November 30 – Former Grimsby Town CEO Debbie Cook has taken on the role of the English Football League’s (EFL) Director of Community, tasked with overseeing the operational management of the EFL Trust, the organisation’s charitable arm.
Her focus will involve leveraging and augmenting the substantial annual £865 million social value contribution made by the League’s 72 Clubs. This significant contribution impacts towns and cities across England and Wales each year, underlining the commitment to community development and welfare.
In this context, “social value” refers to the broader positive impact that the EFL Clubs have had on the communities in towns and cities across England and Wales.
This value extends beyond purely financial aspects and encompasses the various social benefits, improvements, or contributions that the clubs have made to society. It includes both quantifiable and non-quantifiable aspects such as community engagement, local development initiatives, charitable activities, job creation, youth development programs, support for education, health, and overall well-being in the regions where these clubs are based.
The £865 million figure represents an estimated value assigned to these collective social contributions and positive impacts made by the EFL Clubs.
With a robust 22-year tenure in local government, Cook has also held CEO roles within a national health charity and YMCA Humber, culminating in her recent role as CEO at Grimsby Town since June 2021.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Debbie to the EFL, bringing with her a wealth of expertise and leadership skills across the sports and charity sectors. I have no doubt that Debbie will make a significant contribution to the League’s Executive team while overseeing operations of the EFL Trust.”
“EFL Clubs make a huge impact on communities on a scale which is unprecedented in this country and I’m excited to be joining the EFL as we seek to build on the amazing work that goes on day in, day out. It’s been a privilege to witness at Grimsby Town Football Club just how much a club can represent a community and impact the lives of so many people. The lessons I have learned during my wonderful period at the club will inform much of my work and I am excited to take on this new challenge,” said Cook.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1716005641labto1716005641ofdlr1716005641owedi1716005641sni@g1716005641niwe.1716005641yrrah1716005641