The community arm of Burnley FC has appointed Ben Bottomley to head its partnership operation, working with businesses to fund its work in and around Burnley.
Joining Burnley FC in the Community after six years as director of commercial and business development at FC Halifax Town, Ben will lead on the charity’s business partnership and sponsorship relationships, securing funding to support the its wide range of programmes. He will also work closely with business partners on corporate fundraising opportunities.
Ben said: “Burnley FC is a special club and a focal point of the town. The connection between the club and the community is a really positive one and you can clearly see the difference the charity’s work makes, from the various community projects it organises, through to the wide range of facilities available for local people. I wanted to be a part of that and to help businesses to get involved.”
He added: “It’s an exciting challenge and it is rewarding to feel I’m contributing to making positive change to the local community. I’m a public-spirited individual and love meeting new people, so I’m looking forward to bringing my skill set to the role.”
Prior to his role at FC Halifax Town, Ben worked as an account manager for UTV Media, Johnston Press and HBOS, and is experienced in developing effective relationships with businesses, forming successful partnerships, and driving engagement.
Burnley FC in the Community employs 150 people and in 2020 reinvested £3.5m in the local area through its charitable programmes. In addition to Whitehough Outdoor Centre near Colne, the charity also runs a community kitchen in Burnley, which is home to a foodbank, teaching kitchen, community café and sports store.
