Football Development - Regions

Starting from the 1 July 2024 we will be dividing the County into North and South regions, with our two Football Development Officers being allocated their own region to work in. This strategic decision has been made with the primary goal of fostering better connections with our local grassroots teams and enhancing the overall football experience between your club, and us, the local governing body for football.

The development team will consist of Football Development Officers George Leyshon James, Kyle Williams, and myself, the Development Manager. By dividing into two regions, this will enable us to provide more targeted support and resources to our local clubs, players and volunteers.

We believe that by implementing this new structure we will enhance the development of football at grassroots level, strengthen community ties and encourage greater participation within the County.

North Region - Kyle Williams

Kyle will be the North’s main point of contact but will also take the lead when it comes to the Male Pathway.

South Region – George Leyshon James

George will be the South’s main point of contact but will also take the lead when it comes to the Female Pathway.

Football Development Manager  - Scott Russell

I will oversee both regions and assist Kyle and George when I am needed, I will also continue to be the lead for the Disability pathway and Facilities.

If you have any questions or require further information both Kyle and George will be following up this email with their own to all their cluster clubs, to introduce themselves formally.

Discipline

The FA has confirmed that it is launching a pilot for centralising discipline services, with 18 out of 50 County FAs signed up.

The HFA is one of these County FAs, with the changes scheduled to be in place for the start of the 2024-25 season.

In terms of what this means for Clubs, instead of the HFA investigating allegations of misconduct, this will be processed and resolved centrally. However, disciplinary panels will still comprise of members from the Regional Discipline Panel.

Clubs and referees do not need to do anything in terms of this change and further details will be provided in due course, once the scheme is operational. In the meantime, support is being provided from another County FA, to begin the transition process.

I hope you agree these exciting changes will ensure the HFA continues to deliver an excellent service to Clubs, which will continue to develop. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Scott Russell

Football Development Manager