Story added: 23rd March 2018

Raffi Coverdale and Genie Barham join CSF board

The Community Sports Foundation (CSF) are pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees, Raffi Coverdale and Genie Barham, who will join our existing board.

Raffi Coverdale was first appointed as Norfolk County FA’s Child Protection Officer in 1999, a position she held in a voluntary capacity for a number of years, before going on to the role of Norfolk County Welfare Officer.

Raffi has been involved with the development of The Football Association (FA) safeguarding courses and tutor development since her appointment.

A leading figure in her field, Raffi has spoken at national conferences on safeguarding & child protection issues, and has played a key role in helping to mentor and develop her colleagues.

She has worked with the Foundation before, delivering Safeguarding and First Aid courses to the charity’s staff.

Genie Barham has worked in the property market throughout her career, and has vast experience in dealing with property transactions in East Anglia and beyond. As a partner of Ashtons Legal, she worked with the Foundation on the land acquisition of the former Anglian Windows site.

Genie has a huge desire to make a difference to the local community. Since 2007 she has mentored a young person as a volunteer with the Norfolk Independent Visitors Scheme.

Sam and Genie have been season ticket holders for those 11 years and her time connecting with him is predominantly through Norwich City.

Genie said:

“I know from first-hand experience just how much a little support and guidance can do to help a young person’s development. This team does exactly that day in, day out for people of all ages and from all walks of life. I feel honoured and privileged to join the fantastic team at the Community Sports Foundation who are dedicated and passionate about helping people in the community.

“It is especially exciting to join at this time when the Foundation is embarking on the next stage of its own development with The Nest project. This project will enable the charity to help many others in the community to develop and achieve their own personal goals.”

Raffi added:

“My childhood was largely spent at Carrow Road River End Terrace with my Dad. I grew up with Norwich City being a huge part of my life and I am so pleased to be able to support the team in such an important area of safeguarding the children and young people within CSF.

“Every child and young person deserves the right to take part in sport in a safe environment and I know from experience that Norwich City and the Foundation have always been a step ahead of the game in this field. I see my role as supporting CSF to continue to build upon the great safeguarding work they already do.”

CSF’s Ian Thornton said:

“The trustees and I are really pleased to welcome Raffi and Genie to our board. Both have many outstanding skills in their areas of expertise and have excellent knowledge of the Foundation’s history. Together with the team at CSF, I look forward to working with them more closely.”

As the backbone of the Foundation, the trustees collectively hold a breadth of skills and perspectives, and regularly make time to evaluate opportunities for growth and development.

A big warm welcome to Raffi and Genie from everyone at the Community Sports Foundation.