New Staff Join the Team at Herefordshire FA
Paul Cotton and Scott Russell have joined the team as Office Manager and Football Development Officer (Inclusion & Disability) respectively. Both bring a wealth of experience and are looking forward to working with the county clubs and volunteers. Dave Stevens will also be supporting the county’s coaches as the new FA County Coach Developer and is ready to hit the ground running. The 3 new recruits introduce themselves below.
Paul Cotton Office Manager
I have joined the Team having had a 33 year career in the Armed Forces and most recently having worked during the last 5 years with a local training provider and the West Mercia Police.
Originally from Suffolk, I have played at grassroots level wherever I have lived, both in the UK and overseas and I am a lifelong Ipswich Town supporter. Introduced to the ‘Tractor Boys’ by my dad when I was a very young boy, I have stayed a loyal fan, from the heady days of Bobby Robson’s management to the less glorious position of where we are today – there’s a long way still to go this season!
Having moved to Hereford in 1995, I have continually been involved with local clubs as a player, coach, manager and as a Club Committee member.
My role within the HFA will be to oversee the smooth, effective day to day running of the administration function with a focus on ensuring that all Clubs are actively benefiting from the service being provided.
With my own passion for the game and using my experiences gained in grassroots football administration, as a clubman, I will ensure that I add maximum value to our provision and I will be looking forward to working in an environment that shares my own passion for the beautiful game.
I definitely believe in the HFA’s mission; ‘to develop, promote and support football in Herefordshire’ and will be doing all I can to contribute to achieving that goal
Scott Russell Football Development Officer (Inclusion & Disability)
I grew up in Hereford being educated at St Pauls Primary School, Bishops of Herefords Bluecoat School, Hereford Sixth Form College before graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU Cheshire) with a degree in BA(Hons) Sport Coaching & Development.
After graduating I moved away from Hereford for 11 years living in London, Leicester, Reading and for nine years in Lincoln. I have worked for Goals Soccer Centre, been a Football Centre Manager been a Football Development Officer at a community school in Lincolnshire, and more recently been the Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Lincoln City FC. I now coach at Hereford FC Academy and am Lead Coach for the Hereford FC Women.
Locally as a junior I played for Lads Club, Hereford United Youth and Reserves and Westfields, before transitioning into senior football with Westfields, I then had brief spells with Wellington, Pegasus Juniors and Hinton. I still hold the record as the youngest ever player to have played in the senior West Midlands League (formally Banks Brewery League) for Westfields at the age of 14. Whilst away from Hereford I played for several teams around the country at semi pro/amateur level.
I’m really looking forward to my new role at HFA as Disability and Inclusion FDO as it’s something that I am passionate about and believe I can make a difference in the county. The Youth Council is an area I really want to drive forward as I believe it’s important to engage with the next generation to keep HFA relevant and inclusive.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions, queries or suggestions for disability and inclusion football in Herefordshire!
Dave Stevens County Coach Developer
We also welcome a new County Coach Developer, Dave Stevens, after Lee Brown accepted a role CCD role closer to home in Bedfordshire. Dave is an A Licence coach and qualified PE teacher and lecturer.
Dave comes to the area with an experienced background in coach educational and grassroots football and has been working for the FA in a part time capacity for over 17 years delivery FA qualifications. He has a strong coaching record working within the grassroots and the elite academy system. Previous roles included Head Coach of Aston Villa Ladies in the WSL, technical director of the girls centre of excellence, and working within professional club academy system.
Dave’s passion and track record still very much remains at grassroots level and he is excited about coming and working within our county to support and develop many coaches, mentors and clubs.
Any coaches looking to take advantage of Dave’s availability can contact him on: Dave.Stevens@thefa.com
We would also like to thank Jodie Williams, Jess Shuttleworth and Lee Brown for their huge contribution to Herefordshire FA and county football in general.