Oxford United in the Community has selected a new CEO to expand its mission of enhancing community wellbeing.
The charitable entity of Oxford United has appointed Matt Everett on a full-time basis.
Mr Everett comes into his new role after five years as a trustee, bringing a profession history in sports management, marketing and commercial sales.
He has 19 years of experience in the sports industry, having worked with other clubs including Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic.
He’s a familiar face at United’s Bangkok Glass training headquarters, the charity’s base, having served as the club’s commercial and marketing director from 2018 to 2020.
His appointment bolsters the charity’s established senior leadership team, with Chris Lowes’s promotion to chief operating officer and new hire, Kerrie Bates, as operations administrator.
Mr Everett said: “I’m Oxfordshire born and raised and understand how much Oxford United means to people locally and the influence the club badge can have through strong engagement.
“Serving Oxford United in the Community as a trustee for five years has really opened my eyes to the power of football and how it can be used as a lever to inspire people from all walks of life.”
He added: “With ambitions to broaden our operational footprint across the county on a scale not seen before in the charity’s proud 35-year history, this is an exciting time to lead the team.
“Together with the backing from the football club, we can inspire positive change both within the perimeters of the football field and outside it.”
The charity already has a portfolio of inclusive community programmes and courses set up to address key issues such as social segregation and access to sport.
Weekly disability football training sessions and a new team for Oxford-based refugees are the most recent provisions of the charity.
In collaboration with schools, sports and community clubs, they work to help people aim high and nurture positive aspirations for their futures.
Jeremy Faulkner, chair of trustees at Oxford United in the Community, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Matt as our new CEO following five years of great service as a trustee.
“Engaging positively with Oxfordshire communities and helping empower people to become the best version of themselves has been installed at the heart of our work since our launch in 1989.
“We also welcome Kerrie to the charity and are pleased to formalise a new role for Chris who has been a mainstay in the hardworking team behind the scenes since 2005, progressing from a coach to a key member of our senior leadership.”
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