19 Sept 2025
The newly formed Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake Squirrell as Head of Foundation.
The newly formed Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake Squirrell as Head of Foundation. Jake will lead the charity’s start-up phase and community delivery, using rugby and sport as a powerful force for good across Preston and the wider area.
With a focus on creating inclusive pathways, the Foundation will expand opportunities for families and people from all walks of life to get involved, get active and experience the benefits of sport and the core values of rugby.
Under Jake’s leadership, the Foundation will launch and scale a first wave of community programmes, including:
Mentoring in Schools – small‑group mentoring that builds confidence, attendance and positive behaviours.
Rugby & Multi‑Sport Camps – holiday provision that blends skill development, team‑building and fun, with access pathways into Preston Grasshoppers
Rugby Reading Champions – sessions that boost literacy by harnessing the power of rugby and sport to inspire a love of reading.
Walking Rugby – a low impact format for older adults, those new to sport or returning from injury providing connection and socialising.
“I’m honoured to lead the Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation from day one,” said Jake Squirrell, Head of Foundation. “We will be looking to build partnerships with schools, community organisations and local businesses to remove barriers, build confidence and create clear pathways from classroom to club and from inactivity to lifelong participation. I’m looking forward to starting delivery within schools this term alongside our Rugratz, Camps and to launch our Walking Rugby project.
To find out more on sponsorship opportunities and how you can support our work. The Foundation invites enquiries from businesses, grant funders and individuals who share our belief that sport changes lives and want to back a proven, values‑driven model from the outset.
Jake Squirrell, Head of Foundation
Preston Grasshoppers Community Foundation
Email: jake@hoppersfoundation.co.uk
Phone: 07572 667 075
For general enquiries: www.hoppersfoundation.co.uk