Staff

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Staff

The Gloucestershire Football Association is led by a Board of Directors, supported by 55 members of Council and the Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG).

The Gloucestershire FA Team that delivers the Association's strategic priorities and develops football in the County is led by Chief Executive and Senior Safeguarding Lead, David Neale. You can find more about the team and staff profiles below.

David Neale

Chief Executive Officer

At the GFA since 2006.

David provides expert leadership and direction to the Association’s team of staff while also sitting on the Board of Directors. David is also the Senior Safeguarding Lead for the Gloucestershire FA.

Senior Managers

Matt Boucher

Head of Strategy and Delivery

At the GFA since March 2010.

Matt is responsible for leading the Football Development Team to develop and support the delivery of the FA National Game Strategy in the County. Matt also leads on Facility development across Gloucestershire working closely with the Football Foundation, Local Authorities, clubs and other organisations to improve football facilities.

Fun fact: I once cycled from London to Paris and on the way home our bikes got stolen...

What I like about working at the GFA: Having an impact on grassroots football and working alongside colleagues who share the same passion for the game.

Supports: Manchester United

Chris Lucker

Football Services Manager

At the GFA since January 2008.

Chris' responsibilities include the governance of Clubs and Leagues, facilitating the FA disciplinary process, managing the County Cups and supporting the use of FA Whole Game by staff and football volunteers.

Fun fact: Recipient of two Blue Peter Competition Winner badges by the age of 10.

What I like about working at the GFA: Advising and helping the football volunteer workforce; ‘There’s no such thing as a silly question’!

Supports: Newcastle United & Bristol City

Judith Langworthy

Finance Officer

At the GFA since August 2015.

Prior to joining the Gloucestershire FA, Judith spent over 30 years in both Financial & Management Accounting. She manages all aspects within the financial side of the business.

Fun fact: I played walking football for England earlier this year.

What I like about working at the GFA: It's nice to be able to help volunteers within football, having volunteered for many years myself. Working in a sporting environment with like-minded people.

Supports: Manchester United & Plymouth Argyle

Staff Members

Gemma Szakacs

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

At the GFA since April 2023.

Gemma acts as the main contact for all youth League and Club Welfare Officers. Gemma ensures best practices, policies and safeguarding are embedded within the County grassroots football community.

Fun fact: I was the lead for a majorette squad when I was at school. We used to perform for Bristol Rovers, much to my Dad’s dislike being a Bristol City fan.

What I like about working at the GFA: I love providing support to our network of Welfare Officers and promoting best practice. I take great satisfaction out making football a safer place.

Supports: Bristol City

Laura Faulkner

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

At the GFA since June 2001.

Laura ensures that risk assessments are done and properly signed by our DSO. Laura is also responsible for filing and storing all documents relating to safeguarding, validating DBS checks and supports the DSO with day to day safeguarding issues.

Fun fact: I used to work for Avon Ambulance service as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and during my short stint there I helped three Dads to deliver their babies! Apparently, one baby girl was given Laura as their middle name!

What I like about working at the GFA: I have had various roles in my time here and only started working in safeguarding two years ago. The DDSO role has been challenging at times but I'm enjoying working with Gemma and learning from her wealth of knowledge and it's been great liaising with all our Club Welfare Officers and assisting them with the great work they are doing within their clubs. Together we are all making some positives changes to make football a safe, enjoyable, and positive experience for all involved.

Supports: Bristol Rovers

Jacob Owers

Participation & Development Manager

At the GFA since December 2017.

Jacob is responsible for overseeing our three player pathways, specifically leading on the male pathway. Jacob also leads on our Clubs & Leagues development work and England Football Accreditation.

Fun fact: I have had a hole in one!

What I like about working at the GFA: Meeting volunteers and working within the game that I am passionate about.

Supports: Bristol City

Sam Myatt

Equality & Workforce Development Manager

At the GFA since August 2023 (second stint)

Sam's responsibility is to work alongside our IAG and help to increase our engagement from historically underrepresented groups within playing, coaching as well as refereeing. Sam returned to the Gloucestershire FA after working for Berks & Bucks FA as their Referee Development Officer for just shy of two years.

Fun fact: I officiated in Gloucester City’s first game back at Meadow Park in 2022 (3-3 draw with Hungerford Town)

What I like about working at the GFA: I really enjoy giving back to a game that has given me so many good times as a player and referee. Helping develop the next batch of match officials and ensuring the game is inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Supports: Manchester United

Hamish Hurst

Football Development Officer - Facilities & Investment

At the GFA since September 2022.

Hamish supports the delivery of investment in grassroots facilities, with a focus on our grass pitch improvement programme to increase the number of good quality pitches.

Fun fact: I ran 100 miles in 6 days to raise money for Sarcoma UK and Teenager Cancer Trust.

What I like about working at the GFA: Meeting new volunteers, helping them with PitchPower assessments and seeing pitches improve with the help of the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund.

Supports: Chelsea

Skye Smith

Football Development Officer - Women & Girls

At the GFA since September 2023.

Skye's responsibility is to support the development of the Women and Girls' game in Gloucestershire.

Fun fact: I went to Australia for the Women’s World Cup. Saw England beat Colombia and Australia, unfortunately not Spain in the final!

What I like about working at the GFA: I love being able to work in football full-time and helping to grow the female game in the county. The GFA is a great place to work, full of friendly, positive people that make the job more fun!

Supports: West Ham

Hattie Tidwell

Football Development Officer - Disability Pathway

At the GFA since October 2023.

Hattie's main responsibilities are to support the development of disability football in Gloucestershire, ensuring there are opportunities for all.

Fun fact: I grew up in Canada & America and I put maple syrup on everything!

What I like about working at GFA: My role is so rewarding, and I get to spend everyday with the best team I could ask for.

Supports: Arsenal

Toby Colliver

Football Development Officer - Workforce

At the GFA since November 2023.

Toby is responsible for growing participation numbers, developing and retaining volunteers and referees within the local game.

Fun fact: My dad lost a bet and so my older brother is called Oliver Colliver.

What I like about working at the GFA: Developing the game in my local area and helping people to enjoy football as much as possible.

Supports: Liverpool

Martin McConachie

Football Services Officer

At the GFA since April 2023.

Martin's main responsibility is to support delivery of Club and League Affiliation, registration, county cup competitions, and disciplinary procedures.

Fun fact: I once ate 48 KitKat chunky bars in 12 hours for charity.

What I like about working at the GFA: The ability to make a positive difference in local grassroots football, helping clubs with their administration issues and the coffee machine in the top building!

Supports: Yeovil Town

Dave Williams

Football Services Officer

At the GFA since March 2022.

Dave's main responsibility is the delivery of Club and League Affiliation, registration, county cup competitions, and disciplinary procedures.

Fun fact: Played against Alan Shearer and Ian Wright back in the day with Bristol Rovers youth teams.

What I like about working at the GFA: Love being involved in football and supporting clubs and officials, to ensure running of their clubs is as smooth as possible. It's a good group of people working at the GFA, who all share the same values.

Supports: Bristol Rovers & West Ham

Matt Liddle

Commercial and Marketing Manager

At the GFA since October 2023.

Matt's main responsibilities are to develop and implement the Association's Marketing and Communications strategy and to seek out and secure commercial and sponsorship opportunities.

Fun fact: In the summer I ran a marathon and got lost. We ended up doing 31 miles in 31 degree heat.

What I like about working at the GFA: It's a great team and the management team are really good at supporting staff wellbeing.

Supports: Gloucester City & Liverpool