Grimsby Town FC CEO Polly Bancroft joins Advisory Board

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Grimsby Town FC CEO, Polly Bancroft, has been named as an Advisory Board member for the newly launched Executive Master of Sport Leadership course, offered by the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University.

This innovative program is set to transform the sports leadership landscape by championing inclusivity and creating pathways for diverse candidates to access top-level executive roles in the sports industry.

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Polly Bancroft, who joined Grimsby Town FC following her impactful role at Manchester United Women, brings nearly two decades of experience in football and sports leadership to the board. Her appointment signals a strong commitment to opening opportunities for diverse voices in sports leadership, and to fostering an inclusive culture both on and off the pitch.

Bancroft said, “I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative. It’s essential that we create more pathways for individuals from different backgrounds to step into leadership roles in sport. This course not only equips future leaders with the skills to succeed at the executive level, but it also embeds the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) throughout, which is vital for the future of the industry.”

Grimsby Town CEO Polly BancroftGrimsby Town CEO Polly Bancroft
Grimsby Town CEO Polly Bancroft

The Executive Master of Sport Leadership is designed to help professionals with five or more years of experience progress to C-suite roles, providing them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern sport. The program covers a wide range of topics, from strategy and commercial growth to high-performance culture and sustainability, all while keeping ED&I at the forefront.

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For Grimsby Town and the region, Bancroft’s involvement in the course is a significant milestone. It highlights the club’s role in pushing for progressive change within the industry and its focus on developing future leaders who prioritise inclusivity. As CEO, Bancroft oversees Grimsby Town's men’s, women’s, and Academy teams, and her influence will extend through this new partnership to inspire leaders across the broader sports landscape.

Dr Sara Wood, Director of Executive Education at the Carnegie School of Sport said: “Polly’s achievements in advancing diversity and leadership in sport are truly inspiring. Her involvement on the Advisory Board aligns perfectly with the course’s goal to equip future leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate the evolving sports industry. We’re excited to see the impact her expertise will bring, especially in terms of fostering inclusivity and innovation at the executive level.”

The Advisory Board Bancroft joins is composed of prominent sports leaders and experts, ensuring that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant in a rapidly changing global sports industry. Other members include former England netball captain Geva Mentor, former Scotland international Shelley Kerr, and high-profile executives like Colin Povey and Steve Round.

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Applications to the join the first cohort, launching in September 2025, are now open. For more information, visit www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/carnegie-school-of-sport/executive-master-of-sport-leadership/ or contact [email protected].

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