A Happy Goodbye...

?? After nearly six years as the Senior Independent Trustee at the Football Foundation , I said farewell at the end of March. Reflecting on what the Foundation has achieved over this period, and inspired by what’s to come, I wanted to share a few heartfelt thoughts.

Recognising the Foundation's Impact

The Football Foundation holds a special place in the hearts of many, yet its reach may still be unknown to some. As the official charity of The Premier League , The Football Association , and Department for Culture, Media and Sport / Sport England /(the "Funding Partners"), the Foundation receives invaluable financial support (c. ￡125m p.a.) to drive grassroots football alongside broader initiatives promoting multi-sport venues anchored in football.

Empowering Grassroots Communities

Since its inception in 2000, the Football Foundation has pursued a strong grassroots mission. Its core objectives remain steadfast:

1. Building and Improving Facilities: From pitch renovations to the construction of state-of-the-art facilities, the Foundation ensures that grassroots football clubs and organisations have the infrastructure they need to thrive

2. Making Football More Accessible: By enhancing facilities and supporting local clubs, the Foundation fosters a culture of active living, to more people, regardless of age, gender and ability, inspiring them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives through football

3. Supporting Community Development: Beyond the game itself, football serves as a catalyst for social inclusion, education, and community cohesion. The Foundation champions initiatives that harness the power of football to unite and uplift communities

4. Promoting Sustainability: With an eye toward the future, the Foundation is committed to creating enduring football facilities and programs that leave a lasting legacy in communities across the UK

5. Opening up the game to more women and girls: During last season, over 8,500 female football teams were playing at sites that have received funding from the Football Foundation – whether that be for new goalposts, improved grass pitches or brand-new changing pavilions and 3G pitches

6. Embracing the Multi-Sport Movement: In 2023, the Premier League and The FA demonstrated commendable foresight by aligning with Sport England's vision for multi-sport initiatives. This collaborative effort seeks to maximise the utility of football facilities, ensuring equitable access to sports for all

Inclusive Approach

Through this inclusive approach, we can all celebrate the diverse benefits of the investment in football facilities and the associated multiple sports initiatives. At a time of mental health and physical health challenges, the work the Foundation is doing champions, much of what we need across society:

1. Promoting Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

2. Enhancing Social Inclusion

3. Developing Transferable Skills

4. Nurturing Talent

5. Addressing Burnout and Dropout Rates amongst young boys and girls

6. Maximizing Facility Usage

A Fond Farewell:

As I prepare to embark on a new chapter, focusing on ParkPlay the charity my husband Steve Denison and I set up alongside friends in 2020, I am immensely proud of the progress made and that to come. The visionary leadership of the Funding Partners, Mark Bullingham , Tim Hollingsworth OBE and most recently Richard Masters , the dedicated team at the Football Foundation led by Robert Sullivan and Chaired by Martin Glenn , and the countless individuals who share our commitment to grassroots community empowerment, are all to be applauded.

I leave with a strong hope that more and more people will recognise the tremendous work the Foundation does, more grassroot pitches will be realised in our towns and villages, and that the Funding Partners, who are oft criticised for not redistributing money from the game of football more broadly are recognised for the immense good they do at grassroots level.

I know I leave the Foundation in a strong position, with people who genuinely care for the communities we all live, work and play in.

Forever a friend of the Foundation, it is indeed a happy goodbye from me. ??