About Us - Stones Community Trust

Enriching lives through sport.

Stones in the Community is the charitable arm of Maidstone United Football Club, founded on the principles of hard work, determination, passion and integrity. Opening for business in October 2018 we work alongside the club to deliver the best programmes for the community we serve.

people have been supported by the Trust in the last year

of disability football participants have improved their physical wellbeing

0 %

children have participated in our coaching programmes last year

Our Philosophy

There are three core principles at the heart of what we believe.

Sport

Increase opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Sport is at the heart of Stones in the Community and goes beyond just football. Through our multi-sports programmes, we are encouraging more people to play sport and to be active on a regular basis.

Working closely with the National League Trust, we are committed to increasing both the number and quality of sports coaches working in schools, as well as ensuring that these coaches have the skills to engage with all parts of our community.

Health

Promote an active, healthy and informed lifestyle – contributing to reduced health inequalities in our community.

We use sport to improve the health of the local community and reduce any health inequalities that exist.

We work across all age groups and sections of the community, but a particular focus is put on reducing obesity by promoting healthy eating and physical activity and improving mental health.

Inclusion

Deliver innovative and attractive programmes to engage those from disadvantaged and excluded communities.

We uses sport to help tackle all forms of disadvantage and to promote equality.

We look to exist at the heart of the Maidstone community and bring people together from all walks of life, including a thriving disability community and a programme to help young people disengaged from school or communities.

Our trustees

Mike Littleboy, Stones in the community Chair

Mike Littleboy – Chair

Involved with Maidstone United since 1999, Mike’s roles have included being Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of the Youth section. He also obtained a Grants for Infrastructure Projects at The Gallagher Stadium. Prior to and upon its formation in October 2018, Mike has been Chair of Trustees having played a key part in setting it up. He has an integral role in developing the overall business strategy for the charity as well as creating unique projects to be delivered throughout the Maidstone Borough. A qualified Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Insurance Practitioner and Chartered Loss Adjuster, Mike has a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts within local schools and businesses.

Oliver Ash – Trustee

Oliver is a Chartered Surveyor, who spent most of his career in commercial real estate investment in France and Europe. During his 30 years in real estate, he was European Managing Director with Hammerson Plc and in 1999 set up Richmond Participations Limited, based in Paris. Amongst his current activities, Oliver is Director and Co-owner of Maidstone United Football Club and Trustee of The Stones Community Trust. Previously he was an Ambassador for Action Aid.

Mike Cogger – Trustee

Trained as a production engineer, Mike is a specialist in in Materials Handling and Logistics Automation projects and for 15 years, was MD for KNAPP UK. Mike has been a trustee for 5 years but a “Stones” fan since the 1950s, when, as a schoolboy, he played with and against Stone’s Legend David Sadler. In the 1970s, he formed Castle Sports men’s team and has been working with the club on Youth and Community Developments since 2002 where he’s helped establish Walking Football, Fitstones and the Schools’ Tournaments.

Blair Gulland – Trustee

Following 53 years at family firm Gullands LLP, Maidstone born solicitor, Blair remains actively involved in local and national voluntary organisations including: President, Mote Cricket Club; Main Board Director, One Maidstone (BID initiative); Founder Director (now retired), Golding Homes; Trustee of small social housing organisations; Main Board Director, Changeling Theatre Company. Previously a trustee of the Kent Community Foundation, he’s a member of the Garrick Club, Victory Services Club and a member of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.

Adam Lawrence – Trustee

Former Chief Executive Officer of Gillingham Football Club Community Trust, Adam had five years of experience within this role, developing the Charity’s overall business strategy, as well as creating unique projects to be delivered throughout Medway and Kent. A qualified PE teacher, he also has good experience and understanding of schools, the delivery of sports sessions and projects to young people. He is a Director of Sports Connect, a sports education and engagement organisation, based in Kent.

Ian Tucker – Trustee

Ian began volunteering for Maidstone United in 2003, while working for Maidstone Borough Council and then Kent County Council before joining the club full time in 2012, taking on the role of club secretary. Ian is also a trustee of the Maidstone Leisure Trust and Vice Chairman of Maidstone River Park Partnership.

Bill Williams – Trustee

Bill started his working life as a professional footballer, playing for Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers, West Brom, Mansfield and Gillingham. He then went on to manage professionally winning many championships across three continents. Vastly experienced in both football and business, he was part of the group that helped bring Maidstone United back to the Town and has been the Chief Executive for the past twelve years, before taking on his present role as Director of Football.