Dear Candidate,
It’s a privilege to Chair Greenhouse Sports, a charity that has spent nearly 25 years tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time: the deep inequality facing children growing up in poverty.
At Greenhouse, we believe every child deserves a fair chance in life. But right now, more than 4 million children in the UK live in families forced to make impossible daily choices—between heating or eating, rent or school essentials. This is not a future any of us should accept.
Our response is clear and focused. With sport as the hook, Greenhouse coach-mentors are embedded in schools as trusted adults, bringing consistency, belief, and opportunity into young people’s lives. It’s not about producing elite athletes—it’s about creating safe spaces, building self-belief, and helping children discover what they’re capable of. The impact is real: children with consistent access to a Greenhouse coach attend school up to 14 more days a year, significantly improving their life chances.
Whilst we’re proud of the impact we’ve made, we know that more young people than ever are growing up in poverty—and urgently need support.
That’s why we’re determined to reach even more of the children who need us most. But to do that, we need people who can help make it happen.
For every additional £1 million we raise each year, we can support over 1,000 more children. That could mean expanding into two new regions—giving vulnerable children the opportunity to have a Greenhouse coach-mentor by their side.
We are seeking a new trustee to join our board at a time of opportunity and momentum. Specifically, someone who cares as deeply about our mission as we do, and is comfortable supporting our fundraising efforts, able to open doors, activate their networks, and help us build a broader, sustainable base of support.
Greenhouse Sports is powered almost entirely by voluntary income. Your leadership in this area will directly shape how many children we can reach—and how deeply we can support them.
You’ll be joining a dynamic board and working closely with our leadership team at a time when we are stronger than ever, but the needs of vulnerable children are even greater. If you’re ready to bring your influence, your passion, and your networks to a cause with real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Luke Ellis
Chair, Greenhouse Sports