The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation provides young people with the extra-curricular activities they need to succeed in life, but which they, and perhaps their families, currently lack. We do this through our 'Succeed with Stan' mentorship model, which focuses on seven values found in sport but which are also vital in everyday life. The type of sport is less important than the values imparted by the affiliate. In particular, we give best practice and expertise in the following areas:
Leadership
Although never team captain for club or country, Sir Stan was a leader in his own quiet way and focused on building others up around him to make them the best that they could be. When he spoke, people listened. This is how the Foundation also looks at leadership, with an emphasis placed on servant leadership. To help us develop our material in this area we have brought on board Major General Paul Nanson, former Commandant of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Health and Nutrition
Sir Stanley put down much of his success over the decades to his focus on health. Rising at 6 am every day to do his first set of exercises, the great man never smoked or drank and was extremely careful with his diet and looking after his physical health. Helping us develop resources for this value we have Professor Samantha Davis, Professor of Health & Nutrition at Texas Christian University in the United States.
Resilience
'No matter what job I was given I applied myself to it fully.' This quote by a man whose career was shortened at its peak by the Second World War is an invaluable philosophy for young people everywhere. Helping in this area we have Dr Carole Pemberton, one of the leading authorities in the U.K. on the development of resilience.
Innovation
Whether creating his own football boots or devising new skills to outwit opponents, Sir Stanley always looked at ways to improve. This outlook is perhaps more important than ever in a fast-changing, complicated world and guiding us in this area we have Director of Coaching at U.K. Coaching Nick Levett.
Teamwork
Winner of numerous awards, Sir Stanley was often embarrassed at being picked out individually – success for him was always a team affair. The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation stresses the importance of collaboration and personal interactions, assisted by international football manager Johnathan McKinstry.
Life-Long Learning
Assisted by Dr Ed Cope, life long learning underpins all that we do at the Foundation. Whether that be developing in a specific sport, learning in a classroom or developing skills and values which help us in other facets of life, we believe that learning is a constant journey.