Inclusion Advisory Board

Inclusion advisory board members

I am the chair of the Inclusion Advisory Board and a Director of Durham County FA.

I am also a Level 3/UEFA B qualified coach, where I have both managed and coached teams at grassroots level (TJFA and Stockton-on Tees District Schools). More recently, I was involved with regional and national league teams in the women’s pyramid system. 

Professionally, I am a Civil Servant at the Department for Education as Capital Programme Manager.

Peter Ross

I am a passionate coach volunteering in the foundation phase at a local grassroot club in Darlington. 

I was keen to get involved with the IAB board so I could integrate my passion for working in the Mental Health & Wellbeing sector at Kooth with supporting coaches and players. 

I have a keen interest in players and coaches from underrepresented groups, specifically ethnic minorities. 

When I am not coaching you can find me in the kitchen cooking up a storm. 

Andrew Poinen

I am heavily involved in football as a Goalkeeping coach.

I am also an FA Goalkeeping Mentor at Future lionesses Goalkeeper Centre Northumberland.

Finally, I am an FA Talent ID Reporter for Women’s Goalkeeping pathway.

Chris Errington

I am Chairman of Stanhope Town FC and I have been involved with the team in almost every capacity since 1976.

I was formerly the Vice Chairman and treasurer of the Crook and District league until the League folded in May this year.

I am Chairman and Secretary of the Weardale Charity Cup competition and I am on the committee of the South Durham Bowl and the Auckland Charity Cup.

I currently serve as one of the two DFA Council members for the South West area.

Clem Donovan

I was a professional footballer for Man City, Cardiff, Sunderland, Carlisle, Scarborough and Darlington, as well as being the former manager of Darlington Football Club.

Now I am an ambassador for show racism the red card, City of Sunderland, and Durham FA.

In the past I have received Doctorate of Arts at Sunderland University, freedom of the City of Sunderland, Hall of fame at SAFC.

Gary Bennett

I am the ambassador of Her Game Too Hartlepool.

I look forward to making a difference with fellow members of IAB for football in Durham FA.

Jill Simmonds

I am a coach for Gateshead FC Foundation and Birtley Town Wildcats U11 Girls.

I am grateful to be an IAB member so necessary changes can be introduced to ensure football is accessible for all. 

My passion for coaching stems from an overwhelming love for football itself, which developed when I played football by experiencing the tremendous lessons that the game can teach. When coaching, my first objective is to know my players as people and then instill a passion and appreciation for football. The second part is to use that passion and appreciation to teach a variety of life skills that will allow each person to be highly successful in all facets of their lives. 

Nasir Khan

I am a qualified midwife and have undertaken an additional qualification to be a specialist public health practitioner (health visitor).

Additionally, I co-coach my son's under 9 football team and I am also a welfare officer at our club which has given me a huge understanding of grassroots football. 

I became involved with the IAB group following an issue I encountered in my professional role where a female faced discrimination in a football facility. 

Following discussions it was felt that I could offer an insight and support for females in football due my knowledge of issues they face throughout their life span which in includes puberty and menopause and how these hormonal changes can impact them. 

I am passionate about enabling females to comfortably access a sport they love which includes facilities they have access to during training, matches and even as spectators. 

Sarah Hall

 

I am a coach for Consett AFC Ladies Reserves and U18’s Ladies football teams with a long-lasting passion for football through playing and latterly coaching.

I am passionate about making football inclusive and accessible for all. Professionally I have been a Police Officer for over 23 years and my current role within the Community Engagement Team allows me to integrate my passion for football with supporting those from diverse backgrounds to ensure they find football within County Durham a place where they can flourish.

Inclusion and Advisory board (IAb) 

 

The purpose of our IAB is to support and advise Durham County Football Association; to increase awareness, understanding and knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion so that the organisation can better engage with and thereby better meet the needs of all of our local football communities to help to ensure involvement in the game is available to everyone.

Increasing involvement and increasing diversity in local grassroots football will also improve our football talent pool.

Reports of their work are presented to Durham County FA Board through the IAG Chair – who is an Independent Member.

The group focuses on supporting the County FA’s Equality Action Plan priorities which include;

  • Coaching – Increase and support Coaches from underrepresented groups .
  • Increase Playing Opportunities for All
  • Promote Football as an Inclusive Sport for All
  • Education & Awareness Raising
  • Youth Engagement

If joining our IAB  interests you please complete the forms and return them to David.cleary@DurhamFA.com

DFA Equality-and-Diversity-montoring-form

IAB Application Form

IAB Terms of Reference

If you require further information contact David.Cleary@DurhamFA.com