The club’s official charity MK Dons Sport & Education Trust are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Clark as the new Chair.
Paul Clark joins MK Dons Sport & Education Trust with a vast knowledge of strategic community work gathered from a career spanning over 50 years.
Paul has spent over a decade as a local authority Director of Children’s Services, as well as being a National Lead Inspector for England on Children Protection & Safeguarding. Impressively, Paul was a Board Member for the Government & Home Secretary Task Force on Internet Safety.
In addition, the new MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Chair was a Special Advisor to the England Care Quality Commission and has played a strategic role in many charities across the region. Paul has also been responsible as an Advisor for Children’s Services to governments in Abu Dhabi, Bulgaria, Jordan, Kosovo, and the Republic of Ireland. Paul has also played a strategic role in advising the EU and World Bank on Children’s Services and Safeguarding matters.
As the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Chair, Paul will oversee the Board of Trustees, playing a pivotal role in the charity’s community engagement plan over the coming years. He will further connect the charity with the club, wider group operations, and the city.
Offering a wide range of programmes tailored to meet specific needs of each participant, MK Dons Sport & Education Trust produced a significant impact of over 62,000 engagements in 2024 alone, while a total of 595 boys and girls found themselves enrolled in the player pathways offered by the SET last year.
In appointing Paul Clark as the new MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Chair, MK Dons Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim said: “On behalf of myself, the Board of Directors, and the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Board of Trustees, we are delighted to welcome Paul into the MK Dons family.
“His vast and long-standing experience will further preserve the great work already undertaken by the charity and enable focus and growth accordingly as we progress. We are absolutely committed to having a strong and vibrant charity which can meet the needs of our fast-growing city - enabling the club to connect with every aspect of our community is imperative.”
On Paul Clark’s appointment as the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Chair, Group CEO Neil Hart said: “First and foremost, we firmly believe in the fantastic impact this football club can make in the local community, and we are committed to maintaining the good work and growing this provision to meet the needs of this vibrant and ever-expanding city.
“It’s fantastic to welcome someone with Paul’s vast experience, and we look forward to working with him over the coming years. Paul is not only a top operator but a fantastic person to work with, so welcome.
“I’m also honoured to join the Board of Trustees, supporting the charity in any way we can.”
On becoming the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust Chair, Paul Clark said: “I’m Delighted to join and look forward to working with Fahad and Neil, the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees, and everyone involved with the Milton Keynes community.
“As a resident of Milton Keynes, I understand first-hand the positive difference the club can make in the community. Hopefully, I bring significant experience to the role, and I look forward to playing a part in the continued development of the MK Dons Sport & Education Trust.
“There is so much opportunity and lots to be done; thank you to my fellow Trustees and everyone at the club for making me feel so welcome in these early stages.”
MK Dons SET’s May Half-Term Camp is now live! Join us for a week packed with fun, learning, and improve your football skills with expert coaching! Boys & Girls aged 8-14 can participate, for more information or to book your place, please visit mkdonsset.com
