After a brilliant 14 years in charge, our Head of Community Trust Kevin Thoburn stepped down from the role at the end of July.
Kevin (pictured below) joined the Community Trust before it had even been fully established, and has since led our growth from delivering a few activities in schools to a million-pound sports, education and social inclusion charity.
As well as leading the creation of a fantastic football development programme, a particular highlight has been the growth of our work in schools. Last year alone, the Trust reached over 3000 children and young people in over 70 primary schools across Luton, Bedfordshire and North Hertfordshire, helping them to grow a love for sport, bring to life educational resources and succeed on and off the pitch.
Since 2021, the Trust has been delivering its ‘Reconnecting our Communities’ strategy, which seeks to help local people create healthy habits for life, looks to empower the next generation to play and succeed, and provide support for our whole community.
Bob Curson, Chair of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, said: "We’re so grateful to Kevin for all his hard work, phenomenal achievements, good cheer and commitment to the charity. Thanks to him and his brilliant team, we’re set up to deliver some truly brilliant work. Kevin is leaving behind a Trust with an outstanding reputation, both regionally and nationally, and an excellent set of foundations on which we can grow and develop even further."
We’re delighted that Kerry Downes (pictured below) has joined us as our new Community Trust Director, starting today.
Kerry was previously the Managing Director of West Ham United Foundation, and brings with her a brilliant track record of designing great education, health and social inclusion programmes and involving members of diverse local communities.
Within her role at West Ham United Foundation, she has led a team which focuses on prevention, intervention and partnership development delivering health, youth work and sports initiatives which give opportunities to all ages and abilities.
Commenting on her appointment, Kerry said: "I’m very excited about joining Luton Town FC Community Trust, which along with the Club, is delivering exceptional programmes and opportunities across Luton and Beds. Over the coming weeks I will be meeting as many members of our brilliant local communities as possible to continue to build on the life-changing work of the team under Kevin’s leadership."
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH ITV FOOTBALL'S FOOTAGE OF A RECENT VISIT TO LUTON TOWN COMMUNITY TRUST SUMMER CAMP WITH GABE OSHO AND DION PEREIRA...
💪 @LTFC_Community have been putting in work for the community in Bedford during the school holidays@1AaronPaul went to a session and was joined by a couple @LutonTown players ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/zfbGqQed5F
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 4, 2022