2025-08-31-accounts

EMMERSON BOYCE FOUNDATION

Trustee Meeting (Online)

Date 25 May 2026

Present

Andrew Awadzi (Chair) Alessandra Williams (Trustee) Emmerson Boyce (Trustee)

Agenda

1. Ethiopia Trip Update

2. Football Boots Appeal

3. Objectives for 2026/2027

4. Any other business

1. Ethiopia trip update

• Mr Boyce provided an update on his upcoming visit to Ethiopia as part of the She Wins Project in partnership with the British Embassy.

• Following the successful delivery of the programme in November 2025, the British Embassy has invited Mr Boyce to return to Ethiopia in June 2026 for a seven day visit. The visit will include workshops for all 48 coaches involved in the programme, focusing on coach development, leadership and inclusion.

• Mr Boyce also informed trustees that discussions will take place regarding how the Emmerson Boyce Foundation can support future projects in Ethiopia, including exploring local and UK-based grant funding opportunities, sponsorship, partnerships and long-term sustainability.

• Mr Boyce also said he is looking to partner organisation especially in the Wigan to see what projects the Foundation can be involved in.

2. Football Boots Appeal

• The trustees discussed launching a football boots appeal to support young people involved in football programmes.

• Mr Awadzi suggested contacting football clubs, schools and community organisations to seek donations of used and new football boots.

• Miss Williams advised that she has previous experience managing donation appeals and welcomed the initiative. Trustees agreed to explore potential partners and develop a collection and distribution plan.

Action

• Mr Boyce to identify potential football clubs and organisations to approach.

• Miss Williams to provide guidance on managing and promoting the appeal.

3. Objectives for 2026/2027

• Mr Boyce outlined his commitment to ensuring that the Emmerson Boyce Foundation becomes an active, impactful and sustainable organisation over the coming year.

• Trustees discussed the importance of learning from established charities and community organisations. Mr Boyce confirmed that he will seek advice and guidance from experienced charity leaders to strengthen governance, improve operational structures and identify sustainable funding opportunities.

Key priorities for 2026/2027 include

• Expanding community impact programmes.

• Developing sustainable funding streams.

• Building partnerships locally and internationally.

• Strengthening governance and operational procedures.

• Increasing the Foundation's visibility and community engagement.

4. Any Other Business

• There being no further business, the meeting was closed.

Emmerson Boyce Foundation Trustee meeting

Date 12th December 2025

Attendance

Emmerson Boyce (Chair)

Andrew Awadzi (Trustee)

Alessandra Williams (Trustee)

Agenda

1. Foundation objectives

2. The Chair position in the Foundation

3. Ethiopia project

4. China project

5. Aylesbury project

6. Fundraising opportunities

7. Next meeting date

8. Any other business

Foundation objectives

Empowering Young People Through Football

Mission Statement: Our mission is to equip young people with the skills, confidence and . opportunities to succeed on and off the pitch

Founded by former Premier League player Emmerson Boyce, the foundation aims to blend sport, leadership and life skills to make a lasting impact in communities across the UK and internationally.

Core values

• Fun – We create enjoyable, engaging experiences because learning and growth happen best when young people are inspired and happy.

• Inclusion – We ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of background, ability or gender.

• Equality – We actively promote fairness, equal access and respect for all, on and off the pitch.

• Empowerment – We give young people the tools, confidence and support to make positive choices and reach their potential.

• Leadership – We nurture leadership skills that encourage responsibility, teamwork and initiative, helping young people become role models in their communities.

• Innovation – We embrace creative approaches to coaching, mentoring and programme delivery to maximise impact.

• Resilience – We help young people overcome challenges and build mental and emotional strength through sport and mentorship.

Empowerment & Personal Development

• Empower young people through football.

• Provide opportunities that inspire and develop entrepreneurial and transferable employment skills.

• Develop an international mentorship programme.

• Work with primary and secondary schools to deliver leadership programmes with an emphasis on fun, inclusion, and equality.

• Raise funds to develop football facilities and additional sporting equipment for communities.

• Promote mental well-being through safe, inclusive football environments

The Chair position in the Foundation

Chair Appointment Discussion

• Mr Boyce raised the point that one of the other trustees should take on the role of Chair to maintain transparency and accountability within the organisation. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that all board members are active participants and feel free to ask any necessary questions to help the Foundation achieve its objectives.

• Mr Awazi put his name forward to serve as Chair.

• Ms Williams seconded the proposal and suggested that Mr Awazi should serve as Chair for one year to ensure continuity and smooth operations before any further review.

• Mr Boyce raised no objections, and following a vote, it was agreed that Mr Awazi will assume the role of Chair for the 2026 term.

Ethiopia Project

International Collaboration –

• Mr Boyce led a collaboration with Football for Humanity (Chris Thomas) and SMS Pro Soccer (Mark Hayes) in Ethiopia as part of the She Wins Initiative, in partnership with the British Embassy, under the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign.

• The Emmerson Boyce Academy delivered a 10-day coaching workshop for 43 local coaches in Addis Ababa, concluding with an 11-a-side U17 Girls’ Tournament.

• 23 of the coaches were female, which was great to see.

• Each participant received a Level 1 Coaching Education Certificate from the Emmerson Boyce Academy.

• The She Wins Initiative was designed to empower coaches, particularly female coaches, to find their voice and to use football as a platform for education, equality and social impact.

• The project aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support local solutions, create safer spaces and build a world where everyone can play, learn and lead without fear.

• During the visit, Mr Boyce worked closely with the British Embassy and local partners to deliver a programme that combined practical coaching sessions, open discussions and shared learning on how football can be a tool for empowerment and education.

• Mr Boyce highlighted the passion, collaboration and commitment of all participants and congratulated the coaches on completing their training successfully.

The delegation also held meetings with:

• The Ambassador of the British Embassy in Addis Ababa to discuss a potential long-term partnership (2–3 years) focused on developing the programme further.

• The Ethiopian Football Association (FA) is exploring how to partner in developing community coaches and creating coaching pathways within the FA structure.

• All discussions were described as very positive and forward-looking.

• Upon returning to the UK, the team was invited to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to discuss opportunities to expand and strengthen the programme ahead of 2026, where the Academy plans to deliver a Level 2 and Level 3 coaching workshops.

Key contacts in Ethiopia included:

• Luke Bullock, Deputy Ambassador, British Embassy Addis Ababa

• David Maynard, Director, British Council

• Ato Gosaye Almayehu, Director, Addis Ababa Youth & Sports Bureau

• Natnael Zerihun, CEO, NZ Communications

• All sponsors and partners who supported the initiative

• Mr Boyce also noted that UNICEF has recently partnered with the British Embassy in Ethiopia, which could present further opportunities for collaboration and programme expansion.

• The Board agreed that projects like this will continue to help the Foundation to grow international credibility and provide a strong foundation for future global youth empowerment programmes.

China Project

• Mr Boyce informed the Board that there may be an opportunity to develop a similar initiative in China, building on the success of the recent international projects delivered through the Foundation .

• Such a partnership would allow the Emmerson Boyce Foundation to expand its presence into Asia, further strengthening its global reach. The Foundation has already established a strong footprint in both the Caribbean and Africa and this next phase would align with its long-term vision of using football as a platform for education, empowerment and international collaboration.

• Further discussions and exploratory meetings are expected to take place in early 2026 to assess potential partners, funding opportunities and programme structures in China.

Aylesbury Project

• Mr Boyce also raised the idea of developing a local community project in his hometown of Aylesbury. The proposed initiative would focus on supporting youth development and empowerment through football, aligning with the Foundation’s mission to inspire young people on and off the pitch.

• Mr Boyce suggested opening discussions with Aylesbury Town Council and Buckinghamshire Council to explore potential collaborations, local funding streams, and existing community programmes that the Foundation could contribute to or enhance.

• The Board expressed support for exploring this opportunity, recognising the importance of creating impact both locally and internationally.

Fundraising Opportunities

• Mr Awadzi suggested that the Foundation should begin exploring fundraising initiatives to help support and expand its community and international projects.

Ideas discussed included:

• Hosting An Evening with Emmerson Boyce, which could feature guest appearances such as Ellen White, Matt Phillips to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s work.

• Organising a charity football match, bringing together former players, partners, and local supporters.

• Holding a corporate dinner event to engage potential sponsors and partners in supporting the Foundation’s programmes.

• The Board agreed that a structured fundraising plan should be developed, outlining event concepts, sponsorship opportunities, and target outcomes for 2026.

Additional Members of the Board

• Mr Boyce proposed that the Foundation should look to recruit an additional trustee with specialist experience in charity management and fundraising to strengthen the Board’s expertise in this area.

• Mr Awadzi offered to draft a trustee role description to help attract suitable volunteer candidates.

• Ms Williams mentioned that she may have potential contacts who could be interested in supporting the Foundation.

• The Board supported the proposal and agreed that recruiting a trustee with charity and fundraising experience would enhance the Foundation’s governance and strategic development.

• Next meeting schedule to be confirmed in May 2026.

• There were no other business items raised.