From Nike and UEFA to Microsoft and HRH Prince William, he has talked to and worked with an impressive array of organisations and leaders.
Among the key topics he explores are authenticity in leadership, defining purpose, shaping culture and values, positive mindset, and how sport can shape society.
David is founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland and Street Soccer London, non-profit social enterprises that use football to help create positive change in the lives of socially disadvantaged adults and young people.
Most recently, he has set up Change Centre Scotland, a sport and education centre with a vision to tackling isolation, homelessness, supporting mental health and well-being by creating on site personal development and self-management support.
In 2023, David was named as an Advocate for Homewards, a new impact project aimed at ending Homelessness lead by HRH Prince William. Over the next 5 years, David will work alongside HRH Prince William, providing voice, support and expertise.
David works closely with governments, athletes, NGOs, private corporations, and leading global entrepreneurs, all who hold similar values and the same goal of improving the lives of those who face society’s biggest challenges.
With lived experienced of the challenges that face the people that his organisations work with and help on a daily basis, this makes him one of the best placed people to lead, advise and deliver on social inclusion programmes that use sport as a vehicle for change.
Alongside his own social enterprises, David regularly sits on Government task forces and advisory groups, is an Advisory Board Member for UNICEF (Scotland) and also an advisor to AR26 Charity, founded by Scotland Captain and Liverpool FC star, Andy Robertson.
He is a regular contributor at national and international forums and global events such as TEDx, Beyond Sport Global Summit, COP26 and Social Enterprise World Forum.
David was named The Sunday Times ‘Change Maker’ of the Year and a CNN Hero in 2016. In 2019, he wrote and delivered Scotland’s New Year message for BBC1 Scotland. He has been recognised by Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, both awarding him Honorary Doctorates for his considerable societal contributions. Further to this, David was awarded an MBE for services to Football and Charity in the 2018 New Years Honours List.
In his talks, David covers topics such as:
- Sport for change
- Impact of sport for social good
- Social enterprise
- Solutions to ending homelessness
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
