Phillip Williams to step down as Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Chair of Trustees

Phillip Williams to leave Wigan Athletic Community Trust
Phillip played a vital role in growing the Trust from its inception to the award-winning charity it is today
Everyone at Wigan Athletic Community Trust thanks Phillip for his support and wishes him well for the future

Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Chair of Trustees, Phillip Williams, is stepping down from his role.

Everyone at Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan Athletic Football Club would like to extend their deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to Phillip as he retires from his role after an incredible 17 years of service.

Phillip joined the Trust at its inception in July 2007 as the Chair of Trustees and has been a leading force in its development ever since. In the Trust’s first year of operation, it generated £180,000 in income, all of which was reinvested in the local community.

In contrast, during the 2023/24 financial year, the Trust generated over £1.6 million in income and contributed nearly £12 million in social value to the local community, which is a testament to the incredible growth and impact made possible under Phillip’s guidance.

Over the years, the Trust has gone from strength to strength. The Trust now employs over 60 staff and engages with more than 12,500 participants annually through 34 different projects, supporting individuals from the ages of two to 92.

Since becoming Chair of Trustees, Phillip’s unwavering dedication, leadership and vision has been instrumental in shaping the Trust into the respected and impactful organisation it is today. Phillip’s commitment to the Trust’s values, and to the people of Wigan, has never wavered, and his efforts have left a lasting legacy on the lives of countless individuals and families.

From supporting vital community initiatives to steering the organisation through both challenges and periods of significant growth, Phillip’s contributions have been truly exceptional. Under his leadership, the Trust has received numerous accolades, including being named EFL Community Club of the Season in 2023 - a clear reflection of the impact his work has had both locally and nationally.

Gareth Nolan, Head of the Community Trust, shared:

“Phillip has been part of the Trust for nearly 18 years. In that time, the Trust has grown, evolved and supported tens of thousands of people. Phillip has been a driving force in making the Trust what it is today, and the support he has provided to myself and the wider organisation has been unwavering.

“We’d like to thank Phillip for everything he has done for Wigan Athletic Community Trust and wish him all the best for the future.”

Sarah Guilfoyle, Club Managing Director, shared:

“On behalf of the Football Club, I’d personally like to thank Phillip for his hard work as Chair of Trustees for the past 17 years. Over this period, Phillip’s guidance has overseen hundreds of projects, touching thousands of local people and communities. We wish Phillip all the best in his retirement.”

Wigan Athletic Community Trust will announce its new Chair of Trustees in due course.

Phillip Williams to step down from Wigan Athletic Community Trust