Changing lives through Football

Emmanuel Afranie is Logistics Manager for our North West region, joined our team in 2016 working on the Landmark Project, he is also the founder of the Coach Afranie Memorial Foundation, a charity that uses sport as a powerful tool to uplift young people in Greater Manchester and Ghana.

Named in honour of his late father, the legendary Ghanaian football coach Emmanuel 'Coach Hene' Afranie, the foundation is a deeply personal mission that combines legacy with impact.

Launched during the COVID-19 lockdown and officially registered as a charity in 2021, the foundation has grown into one of the largest grassroots football movements in the North West of England. With a current membership of nearly 700 young people, over 1,500 have been supported since its inception. The impact of the foundation has been far-reaching with 60 players progressing to professional football academies, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton, and Burnley.

This incredible impact was recognised recently when Emmanuel was honoured at the Football Black List 2024 Awards in Manchester, an event supported by the FA. The award celebrates outstanding individuals from African and Caribbean backgrounds who are making a difference in the football industry and wider community. Emmanuel’s recognition highlights not only his dedication to youth development and diversity in sport but also the power of grassroots initiatives in creating real change.

With a team of 36 dedicated volunteers and professionals including coaches seconded from top clubs, mental health practitioners, physios, event coordinators, and a board of trustees, the foundation doesn’t just train footballers; it nurtures futures. Mental health support, accessible sporting opportunities, and strong community engagement are all central to its mission. Around 75–80% of the foundation’s participants are from BAME backgrounds, reflecting Emmanuel’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The foundation also supports stroke patients in Ghana, a cause close to Emmanuel’s heart after the tragic passing of his father, who suffered a stroke and passed away during a transfer between hospitals due to the lack of accessible healthcare. Emmanuel is driven by his father’s legacy. Coach Hene was known as the “King of Coaches,” having led Ghana’s national youth teams to silverware across four FIFA World Cups and mentored global stars like Michael Essien, Abedi Pele, and Sulley Muntari.

Emmanuel reflects: “B+K’s support has been instrumental to the foundation’s success. Through the company’s strong network, we have secured partnerships with contractors such as A&B Engineering and client Glenbrook to sponsor the foundation’s teams. Construction Director Neil Brook and regional director for the North West Paul Sykes, have backed our

fundraising efforts and sponsored teams for over four years, helping create a family-like atmosphere that mirrors B+K’s values. "We are arguably the biggest grassroots organisation in the North West and the fastest-growing in the country. Both ITV and BBC have done documentaries on our club, it’s been an incredible journey.” As for the future, Emmanuel’s vision is ambitious but clear: to build dedicated facilities for the foundation, creating a lasting legacy, just as his father did. Learn more at www.coachafranie.org