Gloucestershire FA launches new strategy

Gloucestershire FA launch new strategy

Gloucestershire FA unveils its three-year strategy

Gloucestershire FA has unveiled its strategy for the next three years.

The ‘Reset’ strategy unveiled today runs for 3 years from 2021-2024 and sets out Gloucestershire FA’s mission to protect, govern and grow football opportunities for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on individuals, families, lifestyles and businesses across the country. One thing that has been recognised is how football has the power to unite communities and positively impact on people’s health and mental wellbeing during such challenging times.

Year One (2021/22 season) of the strategy and operational delivery plan had a strong focus on supporting football participation within the county to rebuild and recover to its pre Covid-19 position.

Gloucestershire FA Chief Executive, David Neale said: “The past two years has been a very challenging period for all. The tireless work and time freely given by football volunteers continues to be vital as it is down to them that grassroots football in Gloucestershire survived the pandemic, and is now emerging stronger as we all learn to live with Covid.

"We have ‘reset’ as a County FA to respond to new and emerging priorities and build a path to recovery. Our Board and staff worked together to develop a new three-year business strategy that reset our Vision, Mission and Values and together, we aspire to an environment where football thrives, and everyone can participate in a safe & inclusive environment."

Football Development Manager, Matthew Boucher added: “It is really pleasing to see how positively the football family have responded following the stop start periods throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have already seen several successes during Year 1 of our new strategy. The number of male and female participants has increased across all formats of the game, and we saw a return of our disability football provision during the 2021/22 season.

Over 200 referees completed a course during the 21/22 season, over 600 coaches from across Gloucestershire attended one of the many CPD opportunities that were provided and over £1.1m has been invested, via Football Foundation, towards improving grass pitches and facilities across the County.

As we look ahead to the 2022/23 season and the remaining 2 years of our strategy, we are excited to continue working with our key stakeholders to help the game to grow, develop and thrive across Gloucestershire."

David Neale also added: “The 2021-24 Business Strategy has five key pillars, each one representing an identified strategic priority with clear objectives aligned to them. As part of the ‘reset’ strategy, it is important we strengthen and grow the partnerships and connections we have with local authorities, clubs, leagues, referees and volunteers, but it’s also important to focus on children and young people to ensure they are properly safeguarded and that their voice is heard and empowered to influence our delivery programmes. With your continued support, we can look forward to an exciting future for grassroots football."

To read the strategy in full click the button below to download the document.

Gloucestershire FA Reset Strategy 2021-2024