NCFA Shaun, it seems to all of us like you've been around for quite a while! How long is it since you joined the County FA?
SH 4 years - I started as Community Coach, moved to Girls & Women's FDO in January 2008 and then onto Small Sided FDO in March 2008, before being appointed FDC General Manager in August 2009.
NCFA What would you say is the best bit about your job?
SH Working in football allows you to meet a lot of people who are all deeply interested in the game. I have met some really great people during my time at NCFA.
NCFA Ok, what's the best County FA related memory then?
SH There are lots of good memories. Soccer on the Sands 2009 was superb. I was tasked with organising the event and it was our biggest SOTS event to date. Starting the County 5IVES programme was one of my biggest successes, it began with 2 Centres and has now grown to 8 Centres and over 200 teams participating weekly.
NCFA So what footie team do you follow?
SH Growing up I was a massive Norwich City fan. I had a season ticket for many years in the River End (now the Norwich & Peterborough Stand). Unfortunately, as I progressed into my playing career I didn’t really have time to support the team on the terraces, although I always look out for the Norwich result and hope they are back where they belong in the Premiership very soon!
NCFA What's your best ever football memory?
SH As a football supporter it was the first time I went to Carrow Road. I was in the upper tier of the River end and I thought it was the biggest stadium ever! It was when the Barclay end was standing and the old South Stand was still there, so in hindsight I guess it really wasn't all that impressive!
From a playing perspective, I was part of Peter Shilton’s 1000 league match when I was playing for Leyton Orient. It was a great day and just to see the enthusiasm he still had for the game, after all he had achieved and where he had been, was amazing. During his final days at Orient he played for the reserves in a mickey mouse cup final. We won the match and to Peter it was like he had won the World Cup. He was over the moon to receive a trophy and said he would put it in his cabinet next to his England caps. I don’t think many modern day footballers would think the same these days!
NCFA Who's your tip to win this summer's World Cup?
SH England of course! There is always the same hype before a major international tournament, but I really think this year we have a good shot at it. Everything about Fabio Capello screams winner and I think the team will hit their peak at the finals.
NCFA What are your hobbies outside of work?
SH Football is a big part of my life and I enjoy playing for Wroxham FC. I also love spending time with my young family, watching my daughter grow and turn into a little lady fascinates me.
NCFA You've been something of a penalty hero in Wroxham's run to the semis of this year's FA Vase competition - tell us, what's the secret to taking the perfect penalty?
SH Does shut your eyes and hit it hard count as a technique?! I can't give it away as I might be needed to take one in the semi final or fingers crossed the final at Wembley. So you'll just have to watch me next time!