AFC Wimbledon Foundation Welcomes New Trustees to the Board
AFC Wimbledon Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of two new trustees to its Board, further strengthening the leadership and expertise that supports the Foundation's work across Merton, Wandsworth and the surrounding communities.
The appointments mark an exciting addition to the Board as the Foundation continues to expand its impact through programmes focused on education, health and wellbeing, social inclusion and community development.
Claire Shapland MBA, Global Careers Coach at Global Institute of Sport, brings more than 15 years of experience across education, employability and sport, with a strong track record of developing programmes that create opportunities for young people and local communities. She currently works as a Global Careers Coach at the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) in London, supporting students across international sports degree programmes through employability training, industry partnerships and career development initiatives.
Prior to joining GIS, Claire held senior positions at the University for the Creative Arts and the University of Roehampton, leading employability and student engagement initiatives.
Away from work, Claire spends much of her spare time playing, coaching and officiating netball within the South London area, reflecting her long-standing passion for sport and participation within our community areas.
Through her experience in education, careers and sport development, Claire will bring valuable expertise to the Foundation in areas including youth engagement, employability, partnerships, programme development and community impact. Her background in creating pathways for students and young people, alongside her understanding of the role sport can play in improving lives, will further strengthen the Foundation’s work across southwest London.
Speaking about joining the Foundation Board, Claire said:
“It is an honour to join the Trustee Board of AFC Wimbledon Foundation, and I see it as a fantastic opportunity to give back to a club and community that means so much to so many people. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting people across our community, and I look forward to contributing to its mission of creating opportunities, improving lives, and extending the positive impact of the club beyond football.”
We are also delighted to welcome Ashley Marshalleck, Workforce Development Manager at Sport England, where he will support the organisation’s work with a focus on sport delivery and equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I).
Ashley brings a wealth of experience in sport, workforce development, and community engagement..
Since March 2023, he has worked as a Workforce Development Manager at Sport England, where he leads strategic planning with a particular focus on diversifying the workforce across the sport and physical activity sector. In this role, he oversees national projects, manages key relationships with system partners, and delivers both virtual and in-person events to support organisations across the country. Ashley also serves as Co-Chair of the staff network for culturally diverse colleagues, championing inclusion and representation within the sector.
Prior to joining Sport England, Ashley was the Sport Workforce & Employability Manager at Queen Mary Students’ Union, where he managed the Community Foundation and its sub-programmes, as well as leading the QMSU Skills Award to support student employability. This role included leading project for interns, coaches, and volunteers, alongside contributing to strategic development.
Alongside his management and industry experience, Ashley also brings extensive coaching expertise gained in grassroots and community settings, having delivered a range of multi-sport holiday and after-school programmes and serving as a Race Equity Champion to support the implementation of anti-racist practice. Through this work, he has supported children and young people of all ages and abilities, helping to create inclusive and engaging environments where participants can develop confidence, skills, and a love of sport.
With a passion for inclusion, development, and creating opportunities through sport, Ashley brings valuable expertise and insight to AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s Board. He said,
"I'm honoured to join the Board of Trustees at this exciting time. I have appreciated the warmth of the welcome and been inspired by the visible dedication to our community. I'm excited to contribute my own experience to ensure that we maximise our impact and reach our ambitions."
Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic oversight, supporting good governance and helping to ensure the Foundation remains well-positioned to achieve its charitable objectives. We are pleased to welcome our two new trustees and look forward to the contribution they will make in helping to shape the future of the organisation.
Welcome, Claire & Ashley!