Milton Keynes Dons Football Club Sports & Education Trust

The Milton Keynes Dons Football Club Sports & Education Trust (MK Dons SET) is a registered charitable organization based in England, affiliated with the professional football club Milton Keynes Dons F.C. The Trust was established in 2008 (registered charity number 1123762) with a mission to positively impact communities through sports, education, and social inclusion programs.

Overview

MK Dons SET focuses on fostering personal development and community engagement through sports, particularly football. It aims to help young people build self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and nurture a passion for sport regardless of their ability levels. The Trust provides a broad range of tailored programs across Milton Keynes, designed to meet diverse participant needs and promote inclusivity.

Programs and Activities

The Trust operates various sports and educational initiatives, including:

• Community Sessions: Vibrant, inclusive football sessions open to all age groups and abilities.
• Inclusion Sessions: Specialized programs ensuring safe and accessible participation for individuals with disabilities.
• Football Pathways: Structured development routes for boys and girls aimed at advancing skills and career prospects in football.
• Educational Programs: Support and learning experiences that complement the sporting activities.
• Friends of the Trust: A community membership program encouraging wider engagement with the charity’s work.

These initiatives collectively serve to promote health, recreation, and community cohesion through football and education.

Partnerships and Impact

In 2023, MK Dons SET formalized a partnership with the Denbigh Football Academy, the most established post-16 football development provider in Milton Keynes. This collaboration enhances the pathways for young athletes, providing them with opportunities to progress into coaching, sports management, education, and other careers within and beyond football. The partnership strengthens the Trust’s role in skill development and employment generation in the sporting sector.

Governance and Structure

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees and employs approximately 70 staff members supported by around 30 volunteers. It maintains comprehensive policies covering safeguarding, financial management, risk assessment, and volunteer engagement. The organization commits to transparency and good governance practices to ensure effective delivery of its charitable objectives.

Charitable Objectives

MK Dons SET’s charitable purposes encompass:

• Advancement of education and training through sports.
• Promotion of health and wellbeing.
• Inclusion and support for people with disabilities.
• Development of amateur sport.
• Community development and support for children, young people, and disadvantaged groups.
• Provision of facilities and services that benefit the general public across England.

By integrating sports with educational and social programs, the Trust contributes to local community development and supports diverse groups within Milton Keynes.

The Milton Keynes Dons Football Club Sports & Education Trust continues to leverage the power of sport to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, fostering long-term positive outcomes locally and in the broader community.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Keynes_Dons_F.C. [2] https://www.mkdonsset.com [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06496491/filing-history?page=2 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4037813/full-print [5] https://www.denbigh.net/football/