Our Trustees

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Chair of Trustees

James has spent nearly 25 years in the sports industry working in a number of senior strategy and commercial roles. As The Football Association’s Director of Football Development, he is responsible for grassroots football, which includes developing the game across male, female and disability football, supporting the club network and developing facility infrastructure across the country. 

Prior to joining the FA, he worked in two stints for Portas Consulting, a global management consultancy dedicated to sport and physical activity, where he was the partner responsible for its London office and European business. Between his times at Portas, he was Commercial Director at Harlequins Rugby Club and has previously worked for BSkyB, Volvo Cars and the Volvo Ocean Race.

James has a wealth of football expertise and experience beyond The Football Association, still regularly playing 5-a-side and being a Trustee at The National Football Trust. He is also a keen cricketer and runner.

James brings a vast understanding for football, ranging from strategic to hands-on participation, as well as strategic, commercial and safeguarding expertise.

Independent Trustee

Helen has over 25 years’ voluntary sector experience. She was instrumental in establishing the Youth Sport Trust as a charity in 1995, supporting Founder and President, Sir John Beckwith and Vice-President, Duncan Goodhew. She currently heads up the international team, with a focus on delivering Erasmus+ Sport funded projects with European partners and the sport strand of the British Council’s Next Generation Gulf Programme.

With a deep understanding of the overall charity sector, Helen brings specialist skills in fundraising, corporate partnerships, stakeholder engagement and bid writing. 

Independent Trustee

Adam is the founder and CEO of Oaks, a consultancy offering the sport, education and charity sectors with strategic planning and income generation support to deliver transformative impact and change lives across the world. They have provided services to organisations such as Commonwealth Games England, UEFA, Beyond Food, the EuroHockey and the European Club Association.

Prior to founding Oaks, Adam enjoyed a broad career in the sport sector, working as Commercial Director of Everton Football Club, Deputy Chief Executive of UK Athletics and Development Director of the Lawn Tennis Association. 

Outside of work, Adam holds several voluntary positions, including Chair of Volleyball England and Chair of GB Table Tennis. In his earlier life Adam competed for Britain as a decathlete. He now spends his spare time skiing, scuba diving and hiking in the countryside.

With a love of sport and strategy, Adam brings vast strategic planning, income generation and delivery expertise to The England Football Charity.