A newly formed football team, Football United, played its inaugural fixture against the Royal Air Force (RAF) at Wantage FC in May, as part of our Community of Practice Ambassador programme.
Launched in 2024, our Community of Practice Ambassador Programme sets out to strengthen the connection between grassroots football, County FAs and our EDI Strategy, A Game Free from Discrimination.
The programme brings together a network of ambassadors working primarily across grassroots football and the National League System and has evolved into a focused group of 16 highly active ambassadors who bring lived experience, specialist knowledge and strong local networks. These ambassadors operate across key specialisms including race and ethnicity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability football, mental health, women and girls’ participation, faith engagement, and South Asian community development.
Football United is led by one of our Community of Practice ambassadors – Sophie Cook, who is a trans advocate and former RAF member.
The team is made up of players from different backgrounds, ages, identities and abilities, all coming together through a shared love of the game.
Speaking after the match, Sophie was thrilled to see such a strong turnout, as well as an unexpectedly strong performance from a group of players that had never met before.
“We were thrilled to see so many individuals from so many communities, representing eight of the nine protected characteristics, register their interest in representing Football United,” explained Sophie.
“Incredibly, everybody that signed up was able to attend the match, too, and that’s an amazing thing when you factor in everyone giving up their own time to travel to Wantage.
“That shows just how strong the appetite is to celebrate diversity and inclusion through football, and that is a vital component of the Community of Practice Ambassador Programme.
“A very creditable performance in the match was a bonus, too. A narrow defeat for a team of strangers against a group that has played together for a considerable amount of time is something to be very proud of!”
Group Captain Louise Hancock, RAF FA Director for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added: “We were proud to host the exhibition match between an RAF Combined XI and Football United. Events like this demonstrate that football can unite communities, challenge perceptions and create an environment where everyone feels they belong, both on and off the pitch.”
As we work to continue growing Football United, we want more people to join the journey.
To find out more about upcoming fixtures, events and opportunities to get involved through playing, volunteering or supporting from the sidelines, contact EDICOP@thefa.com.
