Cathy Abraham Steps into CEO role and sees Derby County’s work in action

The EFL Trust Board has appointed Cathy Abraham as CEO of the EFL Trust, for an interim period.

Cathy has been part of the EFL Trust senior team for 5 years and previously held the position of Director of Operations. Cathy has extensive knowledge of the operations, strategy and values of the EFL Trust.

Liam Scully, EFL Trust Chair said,

“We are delighted that Cathy will be taking on this role as we begin to develop the organisation’s strategy for 2025 and beyond. Our network continues growing from strength to strength and responds not only strategically, but also quickly and tactically to the needs of EFL communities.

Cathy said,

“This is a very exciting time for the EFL Trust, and we look forward to continuing to develop our organisation so that we can effectively support our incredible network and the amazing work it achieves in EFL communities.

This week, we have launched our latest Impact Report, that shows that EFL Clubs generated social value of over £865million last season. With over 840,000 participants involved in community activities, we know how important out Clubs are to the communities they serve.”

As part of EFL’s Week of Action, Cathy visited Derby County who were showcasing Harrison’s Hub, a new dedicated warm space for the community at Pride Park Stadium. Theare many different activities taking place in the hub, from Team Talk – their men’s mental health project, to Extra Time Hub, a fortnightly coffee morning for over 55s to decrease social isolation. The hub opened its doors in November 2022, with key activities being delivered as part of the Rams Family Support project, centred around the cost of living crisis and providing a welcome, warm space, along with hot drinks and food to those who could benefit from the space.

This includes ‘Communi-tea’, a drop-in session each Tuesday from 10am-4

Photo by Ryan Browne/Shutterstock

pm where hot drinks and lunch are provided, ‘Hub not a Pub’, a social space operating every other Tuesday from 7-9pm which will also provide ‘hub grub’ classics, and the continuation of the food donation hub, in partnership with Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

Cathy joined Rams players Connor Hourihane and Lewis Dobbin serving meals to members of Derby’s community.