Kirsty was selected as one of 55 youth leaders from across the county to take part in the 4 day programme at St Georges Park, the FA HQ. Our Inclusion and Disability Football Development Officer, Jodie Williams, was also in attendance as a Youth Leader Mentor helping deliver the event with the FA National Youth Council.

During the 4 days the youth leaders were involved in 9 bespoke workshops delivered by experts in their fields; including communication, personal leadership philosophies and influencing.  The aim of the workshop delivery was to inspire and empower the young leaders to use their positions within County FA’s to develop and make a difference to themselves and others within their communities using football as the vehicle to do so.

 38% of the Youth Leaders selected were female and are part of the workforce drive within their local County FA’s in the aim of helping to support The FA's goal of doubling female participation in football by 2020. All Youth Leaders also pledged to embark on a 12 month learning and development programme supported by The FA National Game Youth Council and Mentors. The aim of this is to further improve their individual leadership skills and cascade their learning down through their own County Youth Council’s and Children/Young People networks.

Graduation

During the week there was also a graduation ceremony for Youth Leaders who had attended FA Leadership Academy last summer as part of the 2016 programme. Paige Parry from Herefordshire attended as a record of her achievements this year as a youth leader of the game striving to support the volunteer work which is undertaken by The Herefordshire FA Youth Council. This includes providing further opportunities for young people in the community to enhance their skills and also support County FA targets by increasing the numbers within female football and growing the diversity of the workforce, making football accessible for all.

For more information on young leadership opportunities and volunteer roles within Herefordshire please contact Jodie.Williams@HerefordshireFA.com or 01432 342179