THE Joy of Moving, ‘Move and Learn’  programme is designed to encourage children to lead a more active lifestyle and understand the importance of eating healthy food. The popular course is now in its third year of delivery. MFC Foundation delivers this project free of charge to local schools with over 4000 young people already being engaged from 40+ schools.

The six week programme which is aimed at Year 5/6 pupils delivers a combination of classroom based activities alongside physical activity sessions. Over the weeks the children learn about various different topics such as The Importance of Exercise, The Human Body, The Food Groups and Hydration. The physical activity sessions cover a range of different sports including football, dodgeball and handball. In addition to this the children are set weekly challenges to reinforce the learning from the sessions and to encourage parental engagement. These challenges include keeping an exercise diary, smoothie making and making sure they drink enough water.

We also offer a one day version of the programme, which highlights the main themes covered over the six weeks and takes place at the stadium. In this version the children take part in activities in our Willie Maddren Education Centre and finish the day with a tour of the Stadium.

For more information on the Joy of Moving ‘Move and Learn’ programme please contact paul.south@mfcfoundation.co.uk

After a little over two-and-a-half-years, our Head of Foundation steps down from her full-time role today, continuing to support the Foundation in a consultancy role on our capital projects whilst embarking on some new opportunities in 2025. 

Lynsey joined from the Premier League Charitable Fund in February 2022 and during her time as Head of Foundation she launched a refreshed strategy for 2024-28, restructured the Foundation and been instrumental in the development of both Loftus Centre and Southlands Centre for the future homes of the Foundation, as well as launching community events and men’s and women’s foundation matches with the Club.

Lynsey said: “It has been a privilege to be Head of Foundation for Middlesbrough FC Foundation, being a lifetime fan of Boro and being able to serve my hometown communities across Tees Valley.  I’ve always been passionate about using sport and physical activity to transform lives as well as advocating for the wonderful region we live and work in.  I leave feeling proud of what I have achieved, knowing the organisation is in a stronger position and leaving it in the hands of the brilliant team to continue the Foundation on its ongoing upward trajectory. I’ve had a wonderful team to work with and who have supported me, and I wish them all the best for the future.  I look forward to seeing what more they can achieve and continuing to support the Boro.”

John Baker, Chair of the Board added: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees I thank Lynsey for her commitment, contribution and leadership over the past two and a half years which has seen a number of developments in the Foundation, not least of which has been the planning of the significant capital projects linked to our proposed new facilities at Loftus and Southlands, Middlesbrough. Lynsey has played a leading role in steering the work on both of these developments which are due for completion in 2025 and is keen to assist us further in progressing the delivery of the projects. Lynsey leaves with our sincere best wishes for continued success in her future career.”

In the interim, Craig McManus, Deputy Head of the Foundation will be leading the Foundation, whilst Lynsey will continue to lead on the Loftus and Southlands Centre developments and the maintenance of the Herlingshaw Centre in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland  and Middlesbrough Borough Council’s respectively.

Should you have any questions or need further information regarding the Foundation, please contact

• Craig McManus, Deputy Head of Foundation – craigmcmanus@mfcfoundation.co.uk
• Enquiries, any other queries – enquiries@mfcfoundation.co.uk

For any enquiries related to Loftus, Southlands or Herlingshaw developments please contact Lynsey Edwards, Consultant – lynsey.edwards@mfcfoundation.co.uk / projectmanager@mfcfoundation.co.uk