The Russell Martin Foundation is making a real difference in Sussex, helping to empower girls and women through sport, education, and health.

With a passionate team of individuals driving their work, RMF is committed to providing opportunities for women and girls to thrive, whether on the football pitch, in the classroom, or in the wider community.

RMF offers weekly football training for over 100 girls and regular sessions for women, providing a supportive environment to grow skills and confidence. While funding challenges have impacted their ability to deliver free football initiatives this year, their commitment to encouraging girls’ participation remains on point. Alongside the football programmes, RMF runs an alternative provision to support girls who are struggling in mainstream education and provides adult education classes, ensuring women and girls have the tools they need to achieve their goals.

Inspiring Women of RMF

• Jane Coleman: As Director of Programmes, Jane’s strategic vision and recent Leadership & Management Award (level 7) demonstrate her commitment to creating impactful initiatives that empower young people and inspire her team.
• Donna Cox: The foundation’s General Manager, Donna combines organisational excellence with compassionate leadership. Her recent Leadership & Management Award (level 5) underscores her dedication to supporting RMF’s transformative work.
• Zoe O'Shea (CAMHS): RMF’s partnership with a community mental health nurse highlights the foundation’s commitment to collaborative working. During an initial assessment with a young person struggling with significant mental health challenges, RMF provided unwavering support and maintained excellent communication with CAMHS. This joint approach led to incredible outcomes, with the young person now thriving. Zoe shared, “RMF is one of a kind. It’s where I would want my own children to go if they were struggling.”
• Aithne Missirian: The Education Centre Manager in Brighton, Aithne’s PhD research into alternative provision strengthens RMF’s ability to offer innovative educational pathways, ensuring no young person is left behind.
• Ciara Lyons: A multidisciplinary creative, Ciara blends boxing, acting, and performance to create transformative wellbeing tools for young people. Her dedication to putting on safe, inclusive spaces is evident in her contributions to community projects like the Boxing Teen Girls Programme.
• Kelly Frater: Specialising in transition support from primary to secondary school, Kelly ensures children have the confidence and tools to navigate this challenging phase. Her bespoke mentoring projects, including games, art, and cooking groups, empower young minds to thrive in new environments.
• Marilena Ward: With nearly 40 years in education and community-focused football, Marielena has helped groundbreaking initiatives, including introducing adult education into football clubs. Her efforts helped Brighton & Hove Albion FC secure their community stadium and continue to shape RMF’s vision with her expertise in policy and bid writing.
• Jess Barnes: As RMF’s Disability and Inclusion Lead, Jess uses her lived experience to inspire others, embodying her mantra: “It’s not can’t, but how!” She adapts sessions to ensure accessibility, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Deborah Bowne: With over 16 years in public health, Debs is spearheading efforts to enhance girls' physical activity through Sport England funding bids. Her background includes award-winning health initiatives and national success with women’s football, making her a key player in RMF’s mission to tackle health inequalities.
• Kim Hammond: Drawing from her personal journey and 20 years in social care, Kim leads RMF’s Crawley centre as a manager, supporting disadvantaged families and young people. Her aspirations to become a dive master reflect her passion for introducing young people to transformative experiences.
• Izzy Glass-Oliver: As the lead girls’ football coordinator, Izzy is dedicated to bridging the gap between grassroots and academy football. Her focus on player development ensures that girls enjoy their journey both on and off the pitch, fostering personal and athletic growth.

From football pitches to classrooms, RMF is reshaping lives, showing that empowerment comes in many forms. By providing opportunities for girls and women to learn, grow, and lead, RMF continues to build a brighter future for the Sussex community.

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