Foundation for Leadership through Sport

The Foundation for Leadership through Sport (FLS) is a registered United Kingdom charity (charity number 1142882) dedicated to advancing public education, particularly for young people engaged in sport, about effective leadership and management. Its core mission is to encourage and facilitate athletes, sporting organizations, universities, and clubs to invest in leadership development, thereby enhancing sporting performance and enabling athletes to transfer leadership skills beyond their sports careers[1][2].

Purpose and Activities

FLS operates to improve leadership capabilities within the sporting sector by working with individuals and groups, including athletes, coaches, administrators, and entire organizations. Leadership is seen by the foundation as a fundamental driver of performance at all levels, whether on the field or in off-field contexts. The charity brings together expertise drawn from top-level experience across sport, business, public service, and the military to provide world-class leadership development support[1].

Its activities aim to advance the education of the public in leadership through sports-related programs. These include workshops, conferences, and leadership development events designed to be accessible and free where possible to members and beneficiaries, with an emphasis on quality and practical impact[1][2].

Leadership and Governance

FLS is governed by a board of trustees and supported by directors and associates with extensive experience in leadership and coaching across multiple sectors. The charity has a history of collaboration with leaders from sports, business, and military backgrounds to bring diverse perspectives to leadership education[1][5].

The foundation has traditionally operated on a model that provided its programs at no cost to participants, enabled primarily through the significant financial support of Nigel Wray, a key benefactor who funded the charity for over a decade. With his support now concluded, FLS is seeking to expand its funding to broaden its impact and sustainability, including plans to increase the number of workshops and an annual conference, as well as deepen its engagement with schools and universities to inspire future leaders[1][5].

Funding and Financial Overview

In the financial year ending July 31, 2023, the Foundation for Leadership through Sport reported a total income of £1,236 against expenditures of £13,099. Historically, the charity has relied heavily on voluntary contributions and the generosity of presenters who often provide their expertise free of charge. The foundation continues to seek new funding sources to support and expand its activities[1][2].

Outreach and Resources

The foundation hosts a range of events whose highlights are accessible via selected videos, with full recordings available to members. It also maintains galleries showcasing photos from events dating back to its early years, illustrating its long-standing commitment to leadership development through sport[1].

The Foundation for Leadership through Sport remains a unique charitable organization focused on harnessing the power of sport to develop leadership skills that benefit individuals and communities beyond the sporting arena.

[1] https://www.flsport.net [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1142882&subid=0 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5016400/full-print [4] https://ltsb.charity [5] https://www.flsport.net/patrons