Chris Armstrong - Non-Executive Health and Wellbeing Director

Over the last 17 years, Chris has developed an in-depth knowledge of high-performance sport programmes. This includes working previously in sport at Birmingham City FC, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and within his current role as Wellbeing Programme Manager at Mercedes-AMG Formula One team. Chris also recently supported Sport Birmingham Working Group in a voluntary consultancy role supporting the Commonwealth games legacy programmes. 

“Within my role at Manchester FA I will look to draw on my experience and passion in developing a high-performance health and wellbeing strategy to support the needs of the organisation whilst supporting the wider Board and stakeholders in their overall mission to develop the game across Manchester.”

Anika Leslie-Walker - Inclusion Advisory Board Chairperson

Anika has worked within the football and education landscape throughout her career and has developed a specialism within sport, gender and race. As well as her current role as a Senior Lecturer in Sports Sociology at Nottingham Trent University, she has been an observer of the Manchester FA Board since September 2021 and has supported The FA’s Women Leadership Programme. 

“I am excited to be within a role where I can show my passion for football and the organisational vision of Manchester FA. Football is a tool that can be utilised to break boundaries and contribute towards improving educational outcomes. I am aware of the protected characteristics in society and have a hope that every individual will be provided an opportunity to football in Manchester, despite their background.”

Dan Jones - Non-Executive Finance and Risk Director

Dan has leveraged 25 years of sports business leadership experience formally at Deloitte as a Global Lead Partner as the Head of Sports Business Group. Alongside this, Dan was a panel member for the Independent Fan Led review of Football Governance by Tracey Crouch MP. He is passionate about football at all levels with both his son and daughter playing grassroots football and is also a season ticket holder at Manchester United Mens and Womens teams. 

“I dedicated the most recent 20 years of my career to building a sports consultancy business focused on quality of client service and development of professional experience for the people working within it. I am a team player committed to delivering to a high standard personally and supporting others to reach their potential. I now have the time available to use these skills to support grassroots football at Manchester FA.”

We look forward to seeing you all support both Manchester FA and grassroots football across Greater Manchester. Welcome, Chris, Anika and Dan!