Steve Talboys' Legacy
As a professional footballer Steve Talboys achieved what many young children dream of. After retiring from professional football, and over the following 16 years he committed his time, energy and enthusiasm to youth football in his local community.
Steve had a passion like no other, helping and supporting young people to achieve the best they could from their game, and for some, achieving a career in professional football.
As well as football, Steve was an active participant and supporter of cricket, cycling, rugby, tennis, hockey and golf.
Steve had a unique way of motivating and inspiring children and young people to achieve and succeed. He cared about their story, their emotional well-being, and provided a sense of belonging, particularly for those from less fortunate backgrounds and with difficult home lives.
Founded in 2019 after Steve’s untimely death, The Steve Talboys Foundation provides a legacy that continues to promote and develop Steve’s vision and passion by supporting children and young people in Surrey, London, Bristol and Gloucestershire to experience the life changing benefits of amateur sport in their local community.
The Foundation funds local amateur sports clubs for children and young people as well as individual children or young people who may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their sporting goals.
Steve was a much-loved character, very funny, engaging and an exceptionally talented footballer. Known as “Stixy” by his teammates, the Foundation has created “Stixy Challenges” as a way of raising funds to continue Stixy’s legacy. Find out how you can take part here (Stixy Challenges)
The Steve Talboys Foundation - Vision, Mission, Goals and Values
Our Vision
Every child and young person in Surrey, London, Bristol and Gloucestershire is offered the life changing benefits of amateur sport to enable them to become the best they can be.
Our Mission
We give children and young people in Surrey, London, Bristol and Gloucestershire the opportunity to access amateur sport in their local community.
Our Goals
Enhance health and wellbeing: supporting children and young people to improve their fitness and mental well being
Boost attainment and achievement: ensuring children and young people have access to coaching and facilities to succeed and develop their skills in their chosen sport
Develop life skills: empowering children and young people too develop transferable skills through sport that will benefit their everyday lives
Increase confidence and improve relationships with others: using sporting interaction to increase self-esteem and enable children and young people to develop healthy successful relationships
Encourage enjoyment of sport: making sport accessible to children and young people.
Our Charitable Objectives
The advancement of amateur sport for children and young people in Surrey, London, Bristol and Gloucestershire by:
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Providing financial support to local amateur sports clubs for children and young people
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Providing financial support to individual children or young people who may be held back by their financial situation from pursuing their sporting goal.
Our Trustees
The trustee team at the Steve Talboys Foundation plays a vital governance and leadership role in steering the charity’s work to support children and young people in accessing amateur sport.
Michelle Talboys-Smith
Why am I the Founder of the Steve Talboys Foundation?
I am Michelle Talboys, the proud founder of the Steve Talboys Foundation. Steve was not only my husband but my best friend and the most incredible father to our three boys: Arlie, Rudy and Maddox. His passion for life, sport, and helping others inspired everyone who knew him. When Steve passed away, I wanted to create something meaningful that would honor his memory and continue his legacy of kindness and community spirit. Establishing the Foundation was crucial for our family during our grief. It gave us a focus which was imperative for us to remain healthy after Steve’s passing.
The Foundation was born from that vision—to support young people, promote opportunities, and make a positive difference in the lives of others, just as Steve always did.
What is my role as the Founder of the Steve Talboys Foundation?
As the founder, my role is to lead the charity’s vision and strategy, ensuring we stay true to Steve’s values. I work closely with our trustees and volunteers to organise events, build partnerships, and raise awareness of our mission. Most importantly, I strive to keep Steve’s spirit alive through every initiative we deliver.
Marcus Bray
Why I am a Trustee of the Steve Talboys Foundation
I first met ‘Stixy’ Steve Talboys, as an 18 year old when he signed on for Trowbridge Town who were in the Southern League at the time in the mid 80’s. From that moment we became lifelong friends and even though he moved on to bigger and better things in the footballing world and away from the West Country, our bond only grew stronger.
I got involved in the Steve Talboys Foundation because I wanted to recognise the contribution made by Stixy to his local community and at the same time find a way of keeping his legacy going!
What is my role as a Trustee for the Steve Talboys Foundation?
We both loved golf and so it was an obvious move to run a golf day in his memory which I have been honoured to do. This has now become an annual event, in Bristol. This is a valuable, fun event for raising funds for the charity so we can support the many funding applications we receive from groups of children or individuals wanting support with sport.
James Hands
Why I am a Trustee of the Steve Talboys Foundation
I am the Group CEO of Miller, a specialist (re)insurance firm renowned for its expertise and commitment to excellence. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I actively contributed to fostering community and social impact through my involvement in the Steve Talboys Foundation.
Steve was a cherished colleague and friend whose passion for sport and community continues to inspire and the foundation was created to honour his legacy and continue the incredible work on his behalf..
As a former professional tennis player, I also understand the power of sport in uniting communities and creating life-changing opportunities. The partnership between our business and the Steve Talboys Foundation reflects our shared values and dedication to making a meaningful impact.
What is my role as a Trustee for the Steve Talboys Foundation?
Under my leadership, Miller has proudly partnered with the foundation, hosting an annual insurance market dinner that has successfully raised essential funds for its initiatives. These efforts have significantly transformed the lives of young people across the UK, supporting diverse programmes such as summer football bursaries for disadvantaged children, female-focused sports initiatives, and opportunities for inner-city youth to explore water sports and nature in Surrey.
I provide support, advice, and constructive challenge to decisions and event planning at our Trustee meetings and my role ensures that the charity continues to grow and deliver on its mission effectively.
Nigel Hall
Why I am a Trustee of the Steve Talboys Foundation
I am a long-time friend of the Talboys family. Our families first met when we attended an National Childbirth Trust course before our eldest children were born. Our children became friends, and from there, a lifelong friendship blossomed, with Steve and Michelle being godparents to our youngest daughter and us as godparents to their youngest son. Over the years, we have shared countless memories together as families, strengthening a bond that remains special to this day.
When Michelle mentioned to me that she wanted to do something in Steve’s name, I naturally wanted to help in whatever way I could. I said I would help her set up a charity and be part of its ongoing operation. I am honored to be involved as a trustee in the Steve Talboys Foundation and to help continue Steve’s legacy and support the charity’s mission.
What is my role as a Trustee for the Steve Talboys Foundation?
I serve as the Treasurer for the Foundation. With my background as an accountant and extensive experience in senior finance and operational roles, it was a natural fit. I play a key role in keeping us on track financially by managing our monthly accounts and filing annual reports. I look to provide challenge and guidance to the Trustees, ensuring we adhere to policy and process and maintain strong governance.
Paul Fanning
Why I am a Trustee of the Steve Talboys Foundation
I first met Steve when our children became friends through school and a local Surrey football community. As families, the Fannings and Talboys spent many weekends together at football and other sporting activities, as well as socialising, enjoying dinner parties, and going on annual holidays. A special family friendship blossomed—and the rest is history.
For many years, I worked alongside Steve as assistant manager of our local junior football team. Supporting him in that role gave me a front-row seat to his passion for helping young people thrive through sport.
When Michelle founded the Steve Talboys Foundation, I felt honoured to become a trustee to help keep Steve’s memory alive and continue supporting the causes he cared about.
What is my role as a Trustee for the Steve Talboys Foundation?
My area of specialism is IT—I am the charity’s “IT person” and provide technical support whenever needed. I offer practical assistance to the other trustees and help ensure our systems run smoothly. In 2026, I am also organising our first Surrey Golf Day as a fundraising event for local friends, family, and colleagues of Steve. This event will help raise essential funds to support the many applications we receive from groups of children and individuals seeking support to access and enjoy sport.
Michelle Theobalds
Why I am a Trustee of the Steve Talboys Foundation
I met Michelle Talboys thirty years ago when we worked together at Heathrow Airport. We have been friends for a long time, and when she met Steve, he also became an important and close family friend. Over the years, we created many happy memories together, sharing special occasions and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
When Michelle founded the Steve Talboys Foundation in Steve’s memory, I felt honoured to join as a trustee in February 2025. It gives me the opportunity to help continue Steve’s legacy and support the causes that mattered to him. Being part of this charity allows me to give back and make a positive difference in the community, while celebrating the friendship and values that Steve embodied.
What is my role as a Trustee for the Steve Talboys Foundation?
I joined as the Trustee Secretary and professionally I am an HR Leader. My skills lend themselves to developing policies and ensuring we adhere to them. I love organising anything! So when we have events I am a great support to our Trustees team getting activities organised and being a proud ambassador for STF and attending events when required.
Behind the scenes Michelle and I manage the STF inbox responding to queries and taking care of the legal requirements the charity has to comply with.