The Charlie Fogarty Foundation

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The Charlie Fogarty Foundation is dedicated to community engagement through the power of sport, aiming to change the lives of young people and adults who face adversity in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. By creating and delivering exceptional youth sports programs and education-based experiences, the foundation strives to make a positive difference for the young people who are most in need.

Charlie Fogarty grew up as a talented teenage football player, enjoying a four-year spell at Birmingham City FC Academy. Following his release from Birmingham City FC, Charlie was on trial with Milton Keynes Dons FC when tragedy struck.

In March 2012, Charlie suffered a severe brain injury after being hit by an overtaking car while crossing the road. After the accident, he was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, placed in an induced coma, and spent 11 uncertain days in intensive care.

He was then transferred to a neuro ward, where he dedicated the next four months to the early stages of recovery. Completing a six-month rehabilitation program at Surrey Children’s Trust, he learned to eat, walk, and talk again. By February 2013, he returned home, beginning his inspiring journey to recovery.

This journey to recovery has been astonishing even for those closest to Charlie. It has been long, emotional, and demanding, but through these challenges, he began to believe that ‘anything is possible.’ Despite facing multiple barriers in his recovery to fitness, Charlie eventually returned to the football pitch, playing competitively in the West Midlands Cerebral Palsy League. His belief proved true as he achieved the ultimate accolade by representing Northern Ireland's Cerebral Palsy team against Denmark in the 2015 Intercontinental Championship.

While pursuing his own dreams again, Charlie, supported by his family, initiated his desire to help young people facing challenges and adversity. Drawing from his personal belief that ‘anything is possible,’ he soon began delivering inspirational speeches to various groups, including education providers, private companies, professional athletes, and sports teams. His passion for football evolved into coaching, particularly in developing youth sports programs for those with physical needs, using his platform to raise funds and support those less fortunate.

In 2018, Charlie received the ultimate accolade when he was recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honours list with an MBE for his services to young people, particularly for establishing the Disability section at Solihull Moors FC.

With the support of his wonderful family and many friends, it was decided that during the pandemic period of 2020/21, they would form The Charlie Fogarty Foundation to sustain and enhance community engagement and inspire more young people facing adversity, reinforcing the belief that ‘anything is possible.’

Have questions or comments about our community engagement initiatives or youth sports programs? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us today, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible, helping you along the way in overcoming adversity.