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Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group

The Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group (ISAG) is an independent group that’s aim is to promote and address inclusion and diversity in football. The group will discuss relevant issues and formulate solutions; share idea and good practice; inform and educate staff and volunteers; develop strategies and policies with regards to inclusion and diversity; engage and network to increase participation within all communities to positively support the Norfolk FA strategy.

 

The ISAG will:

  • Check, challenge and support Norfolk FA on the implementation of the current Strategy (Norfolk Football – A Strategy for Everyone) with regards to inclusion, equality and diversity
  • Build strong relationships with, and between, all Norfolk communities to ensure that all football participants are represented equally and have a recognised voice
  • Seek to eliminate discrimination, bullying, harassment, victimisation and any other form of discriminatory abuse
  • Be at the forefront in advancing equality of opportunity amongst Norfolk communities as well as having a specific focus on the protected characteristics
  • Lead discussions around key equality and diversity issues such as improving the opportunity to participate for all those groups that are currently underrepresented in Norfolk football
  • Improve and develop inclusive practices, programmes, and provisions, including developing a workforce to meet the needs of all customers
  • Seek to develop a clear understanding of the current Norfolk FA Strategy (Norfolk Football – A Strategy for Everyone)
  • Seek to develop learning around how to broaden engagement with underrepresented groups within the County.
  • Support Norfolk FA in maintaining the Preliminary Level of the Equality Standard for Sport.

 

If you are interested in joining the group, please complete the expression of interest form by clicking here. We also ask that any expression of interest submission is accompanied by completing the Equality and Diversity monitoring form, which can be found here. If you would like further information on the group, please contact Football Development Manager, Rachel Cossey, on Rachel.Cossey@NorfolkFA.com.

At the bottom of this page please find the ISAG’s Terms of Reference.

ISAG Members

Gabriel (Gabby) is the Chairman of the Norwich District Sunday League. He is an ex-player and manager of various clubs in the Anglian Combination, Norwich District Sunday and Norfolk Veterans Leagues. One of the founding members of the Black Staff and Allies Workstream within HM Treasury.

Di is the co-founder and organiser of Proud Canaries. She is the former and current Chair of Pride in Football and co-founder and organiser of Three Lions Pride. She is also the director of football at Proud Canaries FC and ex 11-a-side and 7-a-side player. 

Jake is a BSc Sports Development Student at the University of East Anglia and is also Co-President of UEA Football. Within this role he has become involved with a number of charity projects including food donation banks, sportswear collections for under-privileged children and has signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon in June 2022. He is also a member of the Norfolk FA Youth Council and is therefore our Youth Council Representative on the ISAG.

Sheila is a registered social worker and has worked with and for the community across London for over 36 years, predominantly within Education and Children Social Care.  She has specialised in Safeguarding Children and Inclusion.  Now living in Norfolk, she wants to continue her work in this area.

Tim is a Norfolk FA registered referee who refereed at the Cerebral Palsy World Games. He is also the Chairman of the Norwich Referee Association. He is a player at Proud Canaries FC and works for NANSA as a support worker and session co-ordinator. He has previously worked as a learner mentor at Easton and Otley College.

Karen is the League Secretary and Respect Officer for the Norfolk Combined Youth League, which is the biggest youth football league in Norfolk. 

Jason is a PE and community sport co-ordinator in a special educational needs school. He is a member of the S.E.N group with all S.E.N schools in Norfolk who organise events for S.E.N pupils aged 5-19 years old. 

Mark currently works for Go Geronimo CIC delivering and heading up as a provider of PE/ Sports provision opportunities for Primary schools in the Great Yarmouth area. He is involved in various community projects including walking football. He has previously played football but now his passion is coaching both football and futsal.

Ken is the Norfolk County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer. Ken also founded a local youth football club and is still the Club Welfare Officer of this club. Ken has a vast amount of experience in anti-discrimination. 

Jimmy is a course leader and lecturer at City College Norwich. He has previously worked with the FA National football teams including a number of disability squads in a sports science support capacity. Jimmy is also the University and College’s (UCU) union equality officer and branch Chair. 

Related Documents

Inclusion Strategy Advisory Group - Terms of Reference - September 2022
470.9KB (PDF)