Brentford FC Community Sports Trust chief executive Lee Doyle has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for his services to sport and the community in Brentford and the London Borough of Hounslow in the King’s New Years Honours list for 2024.

Doyle, who celebrated 35 years working for the Community Sports Trust in November 2023, has seen the organisation grow from a handful of workers in the mid-1980s to more than 150 staff, plus a large volunteer base who together now deliver more than 13,000 community sessions each year.

The British Empire Medal is testament to Doyle’s commitment and innovation in leading the Trust over a 35-year period which has benefited the local community across all ages and backgrounds.

Doyle has overseen Brentford FC Community Sports Trust in winning the Football League Community Club of the Year award four times.

An amazing journey

On receiving the award, Doyle commented: “It has been an amazing journey, full of inspiring characters, dedicated to realising the potential of people and places, and there is much more to come.

“The creative feature of working in sport and community development means there is always the next challenge and new partnership to build.

"With our fantastic Stadium Hub and adjacent Parklife base at Gunnersbury Park, reaching out to many other community settings, supported by the Premier League, PFA, and partner funding, we are increasing our work in mental and physical wellbeing, training and employability.

“With the club and Trust being committed to an innovative, inclusive approach in every part of what we do, I am proud to be a Bee.”

Ian Dobie, chair of trustees at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said: “When Lee started his work with Brentford, he was one of two coaches delivering football coaching to the young people in the community.

“Fast forward 35 years and Lee has built an organisation with 156 staff, who have delivered 13,479 sessions for 12,235 local people in the last year.

"Using the power of sport, the Trust now delivers a range of programmes in education, employability, sports participation, disabilities, health, and community engagement.

“In the past year alone the Trust has delivered a social impact value of £70 million. After a lifetime dedicated to the community, there is no one more deserving of this honour.”

Inspirational leadership

Cliff Crown, Brentford FC chair, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Lee. It has been a privilege to watch him lead the Trust and to see what has been achieved over the last 35 years.

“His inspirational leadership and can-do attitude are admired by all who come into contact with him.

“He is a very worthy recipient of this honour. It is fully deserved. Congratulations, Lee.”