Chair new

New Independent Chair of Working Groups Appointed

Manchester FA is delighted to announce the appointed of three new Independent Chairs

Manchester FA is delighted to announce the appointed of three new Independent Chairs for the newly-formed League and Membership Working Groups, as part of the ‘Our Game In Manchester’ structure. 

The three new appointments are:

  • Mike Richmond - Independent Chair for Membership Working Group (Grassroots)
  • Matt Fox-Rees - Independent Chair for Membership Working Group (Commercial)
  • Keith Marsden – Independent Chair for Leagues Working Group

The two groups will drive the development of their respective areas to support Manchester FA’s goal to be the strategic lead for football in Greater Manchester. 

Speaking of their appointments, Mike and Matt expressed their enthusiasm to be part of the Membership Working Group that will strategically support the growth of club, league, coach and private provider memberships. Mike explains: “Manchester FA is extremely forward thinking and being a volunteer at grassroots level, I’m excited to bring my experience to the group. Membership is a way forwards to make a difference to families across the region and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Matt added: “I am delighted to be joining Manchester FA and aim to create long-term professional relationships with the business community. Together, we can deliver a real difference to grassroots football and harness this power to promote wellbeing across the groups we serve.”

The Leagues Working Group will take responsibility for development of the 23 grassroots football leagues within the Manchester FA league network. Football Development Officer for Clubs and Leagues Olivia Laiker explained that the group will be pivotal in supporting the committed volunteers administering leagues across Greater Manchester. “Within the group, we will be focusing on developing positive working relationships, sharing best practice and ensuring the playing pathway for all of our players is fit for purpose.”

Keith Marsden, appointed as the group’s first Chair, will leverage his experience and contacts within the grassroots community to deliver upon the LWG’s objectives. “After over 35 years in the grassroots game, I am proud to have been appointed the inaugural Chair of this group. Over the coming months, we will be recruiting representatives from the various formats of local football to integrate them into this constructive, forward-thinking group for the benefit of the game and its participants.”

If you would like to apply to be a member of the Membership or Leagues Working Group, please complete the relevant application form below and send to Joel.Buckle@ManchesterFA.com (Membership) or Andy.Baker@ManchesterFA.com (Leagues).