Ashley Hackett

The Manchester United Foundation has officially entered a transformative new era with the appointment of Ashley Hackett as its Chief Executive Officer, a role he is set to assume in June 2026. Bringing over twenty-five years of profound expertise in sports development and community impact, Hackett arrives with a stellar reputation for fostering social change through the power of football. As a lifelong supporter and dedicated season-ticket holder at Old Trafford, his transition to the Foundation is a homecoming that promises to blend professional brilliance with a deep personal passion for the club’s heritage. His appointment follows the legendary eighteen-year tenure of John Shiels, ensuring the Foundation’s mission to inspire young people remains in the most capable and compassionate hands.

Hackett’s journey to the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious football charities is marked by extraordinary success and a relentless drive for community improvement. During his fifteen-year leadership at the Blackpool FC Community Trust, he oversaw a staggering expansion, increasing the organization’s turnover from modest beginnings to over three million pounds while securing more than twenty-five million pounds in vital charitable funding. His work has been instrumental in delivering high-impact regeneration projects and life-changing educational programs in some of the most challenging socio-economic environments. This proven track record of scaling operations while maintaining a focus on individual well-being makes him an ideal leader to navigate the Foundation’s ambitious future goals.

The 2025-2026 season finds the Foundation in exceptional form, having reached tens of thousands of young people through its wide-reaching network of partner schools and grassroots initiatives. The organization’s current momentum is fueled by a commitment to social inclusion, physical health, and career mentoring, providing a stable foundation for Hackett to build upon. With a team of dedicated coaches and mentors already achieving record engagement levels, the Foundation continues to prove that Manchester United is more than a football club; it is a vital community lifeline. This successful current form ensures that the incoming leadership can focus on innovative new strategies to expand the club’s reach even further across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Central to this success is the visionary job performed by the club’s leadership, including the strategic oversight of the Board of Trustees and the Chairman. Their commitment to community development has seen the Foundation become a global benchmark for how professional sports can drive societal progress. By investing in local talent and fostering an environment where every young person is encouraged to thrive, the leadership has ensured the club’s legacy extends far beyond the pitch. This forward-thinking approach has created a sustainable model of philanthropy that empowers the local community and strengthens the bond between the fans and the institution they love, setting the stage for Ashley Hackett to lead with confidence and inspiration.

Manchester United Official Statement

Manchester United Foundation

The Manchester United Foundation: A Legacy of Hope using the power of football to inspire youth and unite communities.

The Manchester United Foundation stands as a shining beacon of transformation, rooted in a club history that has defined footballing excellence since 1878. From the early triumphs as Newton Heath to becoming the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968, Manchester United has always been a symbol of resilience and community pride. The club’s trophy cabinet is a testament to this enduring spirit, boasting a record twenty top-flight league titles, thirteen FA Cups, six League Cups, and three prestigious European Cups. This incredible heritage provides the powerful platform upon which the Foundation was built, ensuring that the same winning mentality used to conquer the pitch is applied to conquering social challenges and empowering the next generation across Greater Manchester.

In the current 2025-2026 season, the Foundation is operating at its most vibrant and impactful form, reaching record numbers of young people through its innovative Partner Schools and Street Reds programs. The charity has evolved into a sophisticated engine of social change, utilizing football-led health initiatives and employability workshops to provide a roadmap for success. By fostering a sense of belonging and providing safe spaces for growth, the Foundation is actively reducing social isolation and building stronger, more cohesive neighborhoods. The energy of the current campaign is reflected in every coaching session and classroom intervention, proving that the club’s influence is a constant force for good that resonates far beyond the final whistle of a matchday.

The inspiration for these programs is further amplified by the 2025-2026 Manchester United squad, whose players act as dedicated ambassadors for the Foundation’s mission. Leading the way is the visionary captain Bruno Fernandes, whose creativity on the field is matched by his commitment to mentoring youth, alongside the dynamic Benjamin Sesko and the tireless Kobbie Mainoo. Defensive stalwarts like Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu, along with the agility of goalkeeper André Onana, represent the diversity and excellence the Foundation strives to instill in its participants. These professional athletes frequently engage with community projects, sharing their personal journeys of perseverance to remind every young person that with hard work and the right support, any dream is achievable.

This incredible trajectory is a direct result of the visionary job performed by the Chairman and the executive leadership, whose strategic foresight has redefined the club’s role in society. Their commitment to the “U.N.I.T.E.D.” values—Unite, Nurture, Invest, Together, Excellence, and Diversity—has ensured that development is not just about stadium infrastructure but about investing in the human capital of the local area. By integrating the Foundation’s work into the very heart of the club’s identity, the leadership has created a sustainable model of community regeneration that is admired globally. This visionary development ensures that as the club moves toward a bright future, it carries its community with it, building a legacy of opportunity that will benefit Manchester for decades to come.