Burnley FC in the Community: 5 Years of Inspiring a Generation

1 October 2018

Burnley FC in the Community: 5 Years of Inspiring a Generation

Neil Hart is the Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community, the official charity of Burnley Football Club. With 18 years’ experience working in the community sports sector, Neil is the strategic lead for the organisation, driving the charity’s objectives and its mission to inspire, support and deliver change in communities.

Neil founded Burnley FC in the Community in 2014 with just three members of staff and without a penny in the bank account. Under Neil’s leadership, Burnley FC in the Community has grown into a multi-million pound organisation, now employing over 100 people, delivering over 40 community projects across East Lancashire and overseas and engaging with over 27,000 people in the last year alone. The charity’s achievements have been recognised numerous times, with Burnley FC in the Community winning Community Club of the Year at the Northwest Football Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as picking up Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme at the 2017 Football Business Awards in London.

Prior to arriving in Burnley, Neil spent eight successful years at Watford FC’s award-winning Community Sports and Education Trust and five years coaching at Luton Town FC after completing an undergraduate degree in BSc. Coaching Science. Neil also holds the UEFA B Licence in Coaching Football.

Neil is a passionate advocate of the power of football to create positive change and to be a force for good in the world.

5 Years of Inspiring a Generation

The presentation will look at Burnley FC in the Community’s work over the past 5 years. There will be a particular focus on the charity’s outstanding community facilities strategy and partnership work. The presentation will look at how Burnley FC in the Community has identified local needs, and developed long-term financially sustainable solutions with a wide range of partners. There will be a focus on the acquisition, delivery and implementation of facilities ensuring that they meet the needs of the community and offer long-term investment in the area.