Football Foundation CEO Paul Thorogood stands down after 14 years
The Football Foundation has today announced that Paul Thorogood will stand down as CEO after 14 years in the role.
Football Foundation Chairman, Martin Glenn, said:
“I speak for the whole Board of the Football Foundation, and its Funding Partners, the Premier League, The FA, Government and Sport England, when I say that we are sorry that Paul has decided to leave the Foundation, but we respect his decision to seek new challenges after 14 successful years in the role. He leaves with our thanks and appreciation for everything he has done for grassroots football in this country.
"Paul has made a huge contribution to improving the experience of the hundreds of thousands of people who play grassroots football every week. During his tenure, funding into grassroots facility projects grew significantly with more than £1.5billion being invested into hundreds of state-of-the-art grassroots football facilities across the country. Not only do they help to increase participation levels but they also support individuals and communities, especially young people in deprived areas.
"Inevitably it will take time to identify the right person to succeed Paul in this very important role. Therefore, we will appoint an interim CEO as soon as possible to work with Paul to ensure an orderly transition.”
Paul said:
“It has been a huge privilege to have had the opportunity to lead this fantastic organisation for so long, but after 14 years, and as the Foundation looks to its next evolution, now seems the right time for me to move on and let somebody else lead it on that journey.
“Much has been achieved over the past decade and a half, and I have been incredibly proud to lead such an unbelievably dedicated, professional, and highly capable team of people who are all as passionate as me about serving the grassroots game. I have been constantly inspired by those I have worked so closely with over the years, for their expertise and enthusiasm for doing everything possible to get the most from the funding provided. Many have come and gone, but I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues for their loyalty and support.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Trustees of the Foundation, past and present, and the Foundation’s Funding Partners, the Premier League, The FA, Government and Sport England, for giving me this opportunity, and for the most wonderfully rewarding experience. I wish my successor, and everybody associated with the Football Foundation every success for the future.”
For more information, please contact:
- Rory Carroll on 07545 932 432 or rory.carroll@footballfoundation.org.uk