Co-founder Jay Baker has resigned from AFC Unity’s Board of Directors in order to open up room for more managerial opportunities within AFC Unity as part of the social enterprise’s ambitious expansion plans.
The move means that, rather uniquely, AFC Unity’s governance is now entirely led by women – while Baker commits to a more formalised managerial position, after initially ‘trying out’ the role, and becoming only the second person ever to receive paid work through AFC Unity, after Jonny Hodgson, Head Coach of Development.
A Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Jay offers nearly 15 years of experience in the community sector and vows to dedicate more time to taking AFC Unity to the next level.
‘We have a fantastic Board of Directors, and alongside my co-founder Jane Watkinson I will work tirelessly to expand the social enterprise and develop greater revenue streams to make it a more sustainable business, in order to do greater good in the community,’ Baker said.
He will also continue to coach and manage the first team.
‘I had originally anticipated the role to be temporary, but following positive feedback from the Board of Directors and players, I feel that for the foreseeable future it is in the club’s best interests for me to accept the suggestion to continue managing the first team, as well as the organisation as a whole, until such a time as our growth requires duties to be delegated more.’
The Manager’s first task is to map out a strategy for greater development of the organisation, some announcements for which will begin to be released early in the new year.