It is a pleasure to welcome you to our trust
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:600,h:600,cg:true){kind=logo}
KO CLUB TRUST UK
Founder’s Welcome
From heartbreak to hope. From vision to movement
.
Welcome to KO Club Trust UK.
This isn’t just a charity—it’s a story of resilience, community, and belief. It was born from lived experience, shaped by struggle, and fuelled by the unwavering hope that sport can heal, unite, and empower. For years, I fought to protect Green Lane Sports Ground—not just as a space for football, but as a sanctuary for young people, families, and communities who deserve safety, dignity, and opportunity.
There were moments I was used, overlooked, and heartbroken. But every setback became a reason to fight harder. Every betrayal (lots) reminded me why integrity matters. And every act of solidarity—from local partners to council allies—proved that this mission is bigger than me. It belongs to all of us.
The KO Club Trust UK is now a registered Community Interest Company with NO PROFIT, but its roots were forged long before the paperwork. It lives in the people who stood beside me when there was nothing to gain. It lives in the young person who finds confidence on the pitch. It lives in the partnerships built on trust, not transaction.
To our trustees, founding supporters, and strategic advisors—thank you. You are the heartbeat of this movement.
To everyone reading this: we invite you to stand with us. To build with us. To believe with us.
This is KO Club Trust UK. And we’re just getting started.
— Tiger, Founder & Lead Trustee
Emily Neilan
CHAIR at KO CLUB TRUST UK
Senior Director, KO Club Sports & Leisure CIC
Model City Manager, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
Champion of Inclusive Sport, Strategic Partnerships & Community Empowerment
Emily Neilan serves as Chair of KO Club Trust UK, bringing visionary leadership and strategic depth to the organisation’s mission of inclusive sport and trauma-informed community development. She also leads as Senior Director of KO Club Sports & Leisure CIC, where she oversees operational delivery, coalition-building, and long-term sustainability for sport-based outreach.
With over a decade of experience in the sport for development sector, Emily has worked across elite club foundations, local government strategy, and grassroots partnerships. As Model City Manager at the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, she guides multi-stakeholder coalitions that use sport to drive social change—aligning perfectly with the Trust’s values of healing, empowerment, and accessibility.
Emily’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping KO Club Trust UK’s strategic direction, securing key partnerships, and embedding trauma-informed principles into every layer of its work. Her belief in the power of sport to transform lives is not just professional—it’s personal.
“I’m immensely proud to serve as Chair of KO Club Trust UK,” says Emily. “This is more than a charity—it’s a movement. One that will change lives, build trust, and create safe spaces where everyone belongs.”
Raff Ali
London Elite Builders Ltd is well-reviewed for its professionalism, quality of work, and customer service.
The company holds a high rating (9.61/10) on Checkatrade, with clients praising the owner, Mr. Rafaqat Ali, for excellent communication, reliability, and workmanship. Projects range from bathroom and kitchen refits to full property refurbishments and garden rooms. Customers highlight the company’s attention to detail, timely completion, and willingness to advise on design and materials.
Rafiq is very excited to offer apprenticeships in the construction industry to the right candidates, he feels that being a part of KO CLUB TRUST UK will help in acheiving these goals for the youth.
Bhola
The KO Club Trust UK, what can I say? I am continually moved by the kindness and dedication of the incredible people who run this trust. My commitment to the Trust knows no bounds, and I am honoured to contribute to its mission. It holds a special place in my heart as my son founded the Ko Club Trust UK & made it from nothing, and got these lovely people on board.
Alan Watkinson
Alan Watkinson is best known as the former PE teacher of Mo Farah, the Olympic gold medalist. He played a crucial role in Farah's early development, encouraging him to pursue athletics and even helping him with English when he first arrived in the UK. Watkinson remained a close mentor to Farah, even serving as his best man at his wedding.
Beyond his connection to Farah, Watkinson has been deeply involved in sports education. He has worked as a PE and History teacher, a Head of Year, and a Gifted and Talented Coordinator. He later became the Partnership Development Manager of Isleworth and Syon’s School Sport Partnership, which evolved into Sport Impact, an organisation focused on promoting physical education and sports in schools.
His dedication to youth sports and physical education has had a lasting impact on many young athletes. Are you interested in his work in sports education or his influence on Mo Farah’s career, and are immensely proud to be a part of
KO CLUB TRUST UK and the vision it has to change many lives
Simone Taylor
KO Senior Operations Executive
Simone Taylor is a dedicated Trustee of KO Club Trust UK, bringing compassion, clarity, and a deep sense of community to the board. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience and a strong personal connection to the Trust’s mission of youth empowerment and inclusive sport.
Originally from Ireland, Simone has built a life in England with her son and daughter—both of whom reflect the values she upholds in her role. Her son plays football for a local team, and Simone has long championed the power of sport to build resilience, teamwork, and belonging. Her daughter is an active member of the KO Club Youth Collective, where she’s growing into a confident, compassionate leader through youth-led initiatives focused on empowerment and inclusion.
Simone’s connection to KO Club Trust is deeply personal. She sees the Trust not just as a charity, but as a movement—one that creates safe spaces, uplifts young people, and fosters genuine transformation. Her presence on the board is marked by empathy, integrity, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. the
David Fuller, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INITIATIVES
FA Officer / Counsellor at Middlesex Football Association | Advocate for Football Development and Community Growth
Dave has been at the forefront of revitalising and modernising football in one of the most densely populated regions, ensuring accessibility and growth for all. With a commitment to maintaining high standards, he plays a pivotal role in Football, ensuring top-quality facilities for players at all levels.
Dave is proud to be part of the KO Club Trust UK, a cause close to his heart, as he was with the founder from the start. His contributions have been instrumental in supporting football remaining at Green Lane. It was a very long and hard task, but Dave persevered. It is fair to say that his collaboration has helped drive positive change in key initiatives, including accessibility improvements and sustainable upgrades
As a Counsellor at Middlesex FA, Dave brings a wealth of experience and insight, championing initiatives that strengthen grassroots football and uphold the integrity of the game. His hands-on approach to rebuilding infrastructure and fostering inclusivity reflects his dedication to the sport's future.
Away from football, Dave is also an avid golfer, embracing the discipline and strategy of the game—a testament to his analytical mindset and passion for continuous improvement.
Mohans Catering
"Hi, I'm Pankaj Makol, Head Chef at Mohan's Catering. I've been cooking since I was 12—that's over 25 years now!—and I'm still as passionate about it as ever.
I'd like to thank the KO CLUB TRUST UK for including me and Mohan's Catering in this fantastic project." and look forward to serving you all soon.