A new chapter in the Right to Dream story!
After 25 incredible years of empowering young people and building Right to Dream into the globally recognized impactful community it is today, our founder Tom Vernon is transitioning into a new role as Executive Vice Chairman with immediate effect, and we’re welcoming Dan Dickinson as our new CEO.
The move allows Tom, who will remain as chairman of FC Nordsjælland, to achieve a well-deserved family balance while still guiding us as a senior advisor. His wisdom will continue to shape our path as we establish our brand-new MLS team and academy in San Diego and invest in our existing clubs and academies in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt.
“In Mr Mansour, Loutfy Mansour and my great friend Dan Dickinson, Right to Dream has one of the most progressive ownership and leadership groups in world football. I now look forward to focusing my energy on advising our clubs and academies, particularly in Ghana, where our culture and concept originated,” said Vernon.
Tom’s legacy finds a perfect torchbearer in our very own Dan Dickinson, a familiar face and true believer in the Right to Dream mission.
Dan isn’t just a decade-long board member of Right to Dream; he's been part of our community for more than 15 years, deeply involved in our journey in every way possible. He’s a long-term investor in the group and serves on the San Diego FC board.
In fact, Dan's family was one of the original Right to Dream host families and some of the graduates continue to part of Dan’s family today, showcasing his deep commitment to our mission.
“It’s such a privilege to be able to follow in Tom’s footsteps and lead this great organisation. I look forward to working with the Board and the teams as we make an unprecedented investment in Right to Dream and take the organisation forward while staying true to its core values and mission,” said Dickinson, the new global CEO.
With extensive experience leading global organizations and a deep passion for sport's transformative power, including serving on board of the US Olympic and Paralympic Foundation, Dan is the perfect fit to steer Right to Dream's future.
Mohamed Mansour, the Founder and Chairman of Man Capital, which owns Right to Dream, expressed confidence in Dan’s leadership: “It was he [Dan] who first introduced my son Loutfy and me to Right to Dream in Ghana over 10 years ago. Dan is steeped in Right to Dream, he understands the organisation intimately and will hit the ground running as our new CEO.”
As Tom transitions and Dan takes the lead, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to empowering young people, all while staying true to the core values that have made us who we are.
Think back to 1999. Tom, with a heart full of belief, planted a seed in Ghana. That seed blossomed into a unique global community that uses football to change lives and allows young talents to develop their football skills, receive high-quality education, and chase their dreams on and off the pitch.
This legacy is secure.
And with Dan at the helm, we're ready to create even more opportunities for young people around the world.