MEET THE TEAM

OUR TEAM

Carol Hart, CEO

I have over 35 years’ experience working in sport development, 18 within the corporate sector working with cricket, football and rugby. Mainly helping to develop grassroot sports in line with major brand sponsorships. I also have extensive knowledge of the third sector, managing national charity partnerships. The last 18 years have been spent building and developing the Warriors Foundation. I am proud to lead a team of highly motivated and skilled people who all have a common goal – to improve the lives of people in our community.

Dan Hart – Development Executive

I have a passion for supporting young people at risk and using sport as a tool to engage and change lives. Being Lead on several programmes such as HITZ and Sports Leaders has given me the opportunity to share that passion with so many young people at risk. Sport is an important part of my life, and I am keen to engage people though its power to improve their lives. My current role with the Foundation is to ensure we have the funding in place to deliver our objectives. I love being part of a close team who all share the same vision.

Harry Smith – SEN Lead

I have been involved in disability sports for 10 years now ranging from working with complex needs to head coaching elite-level amputee football programmes in and outside the UK. The Warrior’s Foundation has given me a huge sense of belonging and being able to use my experience to change the lives of a huge range of individuals. What I love most about my role is being able to work across a range of different needs and environments and see the positive impact I have on individuals however big or small.

Matt Cowdrey – Inclusion and Education Coach

I have been a member of the Foundation Team for over 5 years now and I love every part of my job! Whether its Walking Rugby or our Educational Projects like Make Your Mark.

Seeing people’s confidence & personality grow through our education programmes is awesome but my biggest highlight is seeing our walking rugby players mobility, flexibility and overall quality of life improve through taking part.

Ben Powers – Adapted Sports Coach

I am an Adapted Sports Coach with the Warriors Foundation. I have over 15 years of experience as a Secondary Physical Education Teacher, including 10 years leading departments across three schools, along with 20 years of coaching expertise and various qualifications.

Sport has been instrumental in my personal growth and has given me countless rewarding experiences. The Warriors Foundation provides a supportive environment where I’m privileged and honoured to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those we support.

Keeleigh Woodward – Events & Partenerships Lead

I have 4 years event management experience. My responsibility at the Foundation is to bring in more money by creating fundraising events and seeking partnerships with local businesses that have a similar ethos. Seeing the impact the Foundation has on the local community warms my heart and gives me drive to help with their continued success.

Sport and exercise have played a huge part in making me the person I am from making a difference sociably and improving mental health. What I love most about the Foundation is how much the team strives each day to achieve our objectives of improving individuals’ lives and it’s so rewarding to be a part of that difference.

OUR TRUSTEES

Chair - Jim Panter

My last appointment was with the newly privatised defence labs QinetiQ in Malvern – responsible for commercially exploiting defence technology.

Very keen on most sports particularly rugby football – playing internationally as a schoolboy and then for Nottingham, Northern and Headingley. Played cricket to good club standard for Leeds Zingari and then with Old Vigornians in Worcester. Sporting excursions are now confined to golf.

After retiring I developed an interest in helping charities. I am Chair of the Tudor House Museum, Chair of the Lasletts Charity in Worcester as well as Chair of Worcester Warriors Community Foundation.

Trustee - Louise Hewett

Retired in 2021 after 41 years having founded Hewett Recruitment in 1980.

Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire

High Sheriff of Worcestershire 2023/24
Honorary Fellow of the University of Worcester
Patron of St Richards Hospice

Past Director of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Winner of the recruitment industry Lifetime Achievement Award

Past winner of the IRP national award for Best Contribution to the Community.

Worcestershire Business Woman of the Year and Pride of Worcestershire Award.

Been a trustee of Worcester Warriors Community Foundation since 2012. Became involved initially with the ‘Walk Like A Warrior ‘ initiative. Alongside her career, Louise has always had a passion to support and improve opportunities for vulnerable children and young people.

Trustee - Chris Pennell

Currently working as a surveyor with Clarke and Jay since retiring from professional rugby in 2022. A former Captain of Worcester Warriors having made 253 appearances and many as Captain. Also represented England.

Chris has been a proud trustee of the Worcester Warriors Foundation since 2015 and has a passion for creating opportunity for young people to develop through sport regardless of ability.

Trustee - Justin Clegg

Currently working as a trainee Solicitor with Shakespeare Martineau in Birmingham. Former professional rugby player withWorcester Warriors, having made over 50 appearances in Premieirship matches from 2015 to 2022.

Justin has been a Trustee with the Worcester Warriors Foundation since 2022 and has a passion for supporting vulnerable people. Particularly those who live with dementia.

Trustee - John Gibson

A Partner of Firmingers LLP a practice of Chartered Surveyors based in Worcester.

As well being a Trustee of Worcester Warriors Foundation John is a Trustee for Wooden Spoon (a charity that uses the Rugby community to raise funds for disadvantaged children), Myriad (a charity that supports young people with PMLD), RGS Foundation (raising funds for bursaries), St Richards Hospice (a non-Exec Director of the trading arm raising funds for the hospice).

John is a keen rugby fan and strongly believe that the power of sport can help enrich the lives of the disadvantaged and vulnerable.

Trustee - Mark Smith

Initially completing an accountancy apprenticeship and gaining my exams with an independent firm in Worcestershire, I ventured into the corporate world working as a Finance Director for an international manufacturing company. Having gained several years experience I then returned to general practice to develop Smart Accountancy in Worcester which provides accounting, tax, bookkeeping and business advisory services and has a loyal and professional presence in the surrounding country

I also have various external interests in investments, M&A and business advisory roles.

Having supported Worcester Warriors for many years I was aware of the foundation and the great work that it carried out locally. Having the opportunity to be a trustee to help develop and publicise the great work is brilliant and I hope that my day-to-day career experience will add real value and purpose to the team.

Registered Address: Cecil Duckworth House, Royal Porcelain Works, Severn street, Worcester, WR1 2NE
Registered Charity in England No: 1133136