Meet the Team
Here is a handy guide to all the hardworking staff who strive to help the Swansea City AFC Foundation deliver a range of projects throughout south west Wales, the reasons they do what they do, and the role they play in our team.
HELEN ELTON - HEAD OF GRANTS AND FUNDING
Tell us about your programme/project.
I oversee the grant income generating aspects of the Foundation.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I was formerly the Head of Foundation but have happily handed on the reins to Paul France. This means I can get back to bringing in grant income so the charity can grow and support even more people.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
In early 2012 I answered an advertisement for a Funding and Partnership Officer. I joined the Foundation with the intention of only staying for a few months. But soon I could see the Charity had a unique potential for supporting the community. I was hooked, and I'm still here.
GRAHAM SMITH - SAFEGUARDING MANAGER AND EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LEAD
Tell us about your programme/project:
I’m the Safeguarding Manager and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion lead. I manage Safeguarding for the Foundation, ensuring all the people who take part in our activities find them to be a friendly environment where staff have their safety and wellbeing as the highest priority.
I also manage Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the Foundation. My aim is to help Foundation staff and participants feel welcome, whatever their background and life experience. Another key part of the role is to support Foundation staff to promote equality and inclusion throughout our projects.
What I enjoy most about my role:
The best thing about my job is knowing the positive impact the work of the Foundation has on the lives of people in the Swansea area and being able to play a role in that is fantastic.
I've been involved in the Foundation since:
I joined the Foundation back in 2015 to run the Premier League Enterprise project. Since then, I've progressed through several roles and projects based in secondary schools across the local area, all of which were exciting to be involved with. I'm passionate about making a difference in my local community and am also obsessed with football, so it was (and is) my dream job!
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is… when I was 15, I came 4th in my age-group at the UK Indoor Rowing Championships.
CRAIG RICHARDS - YOUTH ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Tell us about your programme/project
I’m the youth engagement manager, working closely on projects like Premier League Kicks.
Premier League Kicks is a youth outreach programme which uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people in some of the most high-need areas. We deliver free weekly sessions, giving young people aged 8-18 across Southwest Wales the opportunities to play, coach and officiate in football and a range of sports.
Our coaches work in partnership with other local organisations to support young people with the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives and improve safety and community cohesion.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I really enjoy working in partnership with Police Crime Commissioners, South Wales Police, Dyfed-Powys Police and Youth Services to influence young people to have new experiences and support the disadvantaged.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I started as a casual coach on soccer camps in 2014, became part time member of staff in 2015 and became full time in 2016. I have now been Youth Engagement Manager since 2019.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I saved Paul Pogba's penalty whilst playing for Llanelli AFC against Man Utd Reserves in 2011.
CURTIS GRANT - EDUCATION MANAGER
Tell us about your programme/project
As part of my role, I work closely with the PL Primary Stars and PL Inspires teams to shape high-quality education programmes that can inspire and engage pupils to reach their full potential.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It’s great to see our projects being delivered to their highest quality in our local communities, allowing our participants to really develop holistically whilst having a great time!
When and how did you get involved with the Foundation?
I have been at the organisation for nearly 6 years, previous roles include: Primary Stars Area Coordinator and Primary Education Lead.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I have visited 24 countries and 7 states.
THOMAS WILLIAMS - HEAD OF PROGRAMMES
Tell us about your programme/project:
I oversee all of all our project related delivery including Premier League Primary Stars, Kicks and Inspires
What I enjoy most about my role:
I really enjoy the variety and fast paced nature of the role. I enjoy working closely with a hard working team, working on various themes from education to youth justice. I particularly enjoy watching the development of young participants and witnessing first-hand the impact our provision has on their lives.
I've been involved in the Foundation since:
I’ve been working at the Foundation since 2014. I started by co-ordinating the Premier Legaue 4 Sport project which aimed to use the appeal of the Premier League to encourage participants to take part in different sports – including Tennis, Table Tennis and Hockey. I then became Education Manager where I oversaw the PL Primary Stars and Inspires projects before managing our inclusion programme funded by BT. I have been in my current role, and part of SMT since 2018.
A fun fact about myself:
I grew up next to a haunted house and as a child appeared in a TV advert portraying a 16th century peasant.
IAN OWEN - INCLUSION AND GIRLS' INCLUSION LEAD
Tell us about your programme/project
I’m the inclusion and girls’ inclusion lead. I just enjoy helping people, helping people out in the community. I’ve had many roles in my time, and just seeing the difference we can make to the community is what I enjoy most.
I have been involved with the Foundation since:
I first got involved in the Foundation in 1999.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I’d like to think I’m a good singer!
STEPHEN GREENE - MONITORING, IMPACT AND EVALUATION LEAD
Tell us about your programme/project
I am the Monitoring, Impact and Evaluation lead. I mainly support projects with their monitoring / evaluation needs and demonstrate the positive impact made within the community.
What I enjoy most about my role:
Being able to work across a range of projects with different colleagues is what I enjoy most about my role.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I started delivering on soccer camps eight years ago and, a few months later, I become full time PLPS co-ordinator. Since then, I've worked on numerous projects within the foundation.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I love a good Excel spreadsheet!
CORINNE FUGE - FINANCE ASSISTANT
What I enjoy most about my role:
Working with a lovely, happy team. It’s the team that make it.
I’ve been involved in the foundation since:
2015.
Outside of work I enjoy:
Caravanning with the grandchildren on the weekends.
KRISTIAN JORDAN - HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Tell us about your programme/project
My role is head of business development. What I look to do within the job is to secure funding and finances to support the strategic aims of the organisation; working with funders for grants and contracts; looking at potential fundraising opportunities; and working with organisations for potential sponsorships as well.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy working in professional sport and making a difference in peoples’ lives. Supporting them, designing projects to overcome barriers and realise their full potential.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I started with the Foundation in 2014.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I love skydiving!
DIONNE BEVAN - ADMINISTRATOR
Tell us about your programme/project
I am the Foundation’s Administrator. My role consists of a lot; being the first port of call for the Foundation, doing any administrative work for the projects, organising bookings, and looking after emails are some of my jobs.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy working with a close team in a friendly environment the most.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I started here about 17 years ago, first at Vetch Field, now at the Liberty.
A fun fact about myself:
In my spare time… I love walking my dog!
SUZANNE JONES
What do you enjoy about your role?
The team’s friendly, my role is quite varied, so I quite like that in the interest of trying different things. You get asked to do things that are outside your comfort zone, which is good because it keeps you interested in the job.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I first got involved in the Foundation about four years ago, and it’s the best move I ever made.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I played hockey for about thirty years, and now I play netball three times a week.
BETH ROBINSON – TARGETED INTERVENTIONS CO-ORDINATOR
Tell us about your programme/project:
Our targeted interventions programme is aimed at individuals aged 8-18 years old who are engaging, or at risk of engaging, in youth violence. Our overarching aim is to divert young people away from the criminal justice system by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. To achieve this, we deliver one-to-one mentoring sessions, workshops and qualifications that are bespoke to the individuals’ needs and interests. Our personal development activities promote mental and physical wellbeing, encourage pro-social behaviours, and equip young people with effective coping mechanisms to deal with heightened emotions and conflict.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the challenging but extremely rewarding nature of the job role. I love being able to support, inspire and empower young people to strive for a successful future.
When and how did you get involved in the Foundation?
I started the role in November 2021 having previously worked as a Substance Misuse Caseworker in HMP Cardiff.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I previously lived in Australia and have travelled to 40 different countries!
CERI PHILLIPS - PL PRIMARY STARS CO-ORDINATOR (PEMBROKESHIRE)
Tell us about your programme/project:
Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills through the power of sport.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy encouraging children to be physically active through PE and working alongside Teachers to help support them with their PE delivery, as well as taking some tips and ideas from their expertise in teaching.
When and how did you get involved with the Foundation?
I started in 2013 as a casual coach on my return from coaching in the USA. Then took on a full time role with the Foundation in 2014.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
My brother and I share the same birthday, but we aren't twins!
RICHARD HARRIS - PL KICKS CO-ORDINATOR (SWANSEA)
Tell us about your programme/project:
Provides footballing and sporting activities into deprived and hard to reach areas.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Giving the young people from my local communities a safe and positive space where they can be themselves and play football in a pressure free environment. I also really enjoy seeing the smiles on the young people's faces when they are at our Premier League Kicks sessions.
I’ve been involved in the foundation since:
Five years ago, as a volunteer, then as a casual coach. I then became a part-time staff member before becoming full-time on the Premier League Kicks Project.
A fun fact about myself:
I’m quite good at Football Manager, I once took Brackley Town from the Conference North to the Premier League!
KAYA BLACKMORE - PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS GIRLS COACH
Tell us about your programme/project:
I am the girls coach, my role looks to have an impact on girls and help participation of girls in football. In addition to this, I support Premier League Kicks and Inclusion.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy having an impact on other peoples lives and I enjoy coaching.
When and how did you get involved with the Foundation?
I started with the Foundation as a volunteer, I became a part time worker as an inclusion coach. I left to go to America before coming back full time as a girls coach.
A fun fact about myself:
I came third in the Welsh championship in rock climbing.
JAMIE BESSANT - PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS COACH
Tell us about your programme/project:
I’m a Premier League kicks coach leading & delivering on the venues funded by the police crime commissioner. We provide free football, giving participants from all different backgrounds & abilities the opportunity to come and take part across west & mid Wales.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy going into different communities and facilitating and supporting the participants not only improving their football ability but more importantly developing them as a person by giving them opportunities to take part in workshops, tournaments & fixtures vs other Clubs PL kicks teams.
When and how did you get involved with the Foundation?
A few years ago I started as casual member of staff then progressed to sessional lead and then the opportunity came up to go full time.
A fun fact about myself:
I used to be a chef and once won Welsh Junior baker of the year and I have also represented Wales in world and European Culinary competitions.
MATTHEW JENKINS - PREMIER LEAGUE INSPIRES COORDINATOR
Tell us about your programme/project:
I will be delivering the Premier League Inspires project into secondary schools across Swansea and surrounding areas.
What I enjoy most about my role:
Delivering the programme to the kids, getting out into schools, inspiring young children and sharing my knowledge.
A fun fact about myself:
I am a good rugby player.
HARRY THOMAS - PL PRIMARY STARS AREA CO-ORDINATOR
Tell us about your programme/project
I am the Premier League Primary Stars area coordinator. Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football and sport to inspire children to become more active and helps to improve literacy and numeracy skills.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy making a positive impact within the local community and helping children become more physically literate.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I first got involved with the Foundation by volunteering on soccer camps in my local area. This is where my passion for coaching began, and I knew that a career in the sports industry was something that I wanted to pursue.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I participated in a cricket match at Lord’s, the home of cricket.
KATY HOSFORD - PL PRIMARY STARS AREA CO-ORDINATOR
Tell us about your programme/project
I am the Area Coordinator on the Premier League Primary Stars project. The project helps to deliver numeracy, literally and PE in primary schools using the power of the Swans.
What I enjoy most about my role:
What I enjoy most about my role is engaging with young people and improving their confidence both in the classroom and in PE.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I first got involved with the Foundation when I was 16 working on the Girls and Kicks project. From this, I am now full time on the PLPS project.
A fun fact about myself:
My fun fact is that… I have played for Swansea Ladies for eight years and played in four Champions League games!
JACK GILES - PL PRIMARY STARS AREA CO-ORDINATOR
Tell us about your programme/project
My role with the foundation is to deliver Premier League Primary Stars using the appeal of Swansea City to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.
What I enjoy most about my role:
Seeing teachers and pupils develop their skills and enjoy taking part in Physical Education.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
I’ve coached with the Foundation since I was 15 years old as a Soccer Camp coach and now have a full-time role working as a education Co-ordinator.
A fun fact about myself:
I have two brothers who look exactly like me and have the same date of birth.
DAN GARNETT - PREMIER LEAGUE PRIMARY STARS CO-ORDINATOR
Tell us about programme or project:
I am a Premier League Primary Stars co-ordinator and also work on the Premier League Kicks project. Primary Stars uses the appeal of the football club to inspire children to learn, be active and develop valuable life skills. Premier League Kicks uses football as a driving force for children to socialise with one another.
What I enjoy most about my role:
I enjoy seeing the smiles on children’s faces when they are taking part in enjoyable PE lessons, and classroom sessions revolving around Swansea City.
I’ve been involved in the foundation since:
I have been involved with the Foundation for almost 10 years. I began as a participant in PL4S basketball sessions when I was 11 years old, I then moved on to voluntarily coach that session. I went on to be a paid casual coach on the Premier League Kicks project until I took on the role of a Primary Stars Co-Ordinator.
A fun fact about me:
I am better at basketball than I am football. The PL4S session I used to participate in gave me the confidence to join other teams and I was selected to play for Wales when I was at the U15’s age category.
ANDREW DYER - PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS COACH
Tell us about your role
I have recently started work for the Premier league kicks team as a coach providing free football sessions for particpants of all backgrounds and abilities throughout south wales a chance to take part in something they may not have the chance to before.
When and how did you get involved with the Foundation?
I only started working for the foundation towards the start of summer in June, I had heard about the Foundation before and the good work they had been doing in and around the community and wanted to be a part of that.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I have won 3 Dan Radcliffe trophies in 5 years for 3 different clubs!
SHAUNA THORNHILL - HEALTH AND WELLBEING OFFICER
Tell us about your programme/project
I run the Fit Jacks programme at the foundation, FIT JACKS is a free 12-week health and wellbeing programme which combines information about healthier choices with free weekly fitness sessions which cater to your fitness levels.
What I enjoy most about my role:
The day to day socialising and meeting loads of new people. Always learning on the job, it’s a challenging but a very rewarding job.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since:
February 2023!
A fun fact about myself:
I am trained in Musical Theatre (my strongest skill being dance) and have been in an episode of Casualty and been in a touring Panto!
ROBIN O'BRIEN - HEALTH AND WELLBEING OFFICER
Tell us about your programme/project:
As a health and wellbeing officer, I co-manage the Foundation’s 12-week health and wellbeing programme - Fit Jacks. The programme is aimed at people aged between 35-65 and combines practical and theoretical sessions which cater to each participant to help them on their journey to positively impact their lifestyle.
What I enjoy most about my role
I take pride in working within the local community and being able to use the power of the football club to embrace positive change.
I’ve been involved in the Foundation since
February 2023.
A fun fact about myself
In 2008, I watched the Swans play Barcelona B in a preseason friendly in Spain, sitting next to me was none other than Lionel Messi!!
CAROLINE GWILYM - HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEAD
Tell us about your programme/project: I lead the Health & Wellbeing team and together we proactively contribute to the health and wellbeing of people within the local and wider community by supporting the development and delivery of our health and wellbeing projects across the charity associated with healthy lifestyles, physical and mental/emotional health and wellbeing. I am also the mental health champion across the wider team and support staff with their health and wellbeing on a more personal level.
What I enjoy most about my role: Being able to work with the team at the Foundation is a real source of joy and I feel very lucky to have found my workplace tribe. Everyone is caring and passionate about the work we do and is always striving to operate to a high standard to represent the Foundation and the Club. I love working collaboratively, and working on such a range of projects, I get to build strong working relationships with people. I’m also learning new things all the time.
A fun fact about myself: I think I must have been a mermaid in a previous life – I come alive in the sea! I used to be a competitive swimmer when I was growing up and now enjoy weekly dips in the sea throughout the year.