After 12 years as trustee and Chair of the NLT, Brian has decided to step down from this role. During his career and for over 50 years he led many initiatives in sport and recreation as a distinguished leader, administrator, coach and innovator.
He was an FA Staff Coach, Manager of the England Semi-Professional team, and the Director of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre for over 20 years.
Brian became the Director of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in 1967 and remained there for 22 years, transforming the centre and its facilities and in October 1974 he hosted Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II when she toured the National Sports Centre complex. He also planned the revolutionary indoor facility which opened in 1977, designed to provide a unique, environmentally controlled facility for the training and preparation of a number of sports.
He managed Wycombe Wanderers in the 1970s when they were in the Isthmian League, and when he became their Chairman, designed and project managed the building of their new stadium at Adams Park.
As a coach and manager it was his leadership that transformed Wycombe Wanderers from an amateur club to a member of the Football League and his vision that resulted in the creation of a new stadium for them at Adams Park.
Throughout his career Brian has understood the importance of access to good quality sport coaching and facilities, particularly at grass roots level, and has been instrumental in ensuring that community projects are an integral part of every organisation’s programme.
Whilst Chair of the Football Conference, he impressed upon member clubs the importance of their role and the difference they can make as community clubs. He then negotiated with the Premier League and PFA which led to a financial commitment to support these community programmes, contributing to the NLT’s creation.
Brian was the recipient of the Non-League Paper Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, he received an MBE for his service to sport in 2016, and will continue to be associated with the NLT as its Patron, as in his words:
“The Trust gives a tremendous boost to National League clubs. Many of them have been working with their local communities for a number of years, mostly supported from their own funds, and we aim to encourage others to start working in this way. We hope that the support that the Trust can give will allow more clubs to grow and sustain their work, and we do not underestimate the important part football has to play in helping people. However they choose to improve their lives, whether through sport, volunteering or education – The National League Trust will be there.”
Brian’s work for the Trust will be recognised with a presentation at the Vanarama National League Gala Awards Dinner, held at Celtic Manor on 11 June 2022.
For more information on Brian and his contributions to sport, please visit the following link: Down Memory Lane – Brian Lee
