Charlie Methven joins Global Institute of Sport board

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Image credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) has confirmed the appointment of Charlie Methven to its ownership group’s Board of Directors, bringing one of global football’s most distinctive and influential voices to the leadership of the world’s leading sports university.

Methven’s addition to the Board of the Global Sports Education Group (GSEG), the parent organisation of GIS, comes at a pivotal moment as the university continues its global expansion and reinforces its status as the leading destination for aspiring professionals in football and sport.

Methven, who has held executive roles at Sunderland AFC and Charlton Athletic FC and advised organisations such as McLaren F1, the Jockey Club, and the Qatari government ahead of the 2022 World Cup, now serves as Managing Director of Mount Pleasant FA, the Caribbean’s leading football club. He brings extensive expertise in sport, media, and performance strategy.

Educated at Eton College and the University of Oxford, Methven pairs a prestigious academic background with proven boardroom and operational expertise, seamlessly connecting the business and performance sides of the sports industry. His deep experience and expansive network make him a key asset to GIS leadership during a period of strategic global expansion. Renowned for challenging norms and advocating innovative thinking, Methven’s arrival further strengthens GIS’ role in shaping the future of sport by uniting top talent to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Reflecting on his new role, Methven expressed admiration for GIS’s impact on the future of sport and shared his enthusiasm for contributing to its continued growth and success.

“I have watched on with admiration as the Global Institute of Sport has started to shape the future of Sport. I am honoured to be asked to join its Board. As our industry matures, it constantly needs better access to better qualified people, and that is what GIS is now providing through courses which combine a unique mix of academic credibility and hands-on experience and connectivity. I greatly look forward to supporting Sharona Friedman and her talented executive team as they continue to build this exciting business,” he said via press release.

President & CEO of the Global Institute of Sport, Sharona Friedman, highlighted Methven’s strategic value to the organisation, emphasising his unique expertise and alignment with the institute’s mission.

“Charlie’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and excellence. He brings unmatched expertise at the intersection of sport, media, and leadership—and his values align powerfully with ours. He’s not just a board member—he’s a force multiplier,” she said via press release.

The Global Institute of Sport is renowned for its leading online and stadium-based degree programs across football and sports business, coaching and performance, and media and marketing. GIS provides students and alumni with immersive educational experiences, practical work placements, and international networking opportunities at iconic stadium campuses such as Wembley Stadium and Chase Stadium, along with locations extending to Dubai, Kingston and Melbourne.

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Weston Bears Park to Transform into a State-of-the-Art Sports Hub

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Weston Bears Park upgrade new clubroom facilities

The Weston Bears Park upgrade will deliver modern, accessible facilities for football players, spectators, and the local community in Newcastle. Construction is well underway and the project scheduled to finish by February 2026.

The upgrade is part of Cessnock City Council’s ongoing community projects. It will improve local sports infrastructure and support community engagement. Weston Bears Park hosts daily training and matches for Premier League and junior teams. Additionally, it serves as a venue for community events.

The project includes:

  • Refurbishing the grandstand to create new clubrooms, a canteen, office space, and members’ area

  • Building team change rooms, referee facilities, and a gym

  • Upgrading spectator amenities, including toilets and better access

  • Constructing a new car park and improving landscaping

The Weston Bears Facility Upgrade follows the adoption of the Weston Bears Park Masterplan in September 2020. Council consulted with Weston Bears Football Club, Weston Junior Football Club, Weston Workers Club, and the community. This ensured the upgrades meet the needs of all users.

Funding comes from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program and Council’s operational budget. This partnership shows a shared commitment to local sport and community wellbeing.

Cessnock City Council Mayor said: “This upgrade marks an exciting step for Weston Bears Park. It will provide modern, accessible facilities for everyone—from grassroots players to long-time supporters. We are proud to invest in infrastructure that brings people together and strengthens our sporting culture.”

Ultimately, the project will transform Weston Bears Park into a state-of-the-art sporting hub. Consequently, it will remain a key centre for football and community activity in Newcastle for many years.

Elite Coaching Secrets Revealed: Chris Ramsey MBE to Inspire Australian Youth Coaches

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Chris Ramsey MBE presenting youth coaching strategies

Football Coaches Australia has announced a special online CPD session featuring Chris Ramsey MBE on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm AEDT. The timing is significant: Ramsey will be joining the session immediately following his involvement with the FIFA U17 World Cup.

This means Australian coaches will receive fresh, real-world insights from one of the game’s most respected youth development experts while his observations are still current.

Elite Experience Meets Youth Development

Ramsey brings a rare dual perspective to the session. As a former Premier League coach and current Professional Development Phase Lead for England’s youth teams, he has worked across both elite senior and youth environments.

This combination gives him unique insight into what young players actually need to succeed at the highest levels. He’s not theorising about development pathways; he’s actively shaping them for England’s next generation of elite footballers.

The Maturation Factor

The session will focus on a critical but often misunderstood aspect of youth coaching: “The Need to Consider Growth and Maturation when Developing Young Players.”

Ramsey will explore how physical, psychological, and emotional maturity impact player performance. More importantly, he’ll share how the world’s best youth systems adapt their coaching to account for these differences.

This isn’t about treating all players the same. It’s about recognising that young athletes develop at different rates and adjusting coaching approaches accordingly.

Practical Takeaways From the World Stage

The U17 World Cup provides the perfect laboratory for observing these maturation differences in action. Players from different countries, backgrounds, and development systems compete at the same age level but often display vastly different levels of physical and mental maturity.

Ramsey will draw from these specific observations to illustrate how elite programs identify and work with these variations. Australian coaches attending the session will gain access to strategies currently being used at the highest levels of international youth football.

Session Details

The CPD session takes place on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time online. This represents a valuable opportunity for coaches to learn directly from someone actively working at the forefront of international youth development.

With Ramsey’s MBE recognition and his current role shaping England’s youth teams, the session offers Australian coaches a direct connection to elite European development thinking and practice.

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