by a dedicated team of entrepreneurs, community builders, and visionaries committed to transforming youth sports, education, and community development in Canada and beyond.
Founder, Chairman & Interim CEO
Martin Lashley
Founder Story
Martin Lashley founded Athletes & Fans Sports Village Holding Company Limited with a singular belief: sport can transform communities when combined with education, technology, and opportunity.
Recognizing the challenges athletes face in Canada's climate, Lashley envisioned a network of high-performance indoor sports environments capable of supporting year-round training while simultaneously delivering mentorship, academic support, and career pathways for young people.
That vision evolved into the AFSVHCL™ ecosystem, an integrated platform combining sports science, education programs, esports engagement, and community participation.
The Whitby Smart Sports Village project represents the first step toward building a national network of multi-sport dome facilities designed to serve athletes, families, and communities across Canada.
Building Today. Inspiring Tomorrow.
In His Own Words
“We are not building a sports facility. We are building an ecosystem — one that will change the trajectory of thousands of young lives and strengthen communities across Canada and the world.”
— Martin Lashley, Founder, Chairman & Interim CEO, AFSVHCL™
Co-Chairperson & Corporate Secretary
Natalie Sutherland-Lashley
Natalie Sutherland-Lashley serves as Co-Chairperson and Corporate Secretary of Athletes & Fans Sports Village Holding Company Limited (AFSVHCL), where she plays a critical role in the governance, strategic development, and international positioning of the organization.
With a strong background in business administration, organizational leadership, and corporate governance, Natalie helps guide the operational structure and long-term strategy behind the Athletes & Fans Sports Village vision. Her work supports the company's mission of building a next-generation global sports ecosystem that integrates elite athletic development, education, wellness, esports, and community inclusion.
As Co-Chairperson, Natalie works closely with the executive leadership team to ensure that AFSVHCL maintains the highest standards of corporate accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. She is responsible for coordinating board governance, overseeing corporate documentation, and helping manage the strategic relationships that underpin the company's expansion across Canada, the Caribbean, and the broader international sports community.
Natalie is also a passionate advocate for the project's social impact mission, particularly its commitment to creating opportunities for youth and families while integrating education and support programs for neurodivergent children and individuals with learning differences.
Through her work with AFSVHCL, Natalie continues to contribute to the development of a transformational sports and education platform designed to inspire the next generation of athletes, innovators, and community leaders.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Michelle Lashley
Michelle Lashley serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Athletes & Fans Sports Village Holding Company Limited (AFSVHCL), where she oversees the operational execution of the company's global sports, education, and community development initiatives.
With extensive experience in organizational management, program development, and strategic implementation, Michelle plays a pivotal role in transforming the Athletes & Fans Sports Village vision into a fully operational ecosystem. She leads the coordination of internal operations, strategic partnerships, and program delivery across the company's expanding initiatives in Canada, the Caribbean, and the United States.
As COO, Michelle is responsible for ensuring that the organization's core pillars — elite athletic development, education, wellness, esports innovation, and community inclusion — are executed efficiently and sustainably. She works closely with the executive leadership team to implement operational systems, manage key stakeholder relationships, and ensure the successful rollout of major projects including the Whitby Smart Sports Village pilot in Ontario and related international initiatives.
Michelle is also the Founder of MLMSR Mentorship LLC, an education and mentorship organization that supports the Athletes & Fans Sports Village platform through academic programming, mentorship initiatives, and specialized education support for neurodivergent youth, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD and dyslexia.
Through her role at AFSVHCL, Michelle continues to help shape a transformative platform designed to empower athletes, support families, and build sustainable sports communities around the world.
“We operate with purpose, execute with excellence, and serve with heart to create opportunities that change lives and strengthen communities.”
— Michelle Lashley, COO
CEO, Charran's Group of Companies
Vinai Charran
Vinai Charran serves as Chief Investor for Athletes & Fans Sports Village Holding Company Limited (AFSVHCL) and plays a central role in supporting the organization's strategic growth and capital development initiatives.
A successful entrepreneur and international businessman, Vinai brings extensive experience in investment strategy, business development, and global commercial operations. His leadership and financial support help advance the Athletes & Fans Sports Village vision of building a next-generation global sports, education, and community development ecosystem.
Vinai is the CEO of Charran's Group of Companies, a diversified business enterprise with operations spanning retail, education, publishing, and international trade. Through decades of entrepreneurial leadership, he has established a reputation for identifying innovative opportunities and building sustainable business platforms that deliver long-term value.
Within AFSVHCL, Vinai provides strategic investment leadership and supports the development of major initiatives, including the Whitby Smart Sports Village pilot project in Ontario, Canada, which will serve as the foundation for a broader national and international rollout of integrated sports, education, and community infrastructure.
Through his partnership with AFSVHCL, Vinai continues to help drive the development of a globally scalable sports and education platform designed to inspire athletes, empower communities, and foster innovation in youth development worldwide.
Strategic Investment Leadership
Driving capital growth and long-term value creation for AFSVHCL.
Global Business Development
Building international partnerships and expanding business opportunities.
Community & Youth Impact
Investing in initiatives that empower youth, promote education, and strengthen communities.
Sustainable Growth
Supporting innovative, scalable projects with a focus on long-term sustainability and global impact.
“I believe in the power of sports and education to transform lives and build stronger communities. My investment in AFSVHCL is an investment in our youth and in a better future for generations to come.”
— Vinai Charran, CEO, Charran's Group of Companies
Connect With Our Team
We welcome exploratory conversations with potential partners, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
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