$1 Million Marshall Family Fund For Football

“A new $1 million fund seeks to help Bermuda’s football players achieve their best,” the Bermuda Community Foundation announced today, with the newly launched Charles E. and Lesley Marshall Family Fund fund focused on the future of Bermuda’s football.

The fund will be making grants before the start of the new season, and the Bermuda Football Association has been asked to advise its affiliated clubs and entities to make applications for funding.

Charlie Marshall and his wife Lesley, photo by Two and a Quarter

The BCF explained, “Charlie Marshall still shudders when he recalls how Bermuda almost fell afoul of World Cup organisers FIFA – due to a shortage of funds. It was around 1992, and Bermuda almost qualified in the CONCACAF Zone of the 1994 World Cup.”

“It was a proud moment; Bermuda was as close to getting through as it ever had been but we were desperately short of money,” says Mr. Marshall, who was at the time President of the BFA. “The value of sport to the general good health of the community was not generally appreciated in those days, so funding it was not a national priority.

“We owed $80,000 – and if we didn’t come up with it, we would receive a fine of $70,000 and suspension from international competition for up to five years. I resolved then that if I ever had the means, I would set up a fund for the Island to assist players reach their potential and Bermuda to achieve its best on the world stage.”

“After a successful career in electronics and telecommunications, Mr. Marshall was true to his word. The fund set up by him and his wife Lesley is now managed by the Bermuda Community Foundation [BCF],” the BCF said.

“Applications for 2018 funding must be submitted by 5pm, 18 July. Once all applications are received, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, with football world stalwarts Troy Harvey and Shervin Dill will make their decisions on grants for the year. They expect to give away up to $35,000.”

“The Charles E. and Lesley Marshall Fund for Football was recently established at the BCF to support the development of youth football and refereeing by providing funds for the programmes and activities of football clubs and entities affiliated with the BFA,” said Dr. Myra Virgil, CEO and Managing Director of the BCF.

“Football clubs and programmes can apply for assistance to purchase gear (i.e., footballs, bibs, goals), youth registration fees, youth referee education and training.

“The Marshalls are a wonderful example of thoughtful, strategic philanthropy. They are assisting others to benefit from their success, and are supporting something they care deeply about.

“Mr. Marshall has given an immense amount of time and effort to further Bermuda sport because he believes passionately in its importance to the health of the community. In 1992 was awarded an MBE for his achievements – but he did not rest on his laurels. Now he is continuing his work, in a different way.”

To apply for this grant, please use this link. The deadline is 5pm, Monday, July 16, 2018.

Families or individuals interested in setting up their own Charitable Funds at BCF to improve Bermuda can learn more about donor-advised philanthropy at www.bcf.bm.

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