Homeless World Cup Foundation welcomes five new Trustees
President, Mel Young welcomed the new appointments: “Their expertise, passion and networks will be vital as we grow the Homeless World Cup Foundation and our movement.”
The Homeless World Cup Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of five new Trustees to its Board, strengthening the organisation’s leadership at a pivotal time.
Their arrival brings an exciting mix of expertise in sport, governance, media, law and social impact.
The announcement follows the 20th edition of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, where four of our new Trustees saw first-hand the power of football to change lives and the global impact of our tournament.
Together, our new Trustees will play a crucial role as the Foundation continues to grow its international reach, support its 70 global Homeless World Cup Member Countries and prepare for the 2026 Mexico City Homeless World Cup.
They will join the current Board: Mel Young, Iain McFadden, Kate McCheyne, Pete Irvine and Tino Nombro who have been instrumental in driving the Foundation forward and will remain a key part of this exciting next chapter.
Mel Young, President and Co-founder of the Homeless World Cup Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to welcome five new Trustees to our Board. Their expertise, passion and networks will be vital as we grow the Homeless World Cup Foundation and our global movement, expand our impact through football and continue to change lives across the world.”
Erin Gillen
National Club Manager for scottishathletics, has a strong background in youth leadership and harnessing sport to create social impact, with a lifelong commitment to grassroots participation. She is a passionate advocate for sport as a force for inclusion, having seen first-hand its power to transform lives.
“My experience at the Homeless World Cup in Oslo was almost indescribable, a truly impressive event where people were at the very centre. Sport completely changed my life and I joined the Foundation because I believe the Homeless World Cup is one of the most powerful vehicles for good in the world.”
Julia Newton
Julia Newton is Chair of Women in Sport and has held senior leadership roles with GB Taekwondo, the Rugby Football League and in housing and refugee resettlement. She co-founded the Rural Refugee Network and has a track record in governance, strategy and driving social change.
“The Homeless World Cup is football at its most powerful – bringing people together in empathy, respect, and utter joy – and in doing so it changes lives and challenges society to do better. With my background in housing, refugee resettlement and sport governance, I want to help ensure this extraordinary movement continues to thrive.”
Marcus Arthur
Marcus is President of UK Distribution for BBC Studios and CEO of multi-award-winning commercial broadcaster UKTV, overseeing the strategic direction of its seven linear channels and streaming service U. He has extensive experience in commercial strategy, branding, sales and advertising and has held senior international leadership roles with BBC Studios.
“As a life-long football fan, The Homeless World Cup epitomises my belief that the global power of football can help transform lives. Homelessness is an issue that I’m extremely passionate about and I feel incredibly lucky that I can combine my support in eradicating homelessness with my passion for football.”
Nick De Marco KC
Nick De Marco KC of Blackstone Chambers is ranked as one of the top lawyers in sport, acting for international federations, players, clubs, broadcasters and sponsors. He is recognised as the leading expert in football regulatory issues and is author/editor of Football and the Law. Nick sits as an arbitrator in sport and is a Trustee of Queens Park Rangers in the Community Trust.
“It is an absolute honour to join the excellent Board of the Homeless World Cup Foundation - it’s such an exciting and dynamic body that harnesses the power of football to transform lives, across the whole globe and I hope I can contribute to its growing significance.”
Sarah Livingston
Sarah Livingston is Head of Partnership Marketing, MENA / APAC & Global Tours & Friendlies at City Football Group. With over 20 years’ experience driving commercial growth and managing high-impact brand partnerships across Asia and the Middle East. Sarah is passionate about creating partnerships that deliver real results for brands and communities, using sport as a platform for positive impact.