After 25 years at the helm of Right to Dream, Tom Vernon, the legendary figure behind the organisation, has announced his decision to step down as CEO.
Vernon confirmed the news on his LinkedIn page, expressing his gratitude for the incredible journey and outlining his plans for the future.
“I decided some time ago that at my 25 years anniversary I would stop as the CEO of Right to Dream. That day has arrived and today is my last day as CEO of the community I founded and love,” Vernon stated.
Despite stepping down from his CEO role, Vernon will continue to play an active role within the organization. “I have agreed with the Mansour Family a new role as Executive vice chairman, staying on the board of RtD group and San Diego FC,” he mentioned.
Vernon emphasised his commitment to supporting the development of young talent in Ghana, stating, “Ghana are still only scratching the surface in unlocking the potential of the world’s most talented kids and I’m looking forward to being ‘home’ in Old Akrade much more regularly.”
Under Vernon’s leadership, Right to Dream has achieved remarkable success, growing from a small-scale academy to a global community with four academies and professional clubs in Denmark, Egypt, and America.
Reflecting on his journey, Vernon expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support. “My greatest blessing is the knowledge that these 25 years would not be possible without my Parents who funded Right to Dream when no one else would and My wife who co-created the vision and reality,” he acknowledged.
As Vernon transitions to his new role, Dan Dickinson will take over as CEO. “Our new CEO is Dan Dickinson and there is no one better suited to further knit together our community and grow it,” Vernon remarked.
Right to Dream, founded in 1999 by Tom Vernon, has been instrumental in developing young talent in Africa and beyond.
Since 2007, the academy has produced over 157 graduates who have gone on to play professional football globally, including notable Ghana internationals such as Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Simon Adingra, who played a key role in Ivory Coast’s recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
In 2021, the Mansour Group invested $120 million in a takeover of Right to Dream and announced plans to form a new entity, ManSports, building upon the academy’s successful model and expanding its reach even further.