About our founder
'The Football Kid'
Long before Premier League goals and record signings, Jason Roberts was known as ‘the football kid’ amongst his peers on the Stonebridge Estate in Brent, London where he grew up.
There was no shortage of inspiration surrounded by family, including his uncles Dave Regis, who played for top tier clubs such as Stoke City, and Otis Roberts, a professional footballer and Grenadian International, in addition to Cyrille Regis, one of the first black players to represent England. In awe of Cyrille’s ability to influence the game and its culture, Jason committed to following in his footsteps.
Playing career
Jason’s career began at Hayes Football Club, before signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1997/8. That same year, he was selected to represent Grenada on international duty — a role he would fufil until 2008. Following time at Torquay United and Bristol Rovers, Jason made headlines in 2000 when he signed for West Bromwich Albion for a club-record signing fee of £2 million. In 2004, Jason signed for Wigan Athletic, netting 37 goals, before joining Premier League side Blackburn Rovers. With an acclaimed career spanning nearly two decades, Jason reitred in 2014.
Jason’s football and social purpose pursuits developed at equal pace while being mutually reinforcing. Cementing his dedication to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion, Jason Roberts established his eponymous Foundation in 2007, the first player foundation in professional football. Chief amongst his priorities was to support the Stonebridge Estate community in North London, and Grenada — a nod to his family roots, and for whom he played internationally.
Dedication
His fervent commitment to sport for development in the UK and Grenada earned him royal recognition, when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2010. He dedicated the prestigious recognition to the volunteers of the Foundation. More than a decade after its creation, the Jason Roberts Foundation boasts a permanent community hub at Bridgestone Arena, and a global network of partners committed to empowering communities through grassroots health, education, and inclusion projects.
Progression
All the while, Jason has played an integral role in progressing the industry from the inside out. A true multi-hyphenate, he is a football pundit — Jason has presented on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, Football Focus, and Final Score, in addition to appearances on Sky Sports, BT Sport, and Premier League TV — documentarian, Doctorate of St. George’s University, and radio show host airing in Grenada.
In 2017, he was appointed Director of Development at CONCACAF, where he leads the development of the Confederation’s core programmes, including coaching and education, and grassroots infrastructure.
In 2020, Jason announced the Jason Roberts Foundation Scholarship in partnership with UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport, supporting the next generation of sports leaders. With immense expertise and a network to match, Jason’s pursuit of excellence and inclusivity is moving the needle forward on some of the industry’s greatest challenges and opportunities.
Jason Roberts Foundation
Empowering communities through grassroots projects
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