ABOUT US We are a dynamic charity that has grown from modest beginnings in 2001 into a vibrant organisation dedicated to fostering community development and cohesion. Leveraging the influence of sport and its strong ties with local professional Rugby League club - Leigh Leopards, as a vehicle for both personal and community development. Our mission is to enhance and support local community by addressing the multifaceted needs of its residents. We operate under four pillars: physical activity, health, education, training, and employment and Inclusion including our bespoke A Team Hub for children and families with Neurodevelopmental conditions. We aim to create a stronger and safer community by offering inclusive programmes, we aim to build a sense of unity and safety; increase educational attainment, improve physical and mental wellbeing and promote social inclusion by preventing exclusion and addressing the needs of marginalised individuals facilitating their reintegration into society. By addressing the ingrained and diverse needs of our community, we are committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact. Our dedication to utilise collective experiences ensuring that our community activities are relevant and effective, truly meeting the needs of the local residents.

PATRON ANDY BURNHAM Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in 2026 and, later, became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Before returning to Westminster, Andy served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026, championing devolution, public transport, policing, health and economic growth across the city region. Prior to becoming Mayor, Andy represented Leigh as Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2017. During his time in government, he held ministerial roles at the Home Office, HM Treasury and the Department of Health. In 2008, he was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before returning to the Department of Health as Secretary of State in 2009. Andy has been a passionate supporter of the Trust since its inception in 2010 and continues to champion its work and the positive impact it has on communities across Leigh, Makerfield and beyond. AMBASSADOR JOSH CHARNLEY Josh is ambassador for our highly acclaimed A Team Hub, supporting children and families living with Neurodevelopmental conditions is close to Josh's heart with his own child living with Autism. Josh is a great advocate for the work that we do in the centre and can often be found just popping in to take part in what's going on around the Hub. AMBASSADOR DAWN O’NEILL Dawn has been working with the Trust for the last 8 months helping the Trust become a Borough partner of the Autism Friendly campaign. The Trust was honoured when Dawn agreed to be our Ambassador, Dawn has such passion and drive and commitment to the Trust and what it stands for. Chair of Trustees Lynne Calvert Lynne works for Wigan Public Health as a Public Health Service Manager. Lynne has worked with the Trust and its employees on numerous projects and has formed a strong partnership between the Trust and NHS. Lynne also sits on the Leigh and Wigan against Racism group and State of Mind board. Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge on health and racism issues that are two issues the Trust works tirelessly on. TRUSTEE Steve Pike As a local businessman, Steve has a wealth of knowledge and networks with the local businesses, Steve also joined the club's Board of Directors in 2003 and has headed up the Community and Youth Development departments at the club during his time on the board; although Steve left the club's Board of Directors in 2006, he still remains very committed to the Trust and is always on hand. TRUSTEE Gareth Sutton Gareth is from the Wigan area and is the Developments Director at Wigan and Leigh College. Gareth came on board in 2012 with his endless experience regarding 14-19-year-old further education routes and helped cement the local FE college as a partner of the Trust TRUSTEE John Holland John has a vast amount of knowledge in environmental education previously working at the local Further Education College as a Lecturer in this field and both Primary and Secondary education through his position of Chair of Governors of a local high school and Governor of several Primary schools. Meet The Team PATRONS & AMBASSADORS