Kelly Simmons will become The FA's Director of the National Game and Women’s Football

The FA is delighted to announce that Kelly Simmons has been appointed Director of the National Game and Women’s Football.

Simmons will begin her new role at Wembley Stadium on 1 January, fittingly, at the start of The FA’s landmark 150th anniversary year when the grassroots game, and women’s football in particular, will take centre stage during a year-long programme of major matches and special events.

Currently Head of National Game within the Football Services Division, Simmons will continue to oversee the delivery of The FA’s National Game Strategy.

This is a core component of The FA’s strategic goal to provide ‘Football for Everyone’ and includes a programme to invest £200m into grassroots football over a four-year period.

Simmons said: “It is a privilege to work in football and therefore I'm absolutely delighted to accept my new role as Director of the National Game and Women’s Football. It’s a hugely exciting time to be leading both these areas.

“The women’s game has gone from strength to strength in recent years and I’m delighted to be responsible for overseeing the implementation of Game Changer, our new five year commitment to women’s football.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to work with our partners to grow and develop the game in this country.”

Looking ahead to 2013, she believes the year to come promises to be a significant moment.

“FA150 gives a great opportunity to promote The FA’s wider work that sometimes gets hidden behind England and The FA Cup.

“It’s a real chance to have its moment in the spotlight because, at the end of the day, 98 per cent of football is played by children and in the grassroots game. It’s by far the nation’s biggest game.

“It’s completely reliant on the fantastic work of 400,000 volunteers across the country. It’s a real chance to promote that work and promote the opportunities for people to get involved in our game.”

Jonathan Hall, FA Director of Football Services said: “During 2012, Kelly has been leading on the development of a new strategy for Women’s Football entitled Game Changer which sets out ambitious plans for the development of the women’s game over the next five years.

“For the strategy to be a success we need clear responsibility and coordination of the women’s game across The FA Group and, given her strong experience of all aspects of the women’s game, we have asked Kelly to lead on this.”

Simmons, who joined The FA after graduating from Warwick University in 1990, was previously Head of Football Development, establishing The FA Football Development Department and delivering the FA Football Development Strategy 2001-2006.

Prior to that, she was responsible for Women’s Football. Kelly is a member of the UEFA Grassroots Panel and FIFA Women’s Committee. She was made an MBE in 2001 for her achievements in football.