Eagles announce new Chair and Vice-Chair of Include Foundation

22/12/2020

Sheffield Eagles and its charitable arm, The Include Foundation, are today proud to announce the appointment of two new trustees.

David Butler and Adam Hughes have both joined with immediate effect and will become Chair and Vice-Chair of the Foundation respectively.

The news comes ahead of an exciting year in 2021 for the sport of Rugby League in Sheffield with exciting developments currently in the works, coinciding with the Rugby League World Cup which comes to the Steel City next Autumn.

Both will be well-known to many, both starting their careers at the Eagles before progressing and developing their talents in the world of sport.

David, worked for the club back in 2003 as Community Marketing Manager and then General Manager before taking on roles with Doncaster Knights, The Rugby Football League and Basketball England. More recently he has held a senior role with British Equestrian and undertaken consultancy work for Parkour UK.

Adam was Community Manager during the Foundation’s most successful period and helped significantly grow both the Community Department and the Foundation.

Since leaving the Eagles in 2014, Adam has held various roles with The Rugby Football League - working his way up to the position of National Education Manager.

Speaking of their appointments, Butler said: “I’m excited to join The Eagles Foundation’s board of trustees,”

“With the Rugby League World Cup coming to Sheffield in 2021 it is a great opportunity to reignite the work of the Foundation and to capitalise on the heightened interest in Rugby League in the city and use it as a platform to grow the game in city and the surrounding areas.

“We have discussed some exciting plans to accomplish this and the wheels are in motion to bring these to life and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow trustees, the Sheffield Eagles club and other partners to bring them to life.”

That enthusiasm is shared by Hughes: “Its an honour to join the board of the trustees of The Include Foundation and to be able to give some time to growing the game in the city that has now become home to me.

“I was involved in the rebranding of the Foundation a few years ago and very proud of the achievements and the successes we had when I was Foundation Manager and I am very keen to play my part to rebuilding the Foundation.”

Prior to David & Adam’s appointments; the late Ian Anniss had agreed to become Chair of the Foundation - however due to his sad passing earlier this year this never came to fruition and everyone associated with the club and Foundation will strive to develop the game in his honour.

Along with these appointments Emma Digby has stepped down from her position but will remain in an advisory position when required and our thanks go to Emma for her efforts, many of which have gone unseen over the past few years.

Michael Hackett and Robert Womack are continuing in their positions and have helped build solid foundations to ensure the Foundation can progress and it’s great news for all to have them both remaining on board.

Eagles General Manager Liam Claffey added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Adam and David back to the fold,”

“Their wealth of experience, both with their work within the city and at the club but also beyond with the national governing body will be an extremely valuable asset.

“We’d like to thank Emma for her fantastic efforts and support over the past few years and it’s great to have Michael and Rob remaining on board.

“It’s fair to say, like the club, the Foundation has had its fair share of difficulties over the past few years but the rebrand and appointments are just the start for what will be an exciting time for the club, Foundation and sport over the coming months and years.”