... ...
Sporting Force was established in 2015 by Tommy Lowther with a simple mission - to help the wounded, injured, and sick serving and ex-service men and women make the transition from a life in the military to life as a civilian through placements in the sports industry. We are proud to be a registered charity under the number 1169441.
Aren’t There Already a Lot of Organisations Supporting the Military?
Yes, and we work alongside many of them. These organisations often focus on physical recovery, mental health, or financial support. At Sporting Force, our focus is on providing opportunities and work placements in the sports industry, initially through professional football clubs.
Why Sports?
Life in the military is very active, and by working with sports organisations, we can offer opportunities that appeal to those with an active background, ignite a passion, and help create a new life outside of the services.
Tommy is ex-services having served with the 1st Battalion Light Infantry, he is also a Veteran of the Metroplitan Police and served on the front line during the 7th July 2005 bombings in London. It is safe to say that Tommy witnessed some pretty horrific scenes during both his Military and Police careers. Tommy has suffered with PTSD for quite a number of years which almost drove him to suicide. Tommy recognises the position that both he and many other Veterans find themselves in, having trouble with what most would consider to be "day-to-day tasks". Having won his own battle and addressing PTSD with a positive attitude, he became aware of the shocking statistics of those not so fortunate, and through his own involvement in sport, the idea of Sporting Force was born.
DAVID HENRY - VETERAN SUPPORT OFFICER
David is our Veteran Support Officer, He is an 11 Veteran having served with the 2nd Batallion Light Infantry and 3 Rifles. David served in some very hostile environments including Iraq and Sierra Leone as well as tours of Northern Ireland and Kosovo, he was a Sniper for the majority of his career but also spent time with the elite Reconaissance Platoon. After serving in the Army David went on to have a succsesful career within the Private Security industry working for the US Government however his time was cut short through injury. David has spoken about his struggles with PTSD and he is passionate about helping other Veterans in similar postions to himself. David is a vital asset to Sporting Force as his first hand experience will go a long way in helping our beneficiaries in similar circumstances. David says "It's a real privelage to work for such an amazing Charity, I can't wait to get stuck in"
HOWARD WILKINSON - PATRON
Howard is a legend in the football community, his successful managerial career began at Notts County. Howard went on to manage many other clubs, including Leeds United, where he won the First Division Championship in 1992, he remains the last English manager to win the top-flight league in England.
The knowledge, experience and guidance he will bring to Sporting Force, makes him the ideal Patron.
Sporting Force is proud to announce the signing of our first ambassador – Owen Bainbridge. Professional footballer Owen was born partially sighted, but lost his vision completely when he was seven years old. Owen was part of the Great Britain team that won silver at the finals of the ISBA World Games held in Seoul in May 2015.
Owen, 25, has won 35 caps playing for England, and is now in training for the IBSA Blind Football European Championships, which are to be held in August. Owen is excited to be part of Sporting Force and is looking forward to helping promote its mission. You can find him on Twitter - @OwenBainbridge3.
CONTACT US NOW for further details about the work carried out by our veterans’ charity.