Tom Vernon, the founder of Right to Dream, has announced his departure from the boards of FC Nordsjaelland and San Diego FC, marking a significant transition for the influential football development pioneer.
Vernon, who established Right to Dream in 1999 as an academy in Ghana, has played a pivotal role in expanding the organisation’s global footprint.
His leadership saw the academy grow into a multinational football institution, acquiring FC Nordsjaelland (FCN) in Denmark and later launching San Diego FC in the United States.
In a statement, Vernon confirmed his decision to step down, saying, “I will dedicate my time to new impact visions I have, compounding the learnings from the philosophy that sits at the core of the organisation I founded 26 years ago.”
Despite stepping away from these roles, Vernon assured that his focus would remain on Ghana, where Right to Dream Foundation continues to develop young African talent. “We have an incredibly bright future in Ghana and so much opportunity,” he added.
A Transformational Impact at FC Nordsjaelland
Vernon’s involvement with FC Nordsjaelland (FCN) was instrumental in shaping the Danish club into one of Europe’s most innovative football teams.
Acquiring the club in 2016, Right to Dream implemented a model that prioritised youth development, diversity, and an attacking brand of football.
Under his stewardship, FCN became a reference point for excellence in talent development, promoting numerous African prospects and providing a pathway for Right to Dream Academy graduates to play at the highest levels.
His legacy includes FCN’s commitment to nurturing young footballers while maintaining competitiveness in Danish football.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Vernon stated, “I leave FCN knowing I gave it everything I had… In its short history, FC Nordsjaelland has a list of remarkable chairmen who have delivered improbable success.”
San Diego FC and the Next Chapter
More recently, Vernon was instrumental in launching San Diego FC, an expansion club in Major League Soccer (MLS), which is set to debut in 2025. The project is built on the same core values that define Right to Dream, focusing on youth development, diversity, and global integration.
Vernon expressed pride in seeing the club take shape, stating, “In my closing weeks, to see the Right to Dream vision come to life in such a dramatic way in San Diego is remarkable, but clear evidence of what’s possible when holding true to the original values of football.”
The exit signals a shift in focus for Vernon, as he now looks to drive new impact projects while reinforcing Right to Dream’s mission in Africa.
Right to Dream’s Lasting Influence
Right to Dream has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most successful talent development academies. The initiative has produced numerous professional footballers, including Ghana internationals Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Majeed Waris.
Beyond sports, the academy integrates academics and leadership training, shaping its graduates for success beyond football. Its model has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, cementing its reputation as a leader in youth football development.
Vernon’s transition raises questions about the future direction of Right to Dream, FC Nordsjaelland, and San Diego FC, but his continued involvement in governance suggests that his vision remains a guiding force.
As he moves into his next phase, the football world will be watching closely to see what new frontiers he will explore.
