Haverfordwest County AFC are thrilled to share that we have been successful in registering an official charitable arm of the club, The Bluebirds Foundation.

Announcing the news, Harry Thomas, Community Manager of Haverfordwest County AFC, said: “This is a huge step forward for our club, and acceptance from The Charity Commission marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“Being a registered charity provides us with more opportunities to support the community and strengthen the bond between the club and local people through impactful provision.

“We would like to thank Vanessa John at Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) for her invaluable support throughout the application process, along with the support of our newly-appointed trustees.

“My fellow Trustees and I are looking forward to playing a part in driving the direction of the organisation, and enhancing our community provision out of the Ogi Bridge Meadow and across the county of Pembrokeshire.”

The primary focus of all trustees in the coming weeks and months will be on making the organisation operational, with more details to be released in due course.

The Trustee board will be made up of Mared Pemberton, Rebecca Nuttall, Harry Thomas, Curtis Grant, Tanya Absalom and Leah Humphreys.

Mared is the current vice-chair of Haverfordwest County AFC, and played a pivotal role in helping to secure our new 3G playing surface at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium. She will play a lead role as Head of Trustees.

Rebecca was recently appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Haverfordwest County AFC, having served as Chief Operating Officer since joining the club early in 2024. As CEO, Rebecca oversees all aspects of the club’s strategy, including long-term football development, commercial growth, fan engagement, and infrastructure investment.

Harry is the Community Manager at Haverfordwest County AFC, a role he has been in since July 2024. Harry plays a pivotal role in shaping the club’s fan and community engagements, ensuring efficient operations and fostering a strong connection between the club, its fans, facility users and the wider Pembrokeshire community.

Curtis is the South-Central Regional Community Manager for Badminton Wales, and has experience of the charity sector having worked for the Swansea City AFC Foundation for eight years. His work at the Foundation means he has a deep understanding on the importance of community work, and he will bring his knowledge and skills to his new Trustee role.

Tanya has been a valuable supporter of the club in recent times, having been a driving force behind the creation of our Bluebirds Business Club, and she runs her own mortgage advisory business, which provides expert mortgage and insurance services in Pembrokeshire and across England and Wales. The team of professionals help people to find the right mortgage solution and insurance coverage that suit their needs.

Leah has been another key supporter of the club over the course of the last few years, helping in a variety of off-field projects. She is the mother of current first team player, Iori, and her day job is at Prendergast Community School in Haverfordwest, who have very strong links with the football club.

Rebecca Nutall, Chief Executive Officer of Haverfordwest County AFC, said: “We are incredibly proud that Haverfordwest County has been granted official charity status. This is a significant step in our journey as a club, and it reflects our deep commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the pitch. Football has the power to bring people together, inspire the next generation, and create opportunities for our community. This recognition allows us to do even more. As a charity, we will continue to grow our programmes, support young people, and ensure that Haverfordwest County is a club that truly sits at the heart of Pembrokeshire.”

Mared Pemberton, Vice-Chair of Haverfordwest County AFC and Chair of Trustees, said: “The launch of the Bluebirds Foundation is a natural step in the work we’ve been doing for our community over the years. This charity is here to provide support where it’s needed, to improve wellbeing, and to create opportunities for learning and personal growth. We are excited to see how we can progress and service our community under the Bluebirds Foundation banner.”

Curtis Grant, Trustee of The Bluebirds Foundation, said: “I’m excited to be joining the Bluebirds Foundation as a new trustee. As someone who is passionate about sport and its power to bring communities together, I am looking forward to supporting the growth of the foundation in the coming months. I believe my background in community sport, particularly the 8 years I spent at Swansea City AFC Foundation, the charitable arm of the football club, puts me in good stead to contribute to the reach and impact of the Bluebirds Foundation. Since then, I have taken a Regional Community Manager position at Badminton Wales, which has continued to deepen my understanding of how sport can create positive change, inspire young people, and bring communities together. I look forward to working closely with a great team of trustees, partners and wider staff, with the hope of building a great football foundation for the local community and beyond.”

Tanya Absalom, Trustee of The Bluebirds Foundation, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Bluebirds Foundation as a trustee. It’s a real privilege to be part of a charity so deeply rooted in the community, and I’m excited to contribute to its mission of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With over a decade of experience in financial services, including running my own mortgage advisory business, I bring a strong understanding of financial planning, governance, and strategic growth. I’m passionate about using these skills to help the Foundation thrive. I believe that when communities come together with purpose and compassion, incredible things can happen. I look forward to working alongside the team and supporters to help the Bluebirds Foundation grow and succeed in its vital work.”

Leah Humphreys, Trustee of The Bluebirds Foundation, said: “I’m delighted to be joining The Bluebirds Foundation as a trustee. I look forward to working with the team to help enhance opportunities and create positive impact for our community.”