Gary Lubner Appointed President of Bloomsbury Football Foundation

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Gary Lubner has been appointed President of charity Bloomsbury Football Foundation, strengthening a longstanding relationship built around a shared belief in the power of football to unite communities and expand opportunity for young people.

Gary has already been a key supporter of Bloomsbury through his This Day Foundation, helping the charity grow its work providing inclusive access to the nation’s game and trusted adult mentors to young people across London.

Reflecting on his new role, Gary said his passion for football’s social impact traces back to his youth in South Africa.

He said: “Growing up under apartheid, society was deeply segregated and it was rare to see people from different backgrounds brought together. I remember seeing a photograph of a football team in England with players of different races standing side by side – and it struck me how powerful sport could be in breaking down barriers.

“Football has an extraordinary ability to bring people together. That’s why Bloomsbury’s work resonates so strongly with me: it uses the game to create belonging, opportunity and community for young people who need it most. It’s also a highly impressive operation: data-driven, growth-ready, and built to scale with discipline and ambition.”

As President, Gary will champion Bloomsbury’s mission and advocate for the charity’s long-term ambition to support tens of thousands of young people both across London and across inner-city communities throughout the UK.

Charlie Hyman, Founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Football, said:

“Gary has already shown incredible generosity and friendship to Bloomsbury through his support via This Day Foundation. His belief in the power of football to change lives mirrors everything we stand for.

“We’re thrilled that he has agreed to become President of the charity, and we’re excited to continue partnering with him as we work to ensure that many more young people can benefit from the health, wellbeing and social benefits of access to the nation’s game – and a trusted adult in their lives.”

Bloomsbury Football Foundation now reaches over 6,500 young people in deprived communities every week through community-based football programmes designed to build confidence, resilience and belonging.

With Gary’s support as President, the charity aims to expand its reach and impact even further in the years ahead.