Maria Reynolds

The Journey

Maria Reynolds has been at the heart of Waterloo Sports and Football Club since day one. She co-founded the club with Arnold Reynolds and has worn just about every hat going - secretary, fundraiser, safeguarding lead, accountant, minibus driver, cook, and admin support. If it needs doing, Maria’s probably already done it.

She started her working life in the 1980s after earning a PA/Secretarial Diploma, going on to work with Brent Council’s Fostering and Adoption team, helping vulnerable children find safe and stable homes. Later, she moved into the corporate world, including working with the architects behind Stansted Airport. These early experiences gave her a solid grounding in office management, organisation, and working with people from all walks of life.

In the late '90s and early 2000s, Maria went back to studying - completing a Social Sciences degree through the Open University and earning qualifications in floristry. She also became a licensed coach and holds key certifications in safeguarding, child protection, and first aid, so she’s fully equipped to support young people safely and confidently.

The Vision

Maria has helped shape what Waterloo is all about: giving every young person the chance to play sport, feel supported, and grow, regardless of how much money their family has. She's made sure the club runs smoothly, safely, and with heart.

One of Maria’s biggest strengths is behind the scenes, managing the day-to-day running of the club and securing the funding that keeps it going. Over the years, she’s raised hundreds of thousands of pounds through grants, local funding bids, and community efforts. Her organisation and attention to detail keep everything ticking over, and her drive makes sure the club continues to grow.


The Impact

Because of Maria’s hard work, Waterloo Sports and Football Club has supported over 25,000 young people across Lambeth and Southwark. She’s the one making sure every programme runs safely and smoothly, from holiday camps to evening sessions.

Her careful management of the club’s systems, finances, and safeguarding policies gives families peace of mind and helps the team deliver high-quality support day in, day out. Whether she’s sending emails, cooking up food, or applying for a grant, Maria puts her heart into everything she does.

She might not always be on the pitch but her impact is felt in every young person who gets the chance to take part, feel included, and believe in themselves.