GOVERNANCE
Interview: The Grassroots Post @thegrassrootspost
STATE OF PLAY: THE FA Joe Heatley-Baillie is a Senior Brand Manager for The FA and key to promoting grassroots football. TGP: So, Joe, tell us about your role at the FA? JHB: I work in the brand marketing team dedicated to the promotion and communications of grassroots football. We cover everything from affiliated football on Saturdays and Sundays across the country, to specific participation programmes aimed at getting young girls to play football for their first time, to digital products such as Matchday which are aimed at making the experience for our grassroots volunteers as enjoyable and easy as possible. TGP: And are you much of a player yourself? What's your experience in or with grassroots football? JHB: I used to play football a lot when I was a kid for my local team Wey Valley in Hampshire, playing in most of the age groups until I went to university where I played in a student-run league with friends. When I started my career I played less often due to time commitments and now
I have two children I am restricted more to five-a-side in the evenings. I am an FA Level 1 qualified coach and intend on getting involved with my local club when my children are old enough and of course want to.
TGP: The grassroots game seems to have more pathways than ever to play or be involved, regardless of age, ethnicity or ability. Has that been a huge focus for the FA? JHB: Absolutely. Football is a game for everyone and we have been working hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved, be it playing, coaching, volunteering or supporting. We have made great progress with women’s and girls’ football, with the Game Plan For Growth strategy that has delivered on all its objectives of doubling the number of women’s teams. This season saw the launch of the Football Your Way disability football plan which will see significant momentum over the next three years in an area of participation which was hardest hit by the pandemic.
TGP: Feels like the last couple of seasons have been about weathering the storm of the pandemic. How has it been? JHB: For much of those involved in grassroots football it’s been difficult. Forever changing circumstances and lockdowns meant most of our time was spent ensuring guidance was in place to ensure everyone was safe and able to enjoy the game. It does feel like this season with restrictions fully lifting we have seen some sense of normality with leagues and cups back in full swing, participation programmes bringing players back into recreational sessions and player numbers TGP: And what areas are across the board have been positive the main focus as we move towards 2022/23? across male, female and disability.
