This annual gathering of Europe's football parliament holds special significance for The FA’s Chairman as he faces his first re-election to the UEFA Executive Committee since he first won the post in the summer of the year 2000.

Geoff Thompson has served the game of football at all levels for nearly 40 years. With justification, he has a reputation at home and internationally for his dedication and integrity, as well as his passionate commitment to the European football family. In 2002, he was elected 4th Vice President of UEFA.

"It was a huge honour and a privilege to be voted onto the UEFA Executive Committee and not a responsibility I have taken lightly", he says. "Europe is a diverse continent and the issues facing the national associations vary enormously.

"It is about much more than 22 players, a ball and a set of rules; it’s important to see the bigger picture if football is to thrive and survive in Europe. Youth development, for example, is hugely important as it is the young people that will become the fans, coaches, referees, administrators and indeed leaders of our future. It is also about harmony, friendship and shared visions with sound commercial management and a firm commitment to make those visions a reality".

Geoff Thompson is one of seven members standing for re-election for a further four-year term alongside Dr Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia), Marios Lefkaritis (Cyprus), Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder (Germany), Dr Joseph Mifsud (Malta), Per Ravn Omdal (Norway) and Dr Matthieu Sprengers (Netherlands). The three new candidates are Dr Franco Carraro of Italy, Portugal's Dr Gilberto Madaíl and Croatian Vlatko Markovic.

As the governing body of European football, it is important for The FA to be represented and for England’s voice to be heard. The elections will take place on Friday 23rd April.