FA National Youth Council Application Form

2024/2025 Season

The FA National Youth Council (FANYC) are delighted to announce that we are now recruiting for the 2024-25 season.


Next season The FANYC will comprise of 16 roles, and we will continue to develop the FA Regional Youth Network (FARYN). This network enables us to work with committed youth leaders to provide meaningful opportunities for young people in football. We will recruit for this team in December if you are new to Youth Leadership or looking to get more involved, you can consider applying for either FANYC or the FARYN (if you are unsuccessful for one it does not preclude you from applying for the other and of course, there is always the 2025/2026 season.)


For the 2024/2025 season, we have 12 FANYC vacancies for highly skilled, motivated, and capable youth leaders between the ages of 16-24 (as of 1st August 2024) from across England to represent children and young people as well as help shape and develop football throughout the country.


Our Vision is to ensure - “All young people have meaningful and inclusive opportunities to develop themselves and positively influence the football community.”


As well as aiming to inspire, empower and provide a voice for all children and young people to influence change, and develop a lasting legacy in football, the newly appointed team of youth leaders will build upon last season’s success and continue the momentum towards building youth-adult partnerships. The objectives developed by The FA National Youth Council are drawn from the FA Grassroots Strategy. These are:

  • Have an impact on increasing the number of opportunities children and young people have for participation and volunteering in football.
  • Helping to deliver equal opportunities for women and girls to play.
  • Provide a voice for children and young people in shaping FA policies.
  • Work together to grow the network of County FA Youth Councils and Youth Committees in clubs and leagues teams in all regions across the country.
  • Deliver specific projects that contribute towards The FA National Youth Council Vision.


Recognising diversity and promoting inclusion is a priority for The FA and The FANYC in our efforts to make football a game For All. We recognise that footballs workforce should represent wider society therefore we especially welcome 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).


Successful candidates will be expected to attend all FANYC Meetings (whether they are in person or held online, we have the same standards and expectations) throughout the season. Although of course we know that at times there are unexpected situations which may make attendance not possible (to take account of this we set a minimum attendance level, as from our experience we have learnt that if this level is not met it adversely impacts the value gained from being part of the FANYC). However, it is crucial that applicants are able to make the first meeting, as this a key element of building a successful team for the season. If you know you are unable to make any of the dates below, please share this in your application. Meetings will be held at a range of locations across the country (accommodation is provided) and/or online via MS Teams. We do not know at this point the locations for all meetings.


  • 13th - 15th September 2024 (In person – St Georges Park)
  • 30th November – 1st December 2024 (In person – location TBC))
  • 31st January – 2nd February 2025 (Online – these will not be full days)
  • 21st – 23rd March 2025 (In person – location TBC)
  • 16th – 18th May 2025 (Online – these will not be full days)
  • 28th – 29th June 2025 (In person – location TBC)
  • W/C 27th July 2025 FA Leadership Academy (In person – location TBC)


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


If you have any questions about the information in this application form or being part of the FANYC, please contact one of the below:

Thomas Lamberth - FANYC Chair - NationalYouthCouncil@TheFA.com

Selena Creighton - FANYC support staff - Selena@SelenaCreighton.com

Ben Grady - National Volunteering Manager, The FA - Ben.Grady@TheFA.com

Role Descriptions

ALL

  • Passion for developing yourself, others, and the football community.
  • Ambition to provide young people with meaningful opportunities within the game.
  • Desire to attend developmental opportunities outside of meetings and to represent The FA National Youth Council in local, national, and international events/projects.
  • Dedication to communicate effectively with The FA National Youth Council, FA staff and external partners.
  • Motivation to perform within a team environment and independently, seeking support when needed.
  • Willingness to respond positively to feedback and learn from mistakes.
  • Commitment to prioritise quality time for the work of the FANYC.
  • Lead and inspire the youth leader network and those working alongside this.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development – open to giving and receiving feedback, willing to try new approaches/activities and resilient in response to challenges/setbacks.


Senior Leadership Team - The Chair and Vice Chair roles have been filled for the 2024/2025 season.


Thomas Lamberth – The FA National Youth Council Chairperson

Strategically lead The FA National Youth Council throughout the season, supporting the planning and delivery of meetings and projects, whilst managing the Vice-Chairs. Lead on representing the voice of children and young people on FA Council and other FA committees. Lead on working closely with FA/FANYC staff as the main contact of the FANYC. Lead on developing opportunities for Youth Leaders through various FA teams/departments, focusing on the FA Development Team.


Katana Gould - The FA National Youth Council Deputy Chair, Leadership and Development Lead

Support with strategically leading The FA National Youth Council throughout the season, supporting the planning and delivery of meetings and projects. Managing and supporting the Leadership and Development Team.


Estella Dawson – The FA National Youth Council Vice Chairperson, Insight, Inclusion Communication Lead

Operationally Lead The FA National Youth Council throughout the season, supporting the planning and delivery of meetings and projects. Facilitating the delivery of the FA Youth Mentoring Programme (FA YMP), as well as monitoring the ongoing relationships. Managing and supporting the Insight, Inclusion and Communication Team.


Ethan Freeston – The FA National Youth Council Vice Chairperson, Community Engagement Lead

Operationally Lead The FA National Youth Council throughout the season, supporting the planning and delivery of meetings and projects. Facilitating the delivery of the FA Youth Mentoring Programme (FA YMP), as well as monitoring the ongoing relationships. Managing and supporting the Community Engagement Team.


Roles vacant for 2024-2025 are listed below


Please note the key skills and experiences may be ones you already possess, or ones that you will develop in the role.


Leadership & Development Team


FA Regional Youth Network Lead x2

Run the FA Regional Youth Network (FARYN); plan and deliver online meetings. Oversee meetings, projects and consultations throughout the season. Develop relationships with everyone on the FARYN to provide them with meaningful development opportunities. Create and share opportunities with the appropriate FARYN members and provide relevant support throughout the season.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Event planning; delivering against a vision; planning/organisation and time management; workshop design and delivery; motivating & inspiring others (young people and adults); communication with others remotely/online. It would be helpful if currently engaged in Youth Leadership and volunteering in football.


FA Leadership Academy (FALA) Programme Lead

Maintaining regular contact with FALA24 participants, sending out and reviewing their FALA24 tasks, and providing support on an individual basis to help ensure the success of FALA24 participants. Support the learning and development of the participants, while liaising with FALA 24 mentors and relevant colleagues/partners to ensure the participants receive the support they need.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Event planning; delivering against a vision; planning/organisation and time management; workshop design and delivery; motivating & inspiring others (young people and adults); communication with others remotely/online. It would be helpful if currently engaged in Youth Leadership and volunteering in football.



Community Engagement Team


Regional Leads North, South, East, West x 4

Work collectively with the 3 other Regional Leads to support the creation and development of Youth Councils (or similar). Supporting County FA (CFA) Youth Councils: To ensure each of the 50 County FA’s create and maintain effective youth voice & representation, to support their development through advice and best practice. Utilise the CFA Youth Council Maturity Matrix to help create a national network of active young people engaged in youth leadership. Support the development of new youth leadership activities/teams in CFA's & Partner organisations.

Pre-Requisites:

  • Live or study in the region you apply to represent
  • Have an existing knowledge of how CFAs operate and/or experience in youth councils (or equivalent) or be a current or previous member of RYN.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Understanding of County FAs; knowledge of County FA Youth Councils and/or club/league youth councils (or equivalent) and/or FA Regional Youth Network. Building and maintaining relationships with adults and young people; organisation and time management; communication with others remotely/online. It would be helpful if currently engaged in youth leadership and volunteering in football in the region you apply to represent i.e. North, East, South, or West (of England).


National Lead: Clubs

Supporting Clubs: To engage young people/volunteers (Youth Leaders) to help create a national network of active young people engaged in youth leadership. Support the development of new youth leadership activities/teams.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role): Understanding of County FAs; knowledge of County FA Youth Councils and/or club/league youth councils (or equivalent) and/or FA Regional Youth Network. Building and maintaining relationships with adults and young people; organisation and time management; communication with others remotely/online.



Insight, Inclusion, Communications Team


Research & Insight Lead

Lead on providing relevant research and insight to inform the priorities of the FANYC, and drive action in line with the FANYC vision. Gather and analyse data from a variety of sources. Create and present reports on key FANYC projects/programmes. Lead on the logistical creation of online application processes and surveys. Support the FA National Youth Council team in events throughout the season. Collaborate with FANYC team members to monitor and evaluate projects throughout the season. To collate reports in collaboration with the FANYC team on all public-facing content.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Creation of tools to gather feedback, statistics, and impact reports; delivery of key findings from data; apply findings to relevant projects; monitoring and evaluating projects; creation of online surveys, forms, and applications; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; organisation and time management; communication with others remotely/online.


Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

Delivering and evolving a social action plan in line with FA National Youth Council’s vision, aims and objectives. Lead on listening, understanding, and investigating new ideas from the FANYC and other young people. Ensure new project developments by the FANYC address and react to current situations or issues in football through the power of Youth Leadership. Collaborate with the FANYC on any new and upcoming projects.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Building and maintaining relationships; listening to all voices and ideas; evaluating new ideas; online and technological awareness; problem solving, research and ability to provide factual evidence to support positions/debates; reacting to world situations and awareness of topical issues.


Marketing & Communications Lead

Create a clear branding a clear branding checklist for the whole FANYC team to follow. To collate reports in collaboration with the FANYC team on all public-facing content. Collaborate with external partner to manage the Youth Leadership and Volunteering platform by delivering regular content, updates, and posting opportunities. The Marketing and Communication lead will also collaborate with the Social Media lead to produce and deliver high-quality content driving the increased visibility of the FA National Youth Council.

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Organisation and time management; communication with others remotely/online; innovative content creation; clear approach to sharing information that is easy to understand; building and maintaining relationships with young people and adults.


Social Media Lead

Lead on driving the continued increase in visibility of the FANYC on all social media platforms. This includes producing consistent, high-quality social media content, and staying up to date with current topics of conversation. Working alongside the Marketing and Communication lead to developing and deliver a clear strategy with regard to social media for the entire season. Work alongside the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead to create social media content for EDI occasions. Lead on celebrating young people on the FANYC social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram and TikTok).

Key skills and experience that will help to deliver successfully in this role. (Having some of these will be helpful, but you will also develop these in this role):

Content design and brand awareness; good awareness of/experience across social media platforms; understanding and engagement with current topics; creative and innovative; technological awareness and ability to create promotional materials; understanding of FA National Youth Council ‘brand voice’; ability to deliver ‘youth-led’ content; organisation and time management; communication with others remotely/online


Please indicate the position you wish to apply for, as well as reserve choices, in the form below.

We cannot guarantee you will be offered the role of your choice. As a result you may be offered a place on the FANYC, but the role may not be from your preferred choices.

In this situation the role will be discussed with you and of course you may decide not to take up the offer on that basis, but we hope that wouldn’t be the case.

Personal Details


This form must be completed with the details of the applicant who will be fulfilling the role

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Do You own a Young Persons Rail Card?*
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The FANYC is an inclusive and accessible environment- Please provide us with any additional details about how we can support you in being part of the team. e.g., Additional Learning support needs and physical support needs.

FA Regional Youth Network Lead
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50 words Maximum

Personal Statement in Support of Application


In this next section you will answer 4 questions about why you want to be part of the team, your skills, experiences etc., each question ranges from between 300-400 words so please take your time to complete to the best of your ability.



If you choose to use AI tools to complete your application, please take the time to edit and personalise your application and ensure that the language used reflects your personality and values.


It is key that we are able to understand what you will bring to the FANYC team and your reasons for getting involved not a version of these created by AI.


AI is a tool it is not a replacement for your thoughts, views and ideas – your ability to share all of these will be key to being successful as part of the FANYC as you not AI will be representing the voices of children and young people to shape the game so it is For All.

Max 300 words

Max 400 words

Max 300 words

Max 300 words

Additional Documentation

Drag and drop files here or

I confirm that I have uploaded the documents described below:

A video testimonial no longer than 90 secs.


The testimonial should include at least one young person (but could be more) talking about the positive impact you have had on them this season (ideally) in your current voluntary role. This video will only be used to support your application to be part of FANYC and will only be shared with those involved in making this decision. Please make sure you have the permission of those in the video to record them and to share the video with others.


Please save the video as follows - [Full Name] FANYCtestimonial2024

This reference should be from a professional who has overseen your development and/or supports you within your volunteer position. The reference should be no more than 300 words long.


Please ensure this is provided on headed paper and includes the name, title and contact details of the person providing the reference,


Please save the reference as follows - [Full Name] FANYCreference2024”

Summary


Summary of Application Requirements


  • Completed application form
  • 1 x Supporting Testimonial video (Saved as “Your full name and then FANYCtestimonial2024)
  • 1 x Supporting Reference (Saved as “Your full name and then FANYCreference2024)
  • Completion of equality monitoring using this link


Summary of Key Dates


  • Deadline for application: Midday Thursday 22nd August 2024
  • If you do not receive confirmation please get in touch with Selena@selenacreighton.com
  • The outcome of applications will be communicated by: Sunday 1st September 2024
  • Please note that late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.



Thank you for taking the time to apply to be part of the FANYC and supporting Youth Leadership.

Please keep up to date with all of our social media accounts: @TheFA_NYC on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok

You can also join us on the England Football Youth Leadership and Volunteering online community, where you can interact with other young people: https://community.thefa.com/youth-leadership-volunteering