THREE members of Suffolk FA staff are departing for pastures new.

Football Development Manager Jodie Allard is moving abroad, Girls’ & Women’s Football Development Officer Rebecca Bolton is moving to East Riding FA and Marketing Apprentice Lily Chiang is taking up a role with the East of England Co-op.

Jodie (above left) was appointed Football Development Manager from November 2017, having previously joined the organisation as Mini Soccer & Youth Football Development Officer.

She quickly became the go-to person within the organisation for all things funding and facility development and has overseen the installation of new Football Foundation funded 3Gs at Beccles Town FC and Copleston High School amongst a portfolio of investment which totals over £2.25m from the Football Foundation alone.

Jodie also led on the development of Local Football Facility Plans for every district of the county, which provide a facility development blueprint for the next decade.

She will be moving abroad later in the Summer, with her final day at Suffolk FA being on June 18th.

Jodie said: “It’s been a real pleasure and privilege to be a part of the team at Suffolk FA for the past five years.

“Being able to work closely with the incredible volunteers that do so much to support grassroots football and make the game so special has always been the best part of the role.

“I have no doubt that Suffolk FA will continue to do great work to support the game to thrive across the county.

“I would like to thank my colleagues, including the board of directors, for the ongoing support and kindness they have shown to me during my time with the organisation.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be a part of the Suffolk football family and wish everyone involved in football in the county the very best for the future.”

Rebecca (above centre) has been Girls’ & Women’s Football Development Officer since July 2017. Originally from the East Riding of Yorkshire area, Becca will be taking up a position with East Riding FA after May 31st. In her time at Suffolk FA, Becca has overseen the implementation and expansion of the Wildcats programme, established the Female Leadership Academy, and supported the Suffolk Girls’ & Women’s Football League to increase the numbers of teams across all divisions amongst a four-year period of excellent work.

Rebecca said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Suffolk FA – the clubs, teams, players and volunteers have all been an absolute joy to work with. I can honestly say I have met some of the most incredible people along the way and I am gutted to be leaving.

“The past four years have been amazing and I would like to thank everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with as they have made this journey the best one!

“I am proud to say I have left Girls' & Women’s football in Suffolk in a better place than when I first arrived and I am sure it will continue to thrive in my absence.”

Lily joined Suffolk FA on an apprenticeship programme in December 2019, primarily to enhance Suffolk FA’s marketing and communications.

Despite her time with Suffolk FA being significantly impacted by the pandemic, Lily has become a valuable member of the team undertaking some excellent work on the website, social media communications, and enhancing the County Cup Finals.

Having completed her apprenticeship, Lily leaves on May 26th to take up a role with East of England Co-op.

Lily (above right) said: “I have loved working at Suffolk FA and am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with such a talented team of people.

“Helping to find new and different ways to share the important work that Suffolk FA do has been a highlight of my time here. Working at the County FA opened my eyes to how much work goes on behind the scenes in the footballing community and it has been a pleasure to meet so many of the inspiring and passionate individuals involved.

“I look forward to taking the next steps in my career and am excited to start my new role at East of England Co-op.”

Richard Neal, Suffolk FA CEO said: “As well as the calibre of work these colleagues have given to Suffolk FA, their personalities have significantly contributed to the journey of the organisation over the past few years, since 2017 in particular.

“It is sad when colleagues depart but I’m pleased all three leave on excellent terms.

“The Board will use this as an opportunity to review the workforce structure of the organisation in line with the 2021-24 strategic period, new KPIs and priorities, and associated budgets. Further news will follow in due course.”