MEMBERS of the Essex grassroots football community – including players, coaches, referees, volunteers, parents and supporters – have an opportunity to become a member of the Essex County FA’s Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) or to support the game by sharing their experiences as an Inclusion Ambassador.

The County FA are promoting a new Expression of Interest Form for individuals who’d like to help shape an inclusive future for football across the county. The form will remain open on an ongoing basis, with applications reviewed as opportunities become available.

The Inclusion Advisory Group plays a vital role in advising, supporting and constructively challenging existing processes, helping to continually embed equality, diversity and inclusion into policies, programmes and everyday practice across grassroots football. Alongside this, Inclusion Ambassadors help to bring inclusion to life by sharing real stories and lived experiences, showing others that there is a place for everyone in the game.

Essex County FA Equality and Inclusion Officer, Milly Morgan, explained: “Inclusion is about making sure every voice is heard, and every person feels they belong in football. This Expression of Interest Form gives people across Essex the chance to help shape real, positive change. Our Inclusion Advisory Group and Ambassadors play a crucial role in helping us to listen, learn and improve. We want to hear from people who care about making football fairer and more welcoming for everyone.”

The County FA particularly welcome applications from individuals whose lived experiences provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities around inclusion in football. No previous formal role is required – what matters most is a commitment to positive change and a willingness to share ideas, insight and experience.

The Expression of Interest Form is now live at www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.