We can announce that Lee Folkard will leave his position as Football Participation Manager in July. 

Lee has spent eight years at Manchester FA and we would like to thank him for his support and contribution to grassroots football in Greater Manchester over this time. Lee's new venture will see him become Southport FC's new Head of Community Football Development and we would like to congratulate him on his appointment.

On his departure, Lee said: "I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at Manchester FA for the many opportunities over the years given to me within my roles here. A special thanks must go to my Football Development Team who have been fantastic to manage and are the hardest working group of employees you could wish to have.

"I have made many friends and connections in football in Greater Manchester and met some great people in both our local clubs and league network and would like to thank them all."

Manchester FA will begin recruitment for a replacement in due course.