Phillip Smith takes charge of Swansea City AFC Foundation

Swansea City AFC Foundation has appointed Phillip Smith as chief executive, with the charity confirming that he has already taken up the position. The appointment was announced on 14 October. Smith will lead the Foundation’s strategy and operations, working with staff, trustees, the football club and community partners across Swansea and south-west Wales.

Nine years at Northampton’s community trust

Smith most recently spent nine years as chief executive of Northampton Town FC Community Trust. Swansea’s announcement says he brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience in football community organisations. His previous work covered health and wellbeing, education, youth engagement, inclusion and community development. The announcement describes partnership work with councils, health services, funders and football organisations.

First weeks focused on the charity’s programmes

Smith, who grew up in west Wales, said his immediate priority was to meet the team, partners and communities the Foundation serves. He will spend his first weeks visiting programmes and meeting staff, trustees and community stakeholders. David Jones, the Foundation’s interim chair of trustees, said Smith’s leadership experience and understanding of the sector were central to the appointment. The club’s announcement confirms the change in leadership. It does not set out a new programme budget, participation target or timetable for expanding a named service.