We have three teams that make TouchdownUK happen and we invite you to find out more about the people that keep us running:
Meet the Staff
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2012 - Present
Our Lead Coach and the Founder of TDUK, Tom has been with the charity not only from the very start but before it’s inception.
His love of American football began in the early 80’s when the sport first hit Channel 4. He picked the Miami Dolphins as his chosen team (“Defence? We don’t need no stinking defence!”) and though he informs us he has regularly regretted the choice over the subsequent 40 years he still remains hopeful for a championship…(maybe next year?)
He played the sport himself for years and later started coaching with the Edinburgh Wolves with a break whilst he attended bible college. During this time coaching he identified an opportunity and a need to build a youth and junior set up in the sport to set a firm foundation for its future - it was out of this thatTouchdownUK in its first incarnation was born.
Tom is a career defensive player - he assures us he is a better coach than player - and finished his playing career at age 54 with Edinburgh Napier Knights University Alumni team without serious injury.
In addition to Lead Coach he is the Charity Development Officer, a qualified First Aider and our COVID Co-ordinator.
Player 1982 - 2019 (Mayfair Maulers, Newcastle Browns/Senators, Washington Presidents, Lothian Raiders, Edinburgh Wolves, Tynedale Fury, Edinburgh Napier University Alumni)
Coach 2004 - Present (Edinburgh Wolves Youth, Edinburgh Napier Knights University, Tynedale Fury, TouchDownUK)
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2020 - Present
Karen started working at TouchdownUK in early 2020 as our Administration Assistant. Before working at TouchdownUK she completed a BA Hons in International Studies and a Diploma in Counselling, and has worked in various administrative roles throughout her career.
Her role at TouchdownUK is varied, but she mainly helps support the team with all administration and office duties, and assists with meetings, projects, and events.
Although she doesn’t have much experience with American Football, she is thrilled to bring her knowledge to the team and to be part of the important work TDUK does in fostering fun, health, and community amongst our young people. She can usually be found with her nose in a book, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, hiking in the Scottish wilderness, or engrossed in a videogame.
Meet the Board
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2026 - Present
Charlie is a freelance writer, editor and publisher based in Edinburgh. She works across literary fiction, short stories, poetry, and copywriting, and is Head of Publishing at Stewed Rhubarb Press, an independent publisher supporting emerging and established voices in contemporary writing.
Alongside her creative work, Charlie has extensive experience working with young people. She previously worked as secondary school teacher, where she developed strong commitment to supporting young people’s confidence, creativity, and sense of voice. She continues this work as a Cub Scout leader, helping to create environments in which young people can challenge themselves, build resilience, and develop a sense of belonging through shared activity and teamwork.
As a trustee of TouchdownUK, Charlie brings both her creative and educational experience to support the charity’s mission of creating opportunities for young people through sport. She is particularly interested in the parallels between creative and physical disciplines: how both can foster confidence, self-expression, and long term personal development, especially for those who may face barriers to participation.
Through her publishing, editorial, and voluntary work, Charlie is committed to nurturing potential and widening access to to opportunities, She is passionate about contributing to organisations that prioritise inclusion, growth, and meaningful, lasting impact in young people’s lives.
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Vice Chairperson, 2017 - Present
Iain has been a trustee with TouchdownUK since July 2017, bringing together his interests in American Football, helping young people develop and his many years’ experience of charity governance and trustee positions. In addition to being a line manager Iain also acts as Vice Chairperson, providing support to the Chair in the event of absence or conflict of interest.
Iain is well versed in the sport as he played American football whilst at University for Edinburgh Phoenix and is a Raiders fan. He lives in Rosyth with his wife Heather and has two children at Aberdeen University.
He previously was a Church of Scotland Minister for 20 years and is now an Assemblies of God Pastor, he is currently serving in west Fife but helps in the Kingdom wherever he can. In addition to this Iain is a professional Leadership and Career Coach working with partner businesses and has his own growing coaching practice.
His favourite films include The Incredibles, Remember the Titans, Gladiator and Braveheart. His favourite drink is Cherry Pepsi Max or a good malt whisky. He loves getting out onto the hills or working out in the gym.
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2012 - Present
With us from the very start, Judith has been our secretary since the charity was formed in 2012. She enjoys working out of the limelight, in support of the charity and of the Charity Development Officer, her husband.
Judith has worked in the charity sector for the last 20 years in various management roles and is currently the manager of a counselling charity based in Fife.
A self-confessed ignorant when it comes to American Football - her area of interest being mental health - she likes to think she shows that you don’t have to be a sport expert to be involved in TDUK. Judith also loves her pup whom she is training to be a therapy dog, is a self confessed charity shop queen and makes a mean banana bread!
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2025 - Present
As a dedicated church office administrator, Barbara-Anne manages a wide array of tasks including service planning, communications, and financial accounts. Known for her patience and persistence she effectively handles delayed responses and overdue payments. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and travelling to sunny destinations.
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2022 - Present
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2025 - Present
As a former player who came through the TDUK program and progressed to the national youth league as a linebacker for the Edinburgh Wolves, Fraser brings valuable firsthand experience and insight into how TDUK operates.
The program had a profound impact on his life, pushing him out of his comfort zone, introducing him to new people, challenging him, and teaching him the importance of teamwork. Inspired by this experience, Fraser became a trustee to support the organization and ensure it continues to thrive. He is passionate about helping TDUK make the same meaningful impact on the next generation as it did on him.
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2025 - Present
Sam started as an American football junior when he was 15 at the Lothian Storm as a wide receiver. Soon after moved on to a QB / quarter back role, partly for health reasons but it ended up being a great move as he grew into one of the best QB the head coach had ever seen. At the age of 16 he left the player role and stared in a junior coach position, soon after stepping up to full coach and now works with the junior squad at Lothian Storm and works closely with our CDO across Midlothian bringing young people into the sport and helping raise up new coach volunteers!
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2025 - Present
A former player and coach of TDUK
As well as being our own alumni he has played for East Kilbride Pirates Junior team and made two national finals with them. Matthew then went on to play flag football with the Midlothian Sabers.
Joining the board at the start of 2025 he is hoping to bring the same level of enthusiasm and impact to the program that was given to him going through it.
Meet the Coaches
Struan
Connor
Mac
Sam
Matthew
Alex
Ewan
Adam
Ty
Samuel
Jake
