SUFFOLK FA have appointed three new Board members.

Joanne Ogogo and Alan Dale are new Non-Executive Directors and Ollie Langner has joined as Youth Trustee. They are pictured above (left to right) Alan Dale, Joanne Ogogo and Ollie Langner

Jo is a dedicated and passionate advocate for inclusive and accessible sports, with a particular focus on football and obstacle course racing.

With a strong background in playing sports at a competitive level, Jo brings first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sports industry.

Beyond the field, Jo has also developed valuable skills in safeguarding, Children's Services and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Jo is committed to ensuring that football remains a sport that is open to everyone, regardless of their background, and to promoting fairness, safety, and equal opportunities for all.

Alan Dale previously worked for Suffolk FA for six years, initially as Referee Development Officer, before progressing to Senior Referee Development Officer and then Workforce Development Manager.

He left at the end of March to join the England & Wales Cricket Board as Regional Officiating Development Officer.

Alan, who is a Level 2A referee taking charge of matches on the National League and PL2 competitions, said: “I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees at Suffolk FA. I am passionate about the development of people and the positive impact which sport plays in the lives of people within Suffolk.

“I look forward to playing a part in supporting this throughout the county within a range of different communities.”

Ollie Langner, who is 20 and from Ipswich, works as a Trainee Architectural Assistant at Concertus Property & Design Consultants whilst studying part-time for a degree in architecture.

He said: “I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to represent young people in Suffolk as the Youth Trustee on the board and hope to make a real difference to football in Suffolk.

“I played football for many years until I was 14 when I stopped to become a football referee. I have very much enjoyed my refereeing career so far and youth football has been vital to my development as I have progressed to level 5 as a referee.

“I hope in the future to continue my studies to qualify as an architect whilst also developing as a referee and climbing the football pyramid. I hope whilst doing this I can support, develop and represent youth football in Suffolk bringing positive change to help the beautiful game flourish.”

Richard Neal, Chief Executive Officer for Suffolk FA, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Joanne, Alan and Oliver to the Suffolk FA Board of Trustees, taking the Board to 11 in number. Each were appointed in accordance with our Articles of Association and based on their skillset and experience.

“Joanne will take up the vital role of Board Safeguarding Champion within the Board of Trustees, closely working with the Designated Safeguarding Officer and other safeguarding structures within the team.

“Alan will assume a portfolio for refereeing and coaching, offering support and guidance in particular to the Workforce Development Manager and staff team.

“Oliver will provide a crucial link from the Board to the Suffolk FA Youth Council, providing a voice for young people throughout the organisation.”