SportsMarketing
The London Football
Association (LFA), the largest of the County Football Associations, is
undertaking a transformational overhaul of its Board and inviting applicants
from diverse backgrounds to apply for a range of new Non-Executive Board
positions.
The move, which follows
The FA’s own governance initiative earlier this year, will ensure that London’s
diverse football community has a greater say in shaping a more inclusive and
sustainable future for the sport in the city.
The LFA’s corporate
governance reforms comply with Sport England’s Code for Sports Governance,
which was launched in May 2017 to ensure the highest levels of transparency are
present in all sports.
Leading the reforms, the
organisation’s first female CEO, Lisa Pearce, explained: “London is a
fantastically diverse city where football is enjoyed and played by over half a
million people, whether at school, Sunday League five-aside or at a
professional level.
“We want to reflect this
diversity in the members of our Board. As the first woman to hold the role of
CEO at the LFA, it’s particularly poignant for me to lead London’s governing
body of the game through this exciting period of change and enrich the future
of grassroots football in London.
“Creating a new structure
at board level provides greater representation of the communities we
serve. We are also strengthening our
decision-making process to ensure that our actions are fair, transparent and
promote equality of opportunity for all.
“By helping change
perceptions and turn our ambitions into action, we want to give Londoners,
irrespective of age, background, gender, ethnicity and ability, greater
involvement in how the game is run.”
Sir Simon Hughes,
Independent Director of the LFA, says: “Football is deeply woven into the
fabric of our society and it is hugely important for the sport to provide
access and opportunities for all members of the community.
“We want to see the right
people in place to help the LFA meet its objectives and deliver great
experiences across the capital to help more people get into and stay playing
the game.”
Alongside these new
governance reforms, the LFA is investing £150,000 in attracting more girls to
the sport. This includes launching the FA’s new Wildcats programme in London,
targeting five to 11-year olds.
The LFA will introduce a
new Walking Football initiative this autumn to support the physical and mental
wellbeing of over 55-year olds and to grow the number of football teams to meet
demand this season, the LFA has launched a new £100,000 investment programme
for clubs and leagues to access grassroots funding.
The new LFA positions
include three independent Non-Executive Directors, six Football / Sport
Directors and one Finance & Risk Director.
They will act as
‘Champions of Business’ through their diverse skills, experience and
backgrounds, applying their independent expertise to the LFA Board.
Following the announcement
of its new board structure, the LFA has welcomed widespread support from the
sporting community.
Kelly Simmons, MBE, FA
Participation and Development Director, added: “Following a trailblazing summer
of women’s sport, and record numbers of people watching women’s football, the
LFA’s new Board strategy will ensure more women will have the opportunity to
contribute to play the game at all levels.
“By creating a strong base
and developing inspirational role models, the LFA is removing the social
barriers to participation so that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities
have the opportunity to get involved.”
Roisin Wood, Chief
Executive Officer at Kick It Out, said: “Kick It Out is in full support of
London FA’s efforts to ensure they have a Board and Council that represents the
diversity of the capital.
“We would strongly urge
candidates from underrepresented communities to apply for these positions to
help London FA develop further their equality and inclusion work.”
Emma Hayes, Manager of
Chelsea Ladies FC, said: “Women’s football has never been in such a strong
position and following England’s bid for the Women’s Euros in 2021, this is a
fantastic opportunity to cement the long-term future of the sport.
“We applaud the LFA’s
decision to open up football to the wider community and meet the needs of
unrepresented groups including females and those from BAME backgrounds.
“Now is the time to
inspire and welcome more people into our wonderful sport so they can live
healthier, more fulfilled lives.”
Credit:www.fcbusiness.co.uk
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