Nick Matthew

Broadcaster, Media Commentator

Alongside his career as a professional athlete, Nick has developed a successful career in the media.

Nick’s autobiography “Sweating Blood: My life in Squash” was published in 2013. With forewords by Jessica Ennis-Hill and Matthew Syed, it gives a unique insight in to the ups and downs in the life of a world class athlete.

In addition to being an author, Nick is an engaging public speaker and shares his own experiences of the pressures, challenges and lighter moments of life as a top level international sportsman. Nick’s signature talk on ‘Developing your own Super Strengths’ is a fascinating insight in to how lessons learnt through adversity in Sport can be applied to all areas of life including business and personal development.

Nick is a budding journalist and a regular contributor to publications such as the Sheffield Star newspaper, Squash Player Magazine and England Squash.  Nick is a confident presenter and commentator on his own sport but also keen to showcase his expertise on other sports as seen in his guest appearances on ‘A Question of Sport’. As part of ITV’s coverage before the 2018 Olympic Games, Nick interviewed the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill, Nicola Adams and the Brownlee Brothers on their ‘Road to Rio’.

During lockdown in 2020, Nick created a podcast with fellow Squash player & former tour rival Daryl Selby entitled ‘Bobby & The Wolf’ where they interview famous names from around the Squash world in an informal manner. Guests include Ramy Ashour, James Willstrop & Gregory Gaultier. There are 8 episodes in series 1 which are available to watch through Nick’s YouTube channel or in Podcast form through your usual channels.

To discuss media opportunities contact media@theemiliagroup.com

THE NICK MATTHEW FOUNDATION

ABOUT US

The Nick Matthew Foundation aims to create an environment that makes Squash fully inclusive and accessible for everyone.

We are looking to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in October 2024 and are based in Sheffield.

Although inspired by Nick Matthew and the sport, we will extend well beyond the squash court, embracing its broader legacy as a powerful force for social good, personal development, and community growth.

We will cater for everyone, from those who have never played Squash before to those who dream of becoming the best in the World, like our founder Nick Matthew OBE (3 x World Squash Champion).

We strongly believe that our world class coaches and educators can be inspirational mentors and influential role models for all. With their support many people facing challenges in their everyday lives will have an equal opportunity to unlock their true potential.

Squash’s recent inclusion as an Olympic sport provides the Nick Matthew Foundation a remarkable platform to inspire, support, and empower thousands of people to get involved, leading up to the 2028 Olympics and beyond.

Squash is a sport that has the power to unite communities
From ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ the Nick Matthew Foundation will symbolise the many benefits of Squash all around the world.

VISION

Improving lives through Squash – The Nick Matthew Foundation has a vision to change lives and enhance communities through squash. Together we can make a difference to people’s lives, from physical health and emotional wellbeing, to supporting education, social engagement and community cohesion.

AMBITION

We have an unshakeable ambition to create welcoming environments and opportunities that engage and inspire children, young people, and older people to achieve their full potential.

PURPOSE

Many people today face a number of challenges including the impact of inequalities on health, education, and employment opportunities and rates of offending and reoffending.

By utilising the researched and proven benefits of Squash, we are committed to helping children, young people and older people make a positive difference to their lives.

Harnessing the power of the Nick Matthew Foundation our aim is to positively change lives and transform communities by providing a supportive environment that encourages a strong sense of belonging.

The Nick Matthew Foundation will embed values, behaviours, characteristics, and a positive mindset required to tackle the many challenges that people today may face due to inequalities in everyday life.

Our projects and programmes will improve health and mental wellbeing, helping to build confidence, self-esteem and develop structures and resilience required to succeed in education, work and modern life.

We will strive to work collaboratively with key partners, including local voluntary organisations, schools, sports clubs and where appropriate commercial businesses.

We believe our approach is an effective way of ensuring local communities are committed to the success, sustainability and continued development of every programme and project.

VALUES

Belonging
A sense of being part of a family environment. We promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and challenge discrimination, developing relationships that lead to feeling accepted, understood and being able to contribute.

Resilience
How we bounce back from any setbacks is far more important than how we act when things are going well.

We celebrate triumphs through adversity.

Strength
Developing people as individuals but also collectively as part of a group.

We create ‘super strengths’ along the way.

Work ethic
Giving your absolute best to everything you do. Success isn’t down to winning or losing but what you give from yourself & learn about yourself during the journey.

We play with passion.

HOW WILL WE KNOW WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

We have set 4 key strategic objectives:

• Inclusivity and equal opportunity for all
• Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing
• Increasing sporting, educational, and employment opportunities
• Creating environments that build a sense of belonging where everyone can achieve

To measure and understand our performance against our strategic objectives we will regularly ask ourselves:

1. What is the impact of our work on the children, young people, and older people we work with?
2. Is our delivery model effective, efficient and evidence-based, and does it meet the needs of all our stakeholders?
3. Are we staying relevant and determined, ensuring programmes are aligned to need, reaching more marginalised people who wouldn’t normally be able to access or play squash?
4. Have we influenced and led the way, through nurturing positive relationships with key partners and by not being afraid to challenge ourselves and others to do things differently and continually improve?
5. Are we making strides towards organisational excellence, by developing an effective, happy, and motivated team that are proud and passionate about improving peoples’ lives?
6. Are our financial resources sufficient, flexible and sustainable enough to support our ambitions?

OUR PLEDGE

The Nick Matthew Foundation will:

• be fully inclusive and use the power of Squash to make our programmes impactful and fun
• make it easier for people facing disadvantage and inequality to access and enjoy the breadth of programmes we have to offer
• ensure that there are equal opportunities for everyone to improve their health, mental wellbeing, education, confidence, and aspirations
• involve local people in the design, delivery, and sustainability of our projects
• strive to continually improve and develop a range of programmes that are relevant to individual and local need

INCREDIBLE TRUSTEE OPPORTUNITY
AT THE NEW
NICK MATTHEW FOUNDATION

ABOUT US

The Nick Matthew Foundation aims to create an environment that makes Squash fully inclusive and accessible for everyone.

We are looking to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in October 2024 and are based in Sheffield.

Although inspired by Nick Matthew and the sport, we will extend well beyond the squash court, embracing its broader legacy as a powerful force for social good, personal development, and community growth.

We will cater for everyone, from those who have never played Squash before to those who dream of becoming the best in the World, like our founder Nick Matthew OBE (3 x World Squash Champion).

We strongly believe that our world class coaches and educators can be inspirational mentors and influential role models for all. With their support many people facing challenges in their everyday lives will have an equal opportunity to unlock their true potential.

Squash’s recent inclusion as an Olympic sport provides the Nick Matthew Foundation a remarkable platform to inspire, support, and empower thousands of people to get involved, leading up to the 2028 Olympics and beyond.

Squash is a sport that has the power to unite communities
From ‘Grassroots to Greatness’ the Nick Matthew Foundation will symbolise the many benefits of Squash all around the world

WHAT WE NEED

To develop our structure, the charity is now seeking to appoint several Independent Trustees to be part of the governing board of the charity on a voluntary basis who will have overall governance oversight.

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION

Overall Purpose

To be an active member of the Nick Matthew Foundation Board ensuring strong strategic vision, robust governance, guidance and support.
Where appropriate act as an ambassador, spokesperson, advocate and representative for The Nick Matthew Foundation fostering strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Expected time commitments of the Board members

The Board meets formally, in person, at least three times per year as well as required informal, online, catch ups. Board members may contribute to specific project groups as they arise from time to time and will be invited to a number of events throughout the year.

Remuneration

All Board members will work voluntarily with reasonable expenses being paid (agreed in advance).

Skills and knowledge

We aspire to have a broad skills and knowledge set on the Board. At this moment we would be particularly interested to receive applications from those with experience and knowledge of working with:

• Squash and associated formats of the game
• Health Sector
• Local Authority
• Education
• Business
• Sport’s governing bodies
• Disability Sport and physical activity
• Income Generation / Funding

Areas of accountability:

• In collaboration with Fellow Board Members provide leadership, support and strategic direction for our vision and strategy.
• To be a strong advocate for the work of The Nick Matthew Foundation.
• To adopt and be fully committed to the vision, purpose, and values of The Nick Matthew Foundation.
• To play a full part in enabling the Board to arrive at balanced and objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role and functions.
• Contribute and share responsibility for the Trustee Board’s decisions, ensuring that there has been full and complete consideration to all options within a context of risk management and sound governance principles.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To use such personal and professional skills together with such contacts, experience and judgment as they may possess with integrity and independence to optimise both the short and long term performance of the Charity.
• Demonstrate an ability to create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships at Board and executive level and with a wide range of private and public sector stakeholders.

Behaviours:

• Act in the Charity’s best interests, contributing fresh perspectives and ensuring all relevant issues are considered.
• Respect the Charity’s constitution and decisions taken under it.
• Staying well informed about The Nick Matthew Foundation and our external environment. ensuring to be diligent, careful and well informed about the Charity’s affairs.
• Understand the importance and purpose of the meetings and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly.
• Analyse information and question, challenge and debate constructively.
• Be able to respect boundaries between executive and governance functions.
• Use The Seven Principles of Public Life as a guide to how Board members should conduct themselves. The Seven Principles of Public Life – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Why apply?

As a Nick Matthew Foundation trustee you will be able to:

• Provide support to influence a Charity that will make a real difference to individuals or society as a whole.
• Contribute your skills and expertise to a cause that is important to you.
• Play a fundamental role in the strategic development and awareness of the Charity.
• Gain valuable experience and learn new skills within a non-executive leadership position.
• Challenge yourself, by applying your skills in a different environment.

How to apply

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact Jim Lord to arrange an informal discussion about the role jim@iwondergroup.com

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following:

• A CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements, and preferred contact details.
• An expression of interest statement, which fully explains the skills and experience you can bring to the Board.

Closing date for expressions of interest

5pm on Friday 6 September 2024, to be sent to jim@iwondergroup.com

Diversity Statement

We’re developing a culture where diversity is valued, and we can all be ourselves. We still have work to do but are strongly committed to inclusive practices which demonstrate fairness, equality and anti-racism in everything we do. We will not tolerate less favourable treatment of anyone, especially those with legally protected characteristics, and welcome applications from all sections of communities, particularly those under-represented in our organisation.