'We have to be more flexible in how we govern the game'

Just as you might expect of a former Millwall Lionesses midfielder, Laura Smith is used to tough challenges.

The Suffolk County FA chief executive, 35, is one of the youngest in her position in the country and carries the can for a wide range of matters, from youth policy to pitches.

"It’s every aspect of the game below Conference level, so we look after all the discipline side of things, register all the referees and all the clubs are affiliated to us so they can play in local leagues," said Smith, who joined Suffolk in 2012.

"We really are responsible for making sure the game in our county is being delivered to a high standard, so there is opportunity for everyone, whatever their ability, disability, age, gender, and that the most talented players have a chance to progress and achieve the best they can."

Smith was talking at the 2015 National Game Conference at St. George’s Park this week, where leading figures from across the grassroots game came together to hear speeches from FA technical director Dan Ashworth, national game and women’s football Kelly Simmons, and share ideas for how the game should be run.

"We are looking at the new National Game Strategy that kicks in from next season. In counties we are making our plans for that and thinking about what has gone well and maybe any areas where we have been a bit weak," she explained.

"There will be a lot more money coming down from The FA for facilities so we need to be in a position where we can deliver those.

"Coaching is key – so that that a youngster’s first experience with coaching is a good one to help them remain in the game as long as possible.

"And then at the top end, players need coaching that is technical and helps achieve the best they can."

Before hanging up her boots after a serious knee injury at 31, Surrey-born Smith enjoyed a distinguished playing career for Wimbledon Ladies, AFC Wimbledon, and then Millwall Lionesses.

Now she is training to become a referee, but weekend whistling will not distract her from tackling the bigger issues facing Suffolk County FA, and equivalent organisations across the country.

"People expect more for their money these days," she said. "They want a better experience and if they don’t get good facilities they use their feet, and maybe go into [non FA-sanctioned] five-a-side football.

"Now I firmly believe all those people are playing football.

"But I also feel that as a County FA we need to be more flexible in terms of rules and the way that we govern the game.

She added: "The offer that we make with players has to be more modern and I think some of the rules we are restricted by in adult football make it difficult to do that.

"We really have to make sure we move with the times."

From her experience, Smith feels that most people she has worked with in football share the same goals, and neither her age nor her gender has held her back.

She said: "We all love football, whether it is staff or coaches or council members.

"So once you start talking football, and they can see that you know what you are talking about, that you have played at a pretty good standard - and most importantly that you love the game - most people are comfortable with a young woman who has come into a fairly senior position in football.

"It didn’t hold me back. I like a challenge and I saw it as a challenge to win people over and bring them along with us."