About Us
The Players Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to helping current and former professional footballers who need a bit of extra support. We’re here to lend a hand to those who meet our eligibility criteria.
Our Vision
‘To support our beneficiary community to better enable them to thrive.’
Our Mission
‘To empower our beneficial class through educational support and financial assistance in their moment of need in alignment with our strategy and charitable objectives. To seek to support research into relevant subject matter as and when the need arises.’
Our Leadership
- The Players Foundation has a five-person strong board of Trustees, including four former players, who shape the strategy and direction of the charity.
- There is a small management team who oversee the day to day running of activity.
- The Players Foundation is a charity and as such remains impartial to politics and agendas both within the football industry and media.
- The Players Foundation will carry out the work as identified in our charitable objectives for the benefit of beneficiaries.
As a charity, The Players Foundation is bound by Charity Law and is regulated by The Charity Commission.The regulatory framework around the operations and activities of charities in the UK is intended to ensure public confidence and that charities work to achieve their charitable purpose.
Our Partners
A shared vision
The Players Foundation are pleased to have partnered with MWS Consult Ltd.
MWS Consult provide a confidential and accessible service to support beneficiaries of The Players Foundation at what can be an extremely stressful and anxious time. This service allows beneficiaries the chance to have their current financial situation assessed by an independent specialist advisor who can help beneficiaries to explore the best tailored solutions for dealing with debt, talk through available options and support beneficiaries in taking action to regain control of their finances.
MWS Consult also support beneficiaries to access their benefits rights and ensure that they receive all benefits due to them – which can help to relieve financial stress on beneficiaries’ budgets. The Players Foundation cover the total cost of providing all these support services, meaning they are free to use to all beneficiaries.
MWS Consult Ltd
Mark graduated in law and completed the Legal Practice Course. In the early part of his career, he worked in the charity and not for profit sector. Mark was a Debt and Welfare Benefits Advisor, firstly with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Bury, then for Salford Mental Health Services CAB, he then went on to work for Trafford Social Services in the same role. After a period in another role Mark returned to debt and insolvency advice when he moved to Farleys solicitors in January 2006, becoming head of personal insolvency there, a few years later. Mark now runs his own consultancy firm.
For the last 12 years Mark has advised beneficiaries of The Players Foundation who have experienced problems with debt or insolvency.
Debt Advice
Mark will assess our beneficiary’s financial position when experiencing problem debt. Advising people on the best debt solution for the beneficiary which could range from Bankruptcy, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), Debt Management Plan (DMP). Assisting the debtor in the implementation of any of the above. Advice around any ancillary problems caused by problem debt such as repossession action by a mortgage company or landlord, bailiff action, county court action etc.
Welfare Rights Advice
Mark will carry out a full benefit assessment for every beneficiary that is referred to him, including disability benefits. Mark can assist in completing application forms and give advice on appeal procedures if a beneficiary has a claim refused.