APPLICATIONS are invited to join the Suffolk FA Youth Council for the 2023-24 season.

The Suffolk FA Youth Council, which is once again being sponsored by R Bugg Trading Ltd, will consist of between eight and 12 members.

Suffolk FA Football Development Officer James Morley, who co-ordinates the Youth Council, said: “Following the foundations we have put in place during the 2022-23 season, we are looking to build on this by recruiting more young leaders to continue the Youth Council’s development.

“We recently announced the new Youth Council branding, which current members worked hard on over the year to develop and this is now a great time to join and have the opportunity to continue to develop and create chances for other young people in Suffolk.”

Below is a video in which Youth Council members outline the benefits of becoming a member. 

What is the Suffolk FA Youth Council?

A team of young people, between the ages of 16 and 25 who are the voice of the Youth for Suffolk. Suffolk FA involve the Youth Council in a meaningful way, by allowing them to provide equal weight and value to their ideas and suggestions that can influence the direction of Suffolk FA’s decisions.

As well as this, the focus is on personal development and providing experiences for members to help support future aspirations regardless as to whether that is in football/sport or not.

Importance of a Youth Council

Suffolk FA recognises that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. You as a Youth Council member, possess the energy, skills, and ideas to change football and the wider community. For this reason, your voice as a Youth Council member is imperative in ensuring Suffolk FA can make the appropriate and necessary changes for all the youths in Suffolk, and that can’t be done without you!

Benefits of joining Suffolk FA Youth Council

• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Free Nike Branded Kit
• Opportunity to shape Suffolk FA football through existing and new initiatives
• External Opportunities to represent Suffolk FA at events and meetings
• Opportunity to develop a new Suffolk FA Youth Strategy

Recognising diversity and promoting inclusion is a priority for Suffolk FA in their efforts to make football a game For All.

Suffolk FA recognise that football’s workforce should represent wider society therefore applications from females, those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, from diverse faith groups and from the LGBTQ+ communities (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) are especially welcomed.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend all meetings (whether they are in person or held on-line) throughout the season., although of course at times there are unexpected situations which may make attendance not possible.

However, it is crucial that applicants can make the first meeting, as this a key element of building a successful team for the season. The first meeting will ideally take place in person on Wednesday, November 8th at 6.30pm. The venue is TBC.

All roles with Suffolk FA Youth Council are voluntary. However, out-of-pocket expenses will be covered with the prior approval of FA staff.

If you are interested or know someone who you think would be suitable for a role on the Youth Council, then to apply please click the button below.

CLICK HERE

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, October 23rd 2023.

If you have any questions about the Youth Council or what would be involved, then please contact Suffolk FA Football Development Officer James Morley on james.morley@suffolkfa.com or call 07976 957094.