Everyone at Manchester FA would like to say a huge thank you to the following departing Board Members.

Anthony Lawler MCIPD

"I’m sad to say that my role on the Manchester County FA Board came to a natural end on 30 June 2022, after a third term. I’m proud to say that I’ve been part of the significant evolution of the Board to its current structure and had the pleasure of working alongside some very talented and influential individuals along the way. I set out with 2 key aims: to develop a broad and detailed understanding of the grassroots game; and help to deliver a Board structure that puts the County FA in a strong & enviable position for the future. I’m pleased to have finished knowing that both have been achieved and I’ve played my part in developing the high profile that Manchester County FA holds today.

I’d like to thank the County FA for the opportunity I’ve been given. I’d also like to offer my thanks to all my fellow Board members and County FA colleagues and say ‘all the best’ in what will be a very bright and successful future."

Dr Robina Shah MBE JP DL FRCGP (HONS) SHFEA

"Having served nearly six years as Chair of IAB and delivered on our core strategic goals, it is time to handover the next phase of our journey to a newly reconstituted Inclusion Advisory Board.

I have worked with exceptional colleagues and volunteers who have been integral to promoting the principles, values and behaviours that translate equality and diversity as an inclusive experience for everyone. I am particularly proud that I captured our EDI strategy in a mission statement which was “Football for ALL’ and that during my tenure we have achieved the EDI preliminary kite mark twice from the FA. Challenges to resource the IAB effectively meant are application for intermediate level was delayed. When we were able to do so, the FA criteria had changed and so we had to start again. However, we remained resolute in our goal to succeed and this is evidenced by the Feedback we received from the FA. Alex West in particular has been driving the engine to achieve the next stage and with the appointment of a new IAB Chair and other members I am confidant the journey will deliver significant improvements to the composition of Manchester FA internally as a Board and operational workforce, but also externally through its membership base.

Providing an inclusive experience to everyone involved at all levels of the game in grassroots football is essential. This cannot be achieved without the support, innovation and commitment of our membership base who have been tremendous in making sure this is an outcome we all want to achieve now and in the future. Thank you!"

Chris Brindley MBE

"I am proud to have served grassroots football and all its members in Manchester and seen some significant progress both on and off the field. In terms of participation, Manchester FA has bucked the national trend, by seeing more clubs and players in the mens game and record growth in the Women and Girls game, as well as playing it’s part supporting under represented communities take part in various forms of the game.

I am particularly proud of the governance changes that Manchester FA has led the rest of grassroots football in. We have the most diverse Board ever seen and are totally transparent in the way it deals with Board issues. We have Youth and Inclusion Boards, which ensure all stakeholders have a voice. Our safeguarding is highly regarded, which was confirmed by the recent NSPCC inspection.

It is because if our commitment to Governance that I am stepping down from the Board. As Manchester FA adheres to Tier 3 of the Sport Code of Governance, no Director can serve more than 10 years and whilst sad to step down, it is absolutely the right decision, in order that the Board can benefit from a new Director with fresh thinking in taking grassroots football forward throughout Greater Manchester.

I would like to thank everyone for their support, particularly Colin Bridgford, CEO and the excellent team that he leads. Grassroots football is in good hands".

Words are not alone in showing our gratitude for the hard work, dedication and loyal support that Robina, Chris and Anthony have shown Manchester FA over the years, and we wish each of them the very best of luck as they explore new challenges in their careers.