Joanne Rutherford (Stevenage), Emma Yarrien (Standon) and Paul Wakelin (Hemel Hempstead) were nominated by the Hertfordshire FA to attend the first ever FA Young Leadership Camp in Ascot.

One hundred teenagers from across the country have been invited to learn more about the beautiful game and were welcomed by The FA’s Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking on Monday. Later this afternoon, they will receive their certificates from England legend and current England U21 Coach, Ray Wilkins.

At the end of the four days, three of the young leaders will be selected to go to Botswana to support The FA’s International Relations team, supporting the ‘Changing Lives’  programme which supports outreach work, including running festivals for children.

The Hertfordshire County FA nominated Joanne, Emma and Paul after all three had already have undertaken a leadership or football qualification, and have also committed to delivering a minimum of 25 hours voluntary football service after the camp, supporting local grassroots football.

Joanne is a student at Freeman’s College and is working towards her goal of playing or coaching at a higher level. She is currently a FA Level 1 Coach and this coming season she is looking to work with the Watford FA Centre of Excellence for girls. She coached there last season working with the U10s.

Emma is a member of Hormead Hares FC as a player and coach and is a mentor to girls in the lower age groups. She has previously helped with coaching the U13 boys team and the U12 girls and she regularly helps with events at her college, leading to her achieving her Sports Leaders Award.

Paul is a student at Astley Cooper School in Hemel Hempstead where he is currently volunteering in local primary schools helping with coaching the children. He is also a FA Level 1 Coach and a FA Level 7 Referee and hopes to be able to ‘raise the profile of girls’ football in the local area’.

Karl Lingham County Development Manager said: “At every level, we are reliant on the volunteer infrastructure of the country to run local football. However The FA and its County Associations need to ensure there is a flow of new enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about the game, so this camp represents a long-term investment into football.”

If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to get into football, you can contact the Hertfordshire County FA Football Development team on 01462 677 622.