At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the National Game Board, ensuring integrity and collaboration in grassroots football decisions.
- Company: The Football Association, dedicated to promoting football and inspiring positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive meeting allowance, travel expenses covered, and a chance to influence grassroots football.
- Other info: Opportunity to serve up to 9 years and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of football at the grassroots level.
- Qualifications: Experience in board leadership and knowledge of grassroots football required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Football Association (The FA) is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England, dedicated to promoting the sport and inspiring positive change through the game. We are responsible for developing and advancing football at every level, from grassroots to the professional game, generating revenue to support investment in English football. The FA oversees all England international teams, including men's, women's, youth, and para football. We manage FA competitions such as the Emirates FA Cup, the FA Youth Cup, and the Adobe Women's FA Cup. Additionally, we oversee men's and women's leagues below the professional level. Our remit includes the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
The National Game Board (NGB) is The FA's senior committee overseeing the grassroots level of the game. This includes deciding on levels of funding, the promotion and raising of standards of participation and operational matters relating to County Football Associations. The NGB currently comprises individuals selected from The FA Council who represent various stakeholders within the grassroots game and two independent members.
The FA is seeking to appoint an Independent Chair of the NGB. The primary role of the Independent Chair is to chair meetings of the NGB, bring objectivity to discussions and an independent point of view and judgement on matters within its remit. The Independent Chair will:
- Demonstrate the values of The FA, leading the NGB with a collaborative style that ensures cohesion and that the Executive are held to account.
- Ensure that the NGB acts with integrity and takes all the different stakeholder interests into account as it makes decisions. This includes managing the trade-offs that will naturally arise from these stakeholders to ensure that decisions are taken in the best and long-term collective interests of football at this level.
- Be curious and provide challenge and support to other NGB members and the Executive team.
Ideally, candidates will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in chairing the board (or equivalent) of an organisation
- A senior level business profile
- Knowledge of football at the grassroots level, such as from prior involvement with a league or club at this level.
The Independent Chair will be able to serve a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.
The NGB meets 7 times per season including 2 x 2-day strategy meetings. Meetings are usually held midweek during working hours at Wembley Stadium. An allowance can be claimed for attendance at each meeting of the NGB (currently £300/meeting) along with any travel or subsistence expenses incurred.
Independent means a person who is:
- free from any close connection to The FA and a close connection shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the following:
- the person is, or has been within the last six months, actively involved in The FA's affairs or held any position or role within The FA (including, without limitation, being a Member of The FA Council, a member of any committee of The FA or an employee, director or officer of The FA);
- the person holds, or has held within the last six months, a position or role with any Football Stakeholder (including, without limitation, being an employee, director or officer of any Football Stakeholder);
- the person has, or has had within the last six months, a Material Business Relationship with The FA; and
- the person has close family ties (including by way of being connected with an individual as a spouse, civil partner, former spouse, former civil partner, parent, step or adopted parent, grandparent, child, step child, adopted child, descendant, qualifying co-habitant or next-of-kin) with any directors, senior employees or committee members of The FA or any Member of The FA Council;
- viewed as independent from the perspective of an objective outsider;
We have retained Elevate Talent, a specialist executive search firm, to manage the initial stages of our recruitment process, including all screening and preliminary interviews. Accordingly, please send your application, including a CV and Covering Letter to FA-NGB- by midnight on 13th February 2026. Any enquiries regarding the National Game Board or the role should also be directed to the above e-mail address. The appointed candidate will be invited to observe National Game Board meetings during the 2025 / 2026 season and will officially start in the role from the 2026 / 2027 season.
The Football Association promotes equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from everyone who meets the criteria. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please detail this in your covering letter.
Independent Chair of The FA\'s National Game Board employer: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The Football Association (The FA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that champions the development of football at all levels. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on integrity, The FA offers unique opportunities to influence grassroots football while working in iconic locations like Wembley Stadium. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the sport you love, surrounded by passionate individuals who share your vision for positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Chair of The FA\'s National Game Board
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football community. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Independent Chair role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for grassroots football! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas about improving the game at the grassroots level. Let them see your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! If you get an interview or a chance to observe the NGB meetings, do your homework. Understand the current challenges and opportunities within grassroots football so you can contribute meaningfully to discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the application process or the role itself. We're here to help you succeed!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Chair of The FA\'s National Game Board
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in chairing boards or similar roles. We want to see how your background aligns with the values and responsibilities of The FA's National Game Board.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for grassroots football and your understanding of the challenges it faces. Use this space to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Independent Chair role.
Showcase Your Independence:Since independence is key for this role, be clear about your connections (or lack thereof) with The FA. We need to know you can bring an objective viewpoint to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and we can start the conversation.
How to prepare for a job interview at FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
✨Know Your Football
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of grassroots football. Understand the current challenges and opportunities within the game, especially at the community level. This will help you demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Independent Chair, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster collaboration and accountability within the NGB. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or board.
✨Understand Stakeholder Interests
Familiarise yourself with the various stakeholders involved in grassroots football. Be ready to discuss how you would balance their interests while making decisions that benefit the sport as a whole. This shows your ability to navigate complex situations.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the NGB's current initiatives and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if this role aligns with your vision for football.
