It has been a whirlwind start in a new role for Charlotte, who returned in June as Head of Foundation following a personal journey which had seen her go full circle.
Our 2025 dinner was her first in her new capacity.
“It’s a real privilege to return to Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation - a place that has always felt like home,” she said. “My journey with the Foundation began back in 2004, and over the following 10 years, I was fortunate to witness first-hand the incredible impact football can have in changing lives across Teesside.
"Football has always been central to my life. I’m a lifelong Boro supporter and I’ve experienced the game as a player, coach, manager and now as a Foundation leader.
“When I left in 2015, it wasn’t because I wanted to - it was because I needed to. I had an opportunity to grow and to gain experience working at a national level with EFL in the Community, the charitable arm of the English Football League.
“During that time, I was privileged to work alongside national partners such as The FA, Sport England, the Premier League and the Premier League Foundation (formerly Premier League Charitable Fund), helping to drive programmes and initiatives that used the power of football to make a difference in communities across the country.”
Charlotte’s journey began playing with Middlesbrough Women before earning a four-year football scholarship in the USA, concluding her playing days with Doncaster Belles, a club with a deep history in women’s football.
“It was there that an inspiring manager ignited my passion for coaching,” she reveals. “Since then, I have gone on to achieve my UEFA B coaching licence. I’ve coached Middlesbrough Women and Sheffield FC Women, before stepping into a managerial role at Lincoln City FC Women. Up until most recently was also part of the coaching setup at Thornaby FC Women.
“Although I was immensely proud of that work, Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation never left my heart.
“Now, as Head of the Foundation, my focus is clear: to create opportunities for people across Teesside - to inspire confidence, inspire hope, and help our communities thrive. I am honoured to lead a passionate team that shares my belief in football’s power to bring people together, raise aspirations, and change lives for the better.
“Together, with the strength of the Boro badge, we will continue to use football to create opportunities and make a lasting impact across our communities.
“In the months ahead, I aim to streamline programmes to meet real needs across Tees Valley, aligning with our strategy, and also progressing the builds of our two new facilities at Southlands and in Loftus. And I’ll explore how the Foundation can play a key role in supporting local priorities, building stronger partnerships, and unlocking future opportunities for collaboration.
“I’m proud to head a passionate and empathetic team. And delighted to be back home."