Long service awards 2024

Four staff at the Community Sports Foundation hit their ten-year milestones in 2024. We interviewed three of them to find out some of their highlights and fondest memories.

Freddie Powell-Tuck

Freddie has spent his full decade at the Foundation within the Marketing and Communications team, leading the department from March 2023 to October 2024. As he moves on to his new role in Insights and Innovation, we asked Freddie to reflect on his incredible ten years.

“The Foundation has been such a significant part of my life. Over the past decade, I’ve grown not only in my career but as a person too. It’s a place where you feel supported, inspired, and part of something bigger. There must be something in the water here at Carrow Road!”

Despite the Foundation boasting a respectable number in the ‘ten-year club’, this is never something to be sniffed at! When asked what Freddie thinks the main reason is for his incredible tenure, he told us this:

“I genuinely believe in the work we do as a charity. Football and Norwich City have an incredible ability to bring about positive change in the community, and I’m immensely proud of the impact we make.

“The fast-paced nature of the Foundation is another reason—it’s exciting to always have a new programme or event on the horizon. And, of course, the people are a huge factor. It’s a bit cliché, but the camaraderie here is unmatched. Everyone rallies together when it matters most, supporting each other and making things happen. It’s a fantastic environment to be part of.”

Another thing that comes with many years of service is many proud moments – something Freddie has in abundance.

“I take pride in everything we do as a charity, but seeing The Nest open its doors was particularly special. However, my proudest achievement has to be being involved with Run Norwich from its inception in 2015 and watching it grow into what it is today. This year, we hosted our biggest-ever field, making it the seventh-largest 10k in the UK and the largest charity-organised event of its kind.

“It’s so rewarding to hear what the race means to people and to know that all proceeds directly support our charitable programmes, like Run For Me. Seeing the difference it makes in people’s lives makes all the hard work worthwhile. I hope Run Norwich continues to be a mainstay of the city’s calendar for decades to come.”

Claire Pullen

For Claire, the Foundation is more than just a charity or a place of work; it’s an extension of a lifelong tie to the football club.

“Norwich City has always been a special place for me since I was little, attending matches with my Dad. So having the opportunity to work for The Foundation is incredibly special. Seeing the work we achieve together and the impact this has, makes me incredibly proud to represent The Foundation.”

There are no prizes for guessing what’s kept Claire here for so long, echoing the words of Freddie.

“For me, it has to be the people. Throughout my 10 years here, we have constantly had such amazing, caring people work for The Foundation, who make every day, even in challenging times seem good. I feel fortunate to have made such good friends through The Foundation and it really does (as cheesy as it may sound!) feel like I’m working with a lot of my family.”

When it comes to the office’s liveliness and moments of laughter, Claire is often at the centre of it, so narrowing it down to individual moments proved difficult. Claire had these anecdotes to share with us.

“There are so many, that narrowing it down to one is proving quite challenging. However, if I had to pick a stand-out one, it would be what came to be known as sandwich gate. After finding that a sandwich a staff member had innocently left in the fridge was missing, sending an all-staff email and trying to locate it, they enlisted the help of another (who will remain nameless) staff member. They helped look for it, searching high and low, only to have actually eaten it and hidden the wrapper in the bin outside Carrow Park. The revelation of this was definitely a highlight that stands out.”

Chris Ninham

Another of this year’s 10-year celebration cohort is none other than the Football department’s Chris Ninham. A Summer Cup staple, Canary Cup connoisseur, (and ‘fantasy NFL’ phenom), Chris is an integral part of the evergreen success of the Community Sports Foundation’s year-round football tournaments.

But before life on the Football team, Chris was somewhat of a departmental journeyman and alluded to this when asked what the Foundation means to him.

“I’ve worked across a number of different programmes since I’ve been at the Foundation and the positive impact that I’ve seen us have on such a variety of groups is fantastic.”

Similarly to Freddie and Claire, there was a recurring theme of ‘people’ when asked what his favourite part of working at the Foundation was.

“The people that I have worked with over the years. Made some great friendships and it’s a place where you can have a good laugh alongside your work.”

Alongside the boisterousness of the office and the fast-paced nature of work, the Foundation also presents opportunities to Chris and the wider workforce to experience that otherwise may not have seemed possible.

“A stand-out memory is definitely getting to join the promotion party at City Hall in 2019. In terms of belly-laugh moments, there are too many to narrow it down to just one!”

Another thing that comes with 10 years at one organisation is many moments of pride. Unsurprisingly, some of Chris’ greatest successes have come in the form of player development.

“Seeing players that I have coached progressing through the system. Some have been signed by the academy and earned international call-ups and pro deals. Others have taken a different path and are now working/coaching with us.”