SUFFOLK FA have announced two staff changes to their Development Team.

James Morley (above right) has been appointed as the county’s new Mini Soccer & Youth Football Development Officer.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Ipswich, has been working for Suffolk FA since the summer of 2015 in the role of County Support Officer.

He takes over his new post from Jodie Allard, who herself was promoted to the position of Football Development Manager in November.

James said: “I have been working at Suffolk FA Full-Time since July 2015, and over this time I have gained experience and knowledge that has been invaluable in my development.

“I believe that the role of Mini-Soccer & Youth Development Officer is the next step in this development and I am really looking forward to getting started.

“During this time I have got to know our Youth Leagues, Clubs and volunteers, but I am looking forward to working with them in a difficult role and from a different perspective and help develop Youth football in Suffolk.”

Flexible Football Officer Darren Scoulding (above left) has been promoted to the role of Senior Football Development Officer. His new role will encompass shaping the county’s coaching strategy.

Darren, who is 45 and lives in Kesgrave and joined Suffolk FA in April last year, said: “I have really enjoyed engaging and working with the local football community since I joined Suffolk FA and look forward to this opportunity.

“As a coach myself, I am really excited to help shape the Coaching Strategy for the county, whilst continuing to work on key areas of football such as Flexible Football, Futsal, Walking Football and Disability Football.”

Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said of the appointments: “It’s fantastic to see that both James and Darren’s hard work has paid off as they deservedly progress into these new roles.

“James has been an invaluable part of the team since joining in 2015 and we are confident that he will have a significant and positive impact in developing football for Suffolk’s youngest footballers in this new position. 

“James’ knowledge, enthusiasm and existing relationships with key partners will enable him to ensure that mini-soccer and youth football continues to grow in the county and we are able to give these players the best possible football experience.

“Both have worked very hard within their respective specialisms to develop the game within Suffolk, while demonstrating the organisations values of integrity, collaboration, excellence and pride throughout all of their working relationships.

“Darren’s experience and passion for coaching made him a clear choice to lead on the strategic direction of Coach Education and Development for us here at Suffolk FA.

“With this new role, Darren will have the opportunity to line manage our newly-appointed County Support Officer, and re-shape our Coach Education programme to support the development of our new and existing coaching workforce. Darren will be delivering this work alongside his existing Flexible Football responsibilities.

“We look forward to seeing the impact they will have on further developing football in Suffolk in these new roles moving forwards.”

Applications are invited for the vacant post of County Support Officer.