Clive Michallat is a devoted advocate for youth development and equality in sport. As Co-Founder and Director of the charity Action For Sport, Clive leads a mission to remove poverty as a barrier to children’s participation in sports, transforming countless young lives in the process. He brings to this mission a rich background of public service—including 30 years as a civil servant and 15 years as a football talent scout—alongside experience as a charity fundraiser and school pastoral leader. These experiences inform Clive’s inclusive and compassionate leadership style, rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive through sport.

Non-Executive Board Member

Clive Michallat

Co-founder of Action For Sport | Entrepreneur

Empowering Youth Through Action For Sport

Inspire. Equip. Transform.

Clive co-founded Action For Sport after witnessing firsthand the heartbreaking reality that some students were missing school on PE days simply because their families could not afford basic sports kit. Determined to make sport accessible for all, Clive and co-founder Andrew Kenure established the charity in Bradford with a simple yet powerful approach: collect unused or outgrown sportswear from the community and redistribute it to children in need.

Action For Sport’s model brings together sports companies, clubs, schools, and the public, who are encouraged to donate boots, trainers, and uniforms. These items are then carefully cleaned and delivered directly to disadvantaged youth in schools. The impact has been truly life-changing—children who once sat on the sidelines are now gaining confidence, building friendships, and even joining sports clubs, all because they finally have the proper kit. With the right support and encouragement, these young people are discovering new passions and realizing their potential.

Include. Equip. Sustain.

At the heart of Action For Sport are three core aims that Clive Michallat passionately champions. First, the charity is dedicated to promoting sport for all, ensuring every child has the chance to participate and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of being active. Clive firmly believes that the lessons learned through sport—resilience, teamwork, and confidence—translate far beyond the playing field, helping young people succeed in school and in life.

Second, by removing barriers, Action For Sport makes certain that poverty never benches a child. Under Clive’s leadership, the charity provides free or heavily discounted sports gear so that no young person is excluded due to lack of equipment. This dignified approach—delivering kit directly to schools and allowing students to choose what they need—removes stigma and fosters empowerment, not pity. Every child is treated with respect and given the opportunity to participate fully, regardless of their background.

Finally, Clive has embedded environmental responsibility into the charity’s mission by emphasizing the recycling and reuse of sportswear and equipment. Understanding that caring for the planet goes hand-in-hand with caring for people, Action For Sport diverted nearly two tons of sportswear from landfill in its first four months alone—a figure that continues to grow. By making sustainability a core part of the charity’s ethos, Clive ensures that Action For Sport not only supports young people, but also sets an example for how organisations can make a positive environmental impact.

Values & Leadership Style

At the core of Clive Michallat’s work are unwavering values that guide his leadership: youth empowerment, community inclusion, and ethical, values-driven decision-making. Clive is deeply committed to youth development, striving to ensure that young people have every opportunity to realize their potential. Whether through sport or education, he is dedicated to lifting up the next generation by providing mentorship, resources, and—above all—encouragement. Colleagues and partners consistently note that Clive’s commitment to equitable access makes him an invaluable leader wherever he serves.

Clive also sees sport as a powerful tool for empowerment. He has witnessed the transformational effect that sport can have on a child—not just improving fitness, but also building confidence, discipline, and a genuine sense of belonging. He often describes the opportunity to play sports as a “sliding doors” moment—one that can change the entire direction of a young person’s life. Providing the right pair of shoes or a team jersey today, he believes, can prevent future challenges by connecting children to a positive, lifelong passion. This conviction is not just theoretical for Clive; it is demonstrated time and again by his actions to get kids off the bench and into the game.

Another defining aspect of Clive’s leadership is his inclusive, people-centered approach. Despite leading a growing national charity, he is known for his humility and for inviting others—especially young people—to have a genuine voice in the mission. Clive is equally at home sitting on the gym floor with students, listening to their stories, as he is in a boardroom shaping policy. Observers frequently note his rare ability to bridge grassroots action with high-level strategy, moving gracefully between community engagement and executive decision-making. Under his guidance, even the charity’s beneficiaries are empowered to become contributors, such as the student-led committee he helped establish. Clive is admired for his integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication—qualities that shine through in every interaction. Few possess such a blend of visionary leadership and grounded compassion, and those who work with Clive often see him as a model of what true, values-led leadership should look like.

Another hallmark of Clive’s approach is his inclusive, people-centric leadership. Despite being at the helm of a growing national charity, he leads with humility and invites others – especially young people – to have a voice in the mission. He is the kind of leader who will sit down on the school gym floor with students to hear their stories just as readily as he will sit in a board meeting to shape policy. In fact, observers have noted Clive’s rare ability to bridge grassroots practice with high-level policy, moving comfortably between the community and executive spheres “with grace and humility” . Under his guidance, even beneficiaries are empowered to become contributors; for example, the student-run committee he helped launch shows his knack for empowering others to lead . Clive is widely admired for his personal integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication – qualities that shine through in every interaction . Few individuals possess such a blend of visionary leadership and grounded compassion, and those who work with him often cite his example as a benchmark for what true values-led leadership looks like .

Community Impact & Recognition

In both his business and charitable roles, Naveed Bashir is admired for a range of professional strengths and personal qualities. His key strengths include:

Boots That Build Confidence

Clive Michallat’s work has had a profound, tangible impact on children, families, and communities across Bradford and beyond. One parent once told Clive, “You just don’t know the power of what you do. My son is like a different child when he pulls those football boots on.” With the right kit and encouragement, that young boy’s confidence soared—he joined a local team, made new friends, and began to blossom in ways that may never have been possible without Action For Sport. Stories like this are at the heart of Clive’s mission and reveal how something as simple as a pair of boots can open up a world of opportunity for a young person.

Action For Every Child

Clive’s hands-on approach has made a difference in many communities. For example, one recent Action For Sport initiative provided brand-new sportswear to over 50 low-income families at Bradford’s One In A Million Free School. The delivery, timed just before the winter holidays, brought joy and relief to both students and their families. As one school staff member noted, with “Christmas around the corner… [it] came at the perfect time for these young people” who had faced a challenging year. Scenes of children beaming with pride in their new shoes and jerseys highlight the immediate and meaningful impact of Clive’s efforts. Beyond individual schools, Clive has helped forge wider partnerships and community campaigns, such as local kit donation drives and the creation of student-led Action For Sport committees. Each initiative not only provides material support, but also spreads a powerful message: no child should ever be left on the sidelines.

Honoured For Lifelong Service

Clive’s dedication has earned both him and Action For Sport widespread recognition. In 2021, the charity received support from the National Lottery Community Fund, including a £10,000 grant to expand their reach in Bradford. In 2025, Clive was honoured with an invitation to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his contributions to education and youth development through sport. At this prestigious event, he proudly represented Bradford, standing among inspirational leaders from across the UK’s education and skills sector. This royal invitation is a national honour, marking a moment of pride not just for Clive and Action For Sport, but for the entire community he serves. The occasion was even more meaningful as it coincided with Bradford’s celebration as UK City of Culture 2025, allowing Clive—a self-described “very proud Bradfordian”—to carry his hometown’s spirit to the heart of the nation. Clive has also been recognised locally; for example, he was shortlisted for an Environmental Sustainability award at Bradford’s annual sports awards in 2025—a fitting acknowledgement of Action For Sport’s eco-friendly impact.

Role at Welcare Children’s Homes

In addition to his work with Action For Sport, Clive Michallat serves as a Non-Executive Board Member at Welcare Children’s Homes, bringing his extensive expertise to support vulnerable children beyond the world of sport. Clive’s presence on Welcare’s board is felt far beyond the meeting room; colleagues say he brings both heart and hands-on experience to every discussion, enriching the team with his genuine compassion and practical insight.
The same core values that guide Clive’s work at Action For Sport—compassion, equity, and the belief that every child deserves a real chance—also define his approach to governance at Welcare. He has been described by those around him as “more than a board member; a symbol of vision, humility, and community spirit in action,” setting a powerful example through his dedication to service and kindness.
Clive’s deep belief in the power of opportunity strongly resonates with Welcare’s mission to nurture and empower children in care. He understands, much like with a sports team, that young people need a supportive, inclusive environment to truly flourish. His advocacy for sport and education aligns with Welcare’s therapeutic care programs; Clive often notes how sport can be a healing, confidence-building outlet, complementing the charity’s holistic approach to child welfare. By championing initiatives that build self-esteem and life skills, Clive helps ensure that Welcare’s services do more than protect children—they empower them to thrive.
As a board member, Clive is generous with his time and knowledge: mentoring staff, advising on community engagement strategies, and leveraging his network for the benefit of the organisation. His guidance inspires the entire Welcare team, and his involvement signals to the community that Welcare is committed to values-driven leadership at the highest levels. In every decision, Clive keeps the focus on “what is best for the children,” embodying the principle that compassionate leadership drives real change. Welcare’s leaders and staff are proud to count Clive among their own—he sets a high bar for dedication and integrity, and helps foster a culture where every child is valued and given the chance to reach their full potential.

Community Engagement & Training Initiatives

Beyond running a successful business, Naveed Bashir has made it a priority to uplift others through education and opportunity. One of his notable efforts is in the realm of automotive training and mentorship. Recognizing the need to nurture the next generation of talent, Naveed opened MotorHub’s doors to young people interested in automotive careers – offering them a chance to learn and grow under his guidance. He has sponsored vocational training initiatives that introduce youth to various aspects of the motor trade, from basic car maintenance to the art of auto detailing. For example, Naveed has supported car detailing workshops where experienced MotorHub staff teach practical skills to local teenagers and young adults aspiring to work in the automotive field. These hands-on sessions not only impart valuable technical knowledge but also emphasize workplace values like attention to detail, pride in one’s work, and customer satisfaction.

Proudly working to the highest

Quality standards

Our hand-selected care provision team have the training and support to provide excellent standards of service. Our management team look to find better ways of supporting everyone in our care homes to excel.