Greenhouse Sports appoints Don Barrell as CEO

Greenhouse Sports, a leading sport for development charity, is pleased to announce that Don Barrell has been appointed as CEO. Don will begin his term at Greenhouse Sports in February 2024.

Don Barrell, who is currently Head of Performance Programmes and Pathways at England Rugby (RFU) has had a lifelong career in sport. Firstly as a professional rugby player with Saracens RFC before joining the coaching and performance development ranks at the club. His time at the RFU started as Head of the Regional Academies before being promoted into his current post, where he has worked for the last three and half years. Don has also held advisory roles with the Premier League, Southampton FC and the Six Nations.

Announcing his appointment to lead the charity, Greenhouse Sports Chair Luke Ellis said: “We are delighted that Don is joining the Greenhouse family and we are excited to see his undoubted ability as a leader in coaching and in developing people to fulfil their potential to lead us towards the goals and ambitions we have for Greenhouse Sports. In particular for driving real change and opportunity for the young people and communities we support.”

Don Barrell said: “I’m truly excited and honoured to have the opportunity to lead Greenhouse Sports. Those that know me and have worked with me will know that the values and culture of this charity and its mission to deliver the positive development of young people to improve life outcomes resonates completely with me. Greenhouse Sports has become an exemplar of how sport can have a transformational effect upon individuals and communities, particularly those too often left at the margins of our society. I look forward to joining the Greenhouse ‘Team for Life’ in 2024 and supporting the Greenhouse coaches, staff, trustees and supporters in delivering even more opportunity for everyone they work with.”