TOM

CHARITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, 2012 - Present

Our Lead Coach and the Founder of TDUK, Tom has been with the charity not only from the very start but before it’s inception.

His love of American football began in the early 80’s when the sport first hit Channel 4. He picked the Miami Dolphins as his chosen team (“Defence? We don’t need no stinking defence!”) and though he informs us he has regularly regretted the choice over the subsequent 40 years he still remains hopeful for a championship…(maybe next year?)

He played the sport himself for years and later started coaching with the Edinburgh Wolves with a break whilst he attended bible college. During this time coaching he identified an opportunity and a need to build a youth and junior set up in the sport to set a firm foundation for its future - it was out of this that TouchdownUK in its first incarnation was born.

Tom is a career defensive player - he assures us he is a better coach than player - and finished his playing career at age 54 with Edinburgh Napier Knights University Alumni team without serious injury.

In addition to Lead Coach he is the Charity Development Officer, a qualified First Aider and our COVID Co-ordinator.

Player 1982 - 2019 (Mayfair Maulers, Newcastle Browns/Senators, Washington Presidents, Lothian Raiders, Edinburgh Wolves, Tynedale Fury, Edinburgh Napier University Alumni)

Coach 2004 - Present (Edinburgh Wolves Youth, Edinburgh Napier Knights University, Tynedale Fury, TouchDownUK)

KAREN

ADMINiSTRATIon ASSISTANT, 2020 - present

Karen started working at TouchdownUK in early 2020 as our Administration Assistant. Before working at TouchdownUK she completed a BA Hons in International Studies and a Diploma in Counselling, and has worked in various administrative roles throughout her career.

Her role at TouchdownUK is varied, but she mainly helps support the team with all administration and office duties, and assists with meetings, projects, and events.

Although she doesn’t have much experience with American Football, she is thrilled to bring her knowledge to the team and to be part of the important work TDUK does in fostering fun, health, and community amongst our young people. She can usually be found with her nose in a book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, hiking in the Scottish wilderness, or engrossed in a videogame.

REBECCA

Chairperson, 2021 - Present

(Treasurer 2018 - 2021)

Rebecca works in the banking sector and has 8 years experience as a manager with 5 years specialisation in both commercial and personal debt repayment strategies. She initially volunteered her services as an advisor to the board in early 2018 to support TDUK in navigating a funding short fall and took over the Treasurer role later that year. In 2021 once we were over the height of the pandemic, and normal activities resumed, Rebecca switched roles to Chair. Now she has professionally hung up her manager’s hat but continues using her skills to line manage both employees.

As daughter to the CDO Rebecca has fond memories of watching many Scottish Claymores games with her dad back in the 90s and although she is a qualified flag football coach her main hobbies include aerial circus arts, bouldering and hiking, all of which involve less catching.

IAIN

Vice Chairperson, 2017 - Present

Iain has been a trustee with TouchdownUK since July 2017, bringing together his interests in American Football, helping young people develop and his many years’ experience of charity governance and trustee positions. In addition to being a line manager Iain also acts as Vice Chairperson, providing support to the Chair in the event of absence or conflict of interest.

Iain is well versed in the sport as he played American football whilst at University for Edinburgh Phoenix and is a Raiders fan. He lives in Rosyth with his wife Heather and has two children at Aberdeen University.

He previously was a Church of Scotland Minister for 20 years and is now an Assemblies of God Pastor, he is currently serving in west Fife but helps in the Kingdom wherever he can. In addition to this Iain is a professional Leadership and Career Coach working with partner businesses and has his own growing coaching practice.

His favourite films include The Incredibles, Remember the Titans, Gladiator and Braveheart. His favourite drink is Cherry Pepsi Max or a good malt whisky. He loves getting out onto the hills or working out in the gym.

JUDITH

SECRETARY, 2012 - Present

With us from the very start, Judith has been our secretary since the charity was formed in 2012. She enjoys working out of the limelight, in support of the charity and of the Charity Development Officer, her husband.

Judith has worked in the charity sector for the last 20 years in various management roles and is currently the manager of a counselling charity based in Fife.

A self-confessed ignorant when it comes to American Football - her area of interest being mental health - she likes to think she shows that you don’t have to be a sport expert to be involved in TDUK. Judith also loves her pup whom she is training to be a therapy dog, is a self confessed charity shop queen and makes a mean banana bread!

Alyson

Treaurer, 2023 - Present

Alyson has worked in different aspects of finance over the last 4 years, with experience in preparing accounts, analysis and review and forecasting. In her current role as a Management Accountant she is responsible for the income statements and analysis of three different departments – physiotherapy, occupational health & business rates. Working for a UK wide registered charity, she is familiar with the different reporting and tax requirements for charities as opposed to private/public businesses. 

She is currently studying for my ACCA qualification, and working in a different role with new responsibilities will be conducive to completing the practical experience requirements necessary for chartered certification.

VERONIKA

Trustee, 2019 - Present

As a person who likes to keep busy Veronika works as a Lifelong Learning Development Leader in Education & Schools, Families, and Communities with a focus on developing communities in socially deprived areas in Edinburgh. In addition to this she is also a Mental Health Support Worker and a Martial Arts Instructor, the latter giving experience in coaching various ages and levels, from toddlers to adults and beginners to advanced.

With 25 years experience Veronika is a Taekwondo Black Belt holder, certified by Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon, Seoul, South Korea. She is also educated to postgraduate level in Business (Research in Effective Leadership and Management Styles) & Drama and Performance (Physical Theatre).

In her spare time she is an Aerial enthusiast and a member of Survivors Reference Group (Rape Crisis Scotland) working together to improve legislative and survivor rights during the criminal justice process.

Child Protection Training Level 1,2,3,4
First Aider
Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Registered Member - Scottish Social Services Council

Charlie

Trustee, 2022 - Present

An avid sports fan, Charlie loves to watch his beloved Hibs on a weekly basis and is a huge fan of the Raiders too. 

Charlie works in the financial industry, while also has a deep rooted passion for working with teenagers. Charlie holds a theology degree, specialising in youth ministry. 

In his spare time, Charlie enjoys going for a cup of good black coffee, listening to music and spending time chatting life and sports with friends and family.

Andy

Trustee, 2022 - Present