To everyone, always
THE TEAM
Led by our chief executive Derek Allison, meet the team who deliver on the Falkirk Foundation’s aims and objectives, ensuring it’s an effective, forward thinking charity working to support people in our community.
THE BOARD
Charles MacDonald
Chair of the Board
Charles is a partner in a long-established Dental Practice. He has been involved in the Falkirk community for many years, through Scouting, sport, golf and Falkirk Round Table, Falkirk Trinity Church, as well as other charities. Charles takes an interest in everything “Falkirk” and is proud to be the Chairman of the Board of Falkirk Football Community Foundation, being the only founder member still on the Board for 10 years. Charles has been a life-long Falkirk supporter – “expecting the unexpected” (along with many of his generation).
Adele Mills
Vice Chair
Adele joined the Foundation in 2012 and is now our Vice Chair. Having worked for Bank of Scotland, Tesco Bank and Virgin Money she brings a wealth of experience in marketing, PR and communications. Adele’s career has focused on negotiating, developing strategies and leading large scale commercial and community sponsorships, including partnerships with SPFL, Scottish FA, Newcastle United Foundation, the Foundation of Light (Sunderland FC), Edinburgh Rugby and the SRU.
Craig Sinclair
Board Member/Treasurer
Born in Falkirk he has proudly supported his local team with the number one item on his bucket to see Falkirk lift the Scottish Cup!
Studying Accountancy at Aberdeen University, he went on to train as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in Glasgow.
On the Board since 2011 he provides the Foundation with financial advice and support. Passionate about the Foundation and the positive impact it has in the local community. Proud of all it has achieved in its first 10 years and looking forward to continuing this good work to ensure the next 10 years are just as special!
Bryan McCarthy
Board Member
My name is Bryan McCarthy. I’ve been a board member for the Falkirk Foundation for 3 years and recently joined the board of directors for Woodlands. I have been working in the Forth Valley as a Community Pharmacist for the last 14 years and I have lived in Falkirk for over 33 years. Throughout this time I have continually been involved in sport through playing and then more recently coaching. From gracing the football pitch for Gairdoch United as a boy to the over 35s league, I loved every minute.
John Gold
Board Member
John was appointed onto the board in April 2020. John is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser and is a partner in an accountancy firm in Stirling. John is also a trustee and treasurer of another charity based in the Forth Valley which provides financial support to people in crisis in the Forth Valley area. John has two teenage children, one of whom plays for one of the Foundation’s community teams. In his spare time John follows the Bairns, enjoys running, is a member of Larbert and Falkirk 41 Club and is a former Chairman of Falkirk Round Table.
THE TEAM
Derek Allison
Chief Executive
Derek joined us in April of 2021 as the Chief Executive officer and works with the board of trustees to lead and deliver on the aims and objectives of the Foundation.
He has 25 years of experience as a police officer and joined us form the SPFL Trust where he was Operations Manager for the past 6 years.
Chris Gunn
Business Operations Manager
Chris joined the Foundation in February 2022, leading and managing operations across our charity.
His previous experience includes over 15 years managing in a sporting environment coupled with a degree in Business Studies.
Ben Shearer-Richards
Football Development Officer
Ben joined the Foundation in September 2021 as a community coach. In October 2022 Ben took up the Role of Football development officer as well as overseeing the full Girls’ and Women’s pathway.
Ben has an Honours degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling.
Danny Newbigging
Football Development Officer
Danny joined the foundation in February 2023. He will lead on the organisation & administration of all the Community Boys Programme and will work with external partners to deliver & develop funded programmes.
Danny has 10 years’ experience in Community Football, recently leaving Stenhousemuir FC after 7 years in post.
Jamie Murphy
Business Support Officer
Jamie joined the Foundation in February 2022 as Business Support Officer, covering programme coordination and management of volunteers.
He previously worked for the Scottish FA in Coach Education and Football Development and recently completed a Sports Management MSc degree at University of Stirling.
Gareth Davies
Administrator
Gareth joined the Foundation in January 2019 providing administrative support for our core team along with carrying out day to day admin duties. Previously volunteered within British Heart Foundation providing administrative support to the management team and worked for the Falkirk Football Club within the retail and ticketing office.
Joe Whittington
Education Development Officer
Joe joined the Foundation in 2021, overseeing delivery of its education programmes. Previously a player liaison officer at Manchester United, he has a background in teaching further, secondary and primary education.
Grant Ferguson
Physical Activities and Wellbeing Officer
Grant joined us as our Physical Activities and Wellbeing Officer in July, 2021.He has worked in football at a national level working with all 42 SPFL clubs as Project Co-ordinator with SPFL Trust. Grant will be overseeing the delivery of Falkirk Foundation’s Education programmes whilst incorporating Sport and Physical Activity as a key part of these.
Adam Ouakli
Media and Communications Officer
Adam joined the Foundation in June 2022 as Media & Communications Officer and will oversee the running of the social media accounts and content creation.
Adam is also a Media & Communications Officer at Falkirk Football Club, a role he has held since October 2020.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Get in touch with us to find out more about our programmes or to join our community team.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We work with local and national partners to provide innovative programmes that engage people across all age groups and backgrounds. We also manage some local facilities that support community activity.
Community football for children and young adults
Targeted physical activity programmes for children and adolescents with mental health issues
Exercise & nutrition programmes to help reduce obesity and improve health outcomes
Delivery of SQA qualifications to students that do not engage well with the traditional delivery model of education
Holiday activity camps for school pupils
Employment support programmes to build confidence and support people back to work
Falkirk Foundation Community Pitch (All weather pitch located next to Falkirk Football Stadium)
Woodlands Community Sports (Leisure facility with games hall, community rooms and an all-weather pitch)
OUR VALUES
Welcoming
Honest
About what we do and the way we do it
Ambitious
In our drive to succeed
Passionate
About what we do and in how we do it