The FA Council held their first meeting for 2018 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 17 January.
A number of topics were discussed and the highlights were as follows:
Council membership
Rupinder Bains has joined the Council as a Professional Game representative, jointly appointed by the Premier League and EFL. Rupinder was welcomed to her first meeting and joined by Kate Tinsley, who was appointed as an independent non-executive director at the previous Council meeting.
Sarah Walters has also joined the Council as the National Game’s women’s representative.
Find out more about who is on The FA Board and Council.
Culture recommendations
Our chief executive officer Martin Glenn presented to Council on a series of new initiatives aimed at improving the culture of The FA. These include:-
- Enhancing the inclusion and supportive culture of our National Football Centre at St. George’s Park.
- Improving the diversity, inclusion and culture of The FA as an organisation.
- Enhancing the work of The FA in supporting a more diverse and inclusive game.
- Creating a greater level of engagement with ex-players and coaches within the leadership of the FA
Trust, independence and transparency into the FA’s work.
Find out more information on this.
FA Group report and financial statements
Mark Burrows, our Chief Financial and Operating Officer, presented on the report and financial statements for the financial year ending 31 July 2017. The main features were total revenue of £351m for the year and a record investment back into the game of £127m.
Strategic plan review and future investment priorities
In 2018-19, new sponsorship and broadcasting agreements come into effect, which will increase our annual investment into the game to £180m. Director of strategy, Robert Sullivan, presented to the Council on how the Board has proposed that this additional funding is used, which include:-
- Repaying the debt on Wembley by 2024
- Doubling the Emirates FA Cup prize fund
- Additional £9m per year investment into grassroots facilities
- A Level One coach for every mini-soccer and youth team
- 150 new community development club hubs each with a UEFA B coach mentor
- An extra £50m to be invested to help double the reach of women’s and girls’ football.
