CEO

Gary is a senior professional with extensive experience of developing and leading multi-million pound international charities and working with partners from the corporate, statutory and policy sectors since 1997. A qualified youth worker and sports coach, Gary received an MBE for services to young people in 2009 and took over as CEO in 2019.

Director of Development

Rhiannon has worked across the youth, sustainability, advocacy and international development sectors. Now our Director of Operations, Rhiannon works with the CEO to implement our strategy and is responsible for overseeing our operations, finances, fundraising and communications, as well as managing key stakeholder relationships.

Director of Operations

Donald joined us in 2023, with significant experience, spending the last decade in several leadership roles within football, including Deputy CEO at the Crystal Palace’s Palace for Life and Senior Operations Manager for Arsenal FC's much respected Community Department, while also supporting the Premier League's Charitable Fund on a national project.

London Programme Lead

Born and raised in South London, Shauna has a degree in Education and experience of working on the NCS Programme, recruiting and training staff and supporting youth social action.

Shauna is passionate about supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and providing access to opportunities.

Training and Progression Manager

Mel worked as a personal trainer for 10 years, before qualifying as a tutor and is now studying a masters in Education and Management in Leadership.

Mel is passionate about helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, NEET, and anyone experiencing inequality to realise their potential.

North West Programme Lead

Victoria joined us in 2014 as a Programme Coordinator. She has a Masters in Art and Design and a background in youth empowerment and community initiatives across Greater Manchester. Now our Head of Programmes North West, Victoria manages all delivery and stakeholder reporting across a range of programmes in the North West.

Lead Youth Worker Greater Manchester

Ryan joined the foundation in 2020 and is our Lead Youth Worker for the Northwest. He has a degree in Radio and Digital Media and has hosted Radio Shows for Reform Radio alongside his Youth Work career with Salford Council. Ryan has also coached grass roots football for 9 years as a volunteer and is passionate about giving young people access to opportunities.

Northern Ireland Programme Coordinator

Daryyl joined the Foundation with vast experience working within the youth work, music and arts fields in Belfast as head of events and programmes of the groundbreaking 5th Element Northern Ireland organisation in Belfast. He has extensive experience in delivering personal development and education programmes on a cross-community basis, tackling racism and division across Northern Ireland.

Programme Manager for Sport

South London raised, Edilson is Sports Lead for the Foundation based in London but working across all sites.

Edilson has a passion for youth development & has nearly two decades of experience in grassroots football, coaching, scouting & in football education. Edilson is also drama school trained and has worked as an actor for over fifteen years.

Youth Work Lead for Creative & Digital

South London born and raised; Nadeem has many years of experience working with young people as a youth and play worker across London. Nadeem is passionate about the arts and how they can be used to inspire young people to pursue creative pathways and enhance their understanding of the world in and round them.

Nadeem has a master’s degree in fine art and works as an artist across multiple disciplines, including film, music, visual art, and poetry.