'We are hugely grateful' - Clare Martin announces retirement from Pompey in the Community
‘After 25 incredible years with Pompey, I feel the time is right to begin a new chapter’
An ‘inspirational figure’ who has been at the forefront of a Portsmouth charity for the past 14 years has announced her retirement.
Clare Martin MBE, the chief executive officer of Pompey in the Community, has decided to retire after 25 years of working at the football club. Her time in the charity arm of the club has seen it become award-winning and credited for its reach and impact across the Portsmouth community.
In a statement, the charity heralded Clare as the driving force behind the charity’s growth and development with her “commitment” and “passion” helping to use the power of football to enhance charity’s activities, programmes and partnerships.
Speaking about her decision to retire, Clare said: “After 25 incredible years with Pompey, I feel the time is right to begin a new chapter. It has been an extraordinary journey, filled with so many highs, plenty of challenges and more memories than I could ever begin to count. It has been a genuine privilege to serve the Portsmouth community and to work alongside so many wonderful people who care passionately about our city and our football club.
“With the John Jenkins Stadium now virtually complete, it feels like the right moment to step away, spend more time with my family and, I’m sure, find a few new adventures along the way. I’d like to thank absolutely everyone I have met, worked with and been supported by over the years and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
Clare was instrumental in the building of the John Jenkins Stadium, a sports facility and community hub, where the charity is now based. In January this year she ran five marathons in five days to raise money for the completion of the stadium.
Clare will continue in her role as CEO while the Board of Trustees works to appoint her successor.
Chris Marston, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “Clare has been an inspirational figure in Portsmouth for so many years and has achieved so much for Pompey in the Community. Her passion, energy and commitment have made an enormous difference to the charity and, most importantly, to the lives of the people and communities it supports.
“She has built an excellent team, developed fantastic relationships across the football and wider community sectors and leaves the charity in a very strong position for the future. Clare should be immensely proud of the fabulous work she has done to improve people’s lives across our city.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the team and everyone connected with Pompey in the Community, we wish Clare a long, happy and fulfilling retirement. We are hugely grateful for everything she has given to the charity and look forward to working with her over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition to her successor and an exciting next phase for Pompey in the Community.”
Following news of Clare’s retirement, Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin paid tribute to the role that she has played in the city, calling her an “important part of the fabric of Portsmouth”.
The Labour MP, who ran The Great South Run with Clare last year, said: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Clare over many years in my role as an MP, as well as alongside her through the Pompey Supporters Trust board and I’ve always admired her passion, determination and absolute commitment to making a difference. She has been a brilliant advocate for our city and above all, someone who genuinely cares about people.
“After 25 years, Clare has more than earned the right to start thinking about the next chapter and spending more time with her family. While we still have a little while before she hangs up her boots, I know she will leave Pompey in the Community in an incredibly strong position and with a legacy that will be felt across Portsmouth for many years to come.
“Thank you, Clare, for everything you have done for our city. And knowing you, there’ll be plenty more pestering, campaigning and getting things done before you finally call it a day!”
The Board of Trustees will begin the process of appointing Clare’s successor in due course, with further details to be announced.