Street Soccer Scotland announces new board appointment

23/02/2021
Malcolm Robertson, Chair of Street Soccer Scotland

Malcolm Robertson becomes chair and is joined on the board by third-sector communications specialist Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie, and Nike marketer Jamie McCall.

MALCOLM Robertson, founding partner of Edinburgh-based strategic consultancy Charlotte Street Partners, has today been announced as the new chair of Street Soccer Scotland.

Malcolm, who is currently chair of UNICEF UK’s Scotland Advisory Board, will bring more than 20 years of experience in strategic leadership to the social enterprise, which uses football-inspired training and personal development as a medium to empower people who are affected by social exclusion, and to make positive changes in their lives.

He is joined on the board by Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie and Jamie McCall will be appointed in March. Both have been involved with the charity for a number of years in advisory roles.

Malcolm Robertson commented: “Every conversation I have with David Duke is an inspiring one. In creating Street Soccer, he put his own deeply personal experiences to work, helping countless people meet and overcome often complex challenges. I am immensely proud to be joining Street Soccer at such an important time, when the power of sport to change people’s lives for the better is needed more than ever.”

David Duke added: “Ever since we kicked off in 2009, our organisation has benefited from the great support and expertise of volunteer trustees and board members. As we approach our 12th year of service, we are delighted to welcome Malcolm as our chair – as well as Sabina and Jamie – to support our vision and growth, ensuring that we can support more people in our communities. They each bring a wealth of experience, skill and leadership and I believe with their partnership we will accelerate Street Soccer’s vision together as one.”

Sabina, an experienced third-sector communicator and partner at Charlotte Street Partners, has worked with a number of charities including Shelter Scotland, Fresh Start, UNICEF UK, the Children’s Parliament, Sistema Scotland and the Scottish Youth Parliament. Jamie is currently Vice President for Consumer Direct Marketing at Nike EMEA.

Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie commented: “It is an understatement to say that Street Soccer Scotland transforms lives. I’ve seen it first-hand over the years, having spent time with their players and coaches. Their commitment to offering purpose, relationships and hope is so important, now more than ever. I’m excited to keep working with David and the whole team and look forward to lending my support so that they can continue to make real and lasting change to people and communities across Scotland.”

Jamie McCall commented: “The inspiration of sport, and its ability to transform lives for the better should never be limited to any one group or community, we must always prioritise its power for those who need it most. This is exactly why I’m proud to be joining Street Soccer, to help in any way to bring the emotion and engagement that sport offers to all.”

Founded in 2009 by David Duke MBE, Street Soccer Scotland is a social enterprise and charity which uses the power of football to create positive change, by providing purpose, opportunity and connection for adults and young people experiencing social exclusion. SSS deliver programmes across the whole of Scotland, 365 days a year.

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