Who we are

We’re a community interest company (CIC) that removes the barriers to self‑empowerment through tailored and community-driven coaching. Too many good programs – sports, art, coaching – are expensive or cookie‑cutter - preventing access for those who may benefit from them. 
We believe that high‑quality self‑empowerment programs shouldn’t just be reserved for people with significant financial means and are driven by a deep sense of responsibility to change that. We partner with established community organizations to design accessible, integrated programming - whether those are sports and movement based, embodied and psychological coaching sessions or places to workshop and develop the tools for creative self-expression.

Our Team

  • Torey Goodall

    Co-Founder & Executive Director

    Torey is a lifelong skateboarder and boxer who co-founded the Very Powerful Foundation alongside his full-time role at Palace Skateboards, where he has worked since 2014. Inspired by the impact of Positive Psychology coaching in his own life, Torey partnered with Derrick Corrigan to create VPF, drawing on his lived experience in skateboarding and boxing to develop tailored programmes that combine coaching with meaningful activities.

    With support from his friends and employers at Palace, Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis, the foundation grew from an idea into a reality. Today, Torey leads VPF's vision and development, helping create accessible opportunities for people to build confidence, connection and purpose.

  • Derrick Corrigan

    Co-Founder & Managing Director

    Derrick is an award-winning coach and Level 5 yoga instructor with an MSc, BA and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. For more than 30 years, he has managed, supervised and coached staff and clients across some of the UK's largest social care providers, the NHS and the private sector.

    Driven by a belief that effective coaching should not be reserved for those who can afford it, Derrick co-founded VPF with Torey Goodall to make Positive Psychology coaching more accessible to the people and communities who can benefit from it most.

  • Daphne Greca

    Project Coordinator

    For nearly a decade, Daphne ran Brixton's Baddest, a community-focused skate shop rooted in local culture and connection. She is currently undertaking a professional doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of East London and holds master's degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London, and Psychology from Goldsmiths, University of London. Daphne has volunteered at Lambeth Hospital, co-facilitated art workshops at the Maudsley Hospital, and now works as a trainee psychologist while remaining deeply committed to community care.

  • Ana Ndekwe

    Development Lead

    Ana is a Level 2 England Boxing coach, Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Level 3 Personal Trainer, qualified British Sign Language (BSL) signer and holds a BA (Hons) in Community & Youth Work. With more than 12 years' coaching experience and over 27 years supporting communities, she is passionate about using boxing as a tool for empowerment, confidence and connection.

    Alongside delivering boxing sessions for the Very Powerful Foundation, Ana builds partnerships and community relationships that connect more people and organisations to VPF's work.

  • Julia Kidder

    Communications Lead

    Julia is a Canadian-Norwegian PhD candidate based in Vancouver, BC. She is a communications specialist with more than 15 years' experience supporting grassroots organisations and community-focused non-profits. With a background in journalism, writing and research, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling and strategic communications. At the Very Powerful Foundation, Julia helps share the impact of the organisation's work and amplifies the voices of the communities it serves.