Read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here:

Former NUFC player Steve Howey is helping make grassroots football more inclusive with a new ambassador role.

He has become the face of Northumberland FA’s 100% Inclusive campaign, which asks the football community to pledge their commitment to making everyone welcome in the game .

 It’s part of Northumberland FA’s new inclusion strategy which was launched at an event in North Tyneside.

 Steve was the first to sign Northumberland FA’s pledge board and we’re asking the grassroots community to also pledge support. Anyone who sign the pledge will receive a logo by email which they can use to show their support. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/3JwBQZC

Steve said: “I’m delighted to support this important campaign, as football should be a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.  Even today, there are people who feel excluded from sport due to issues such as race, gender and mental ill health and we need to do everything we can to address these issues.”

 Dean Buckle, Northumberland FA’s Head of Inclusion, said: “Our ultimate aim is to remove all barriers so that everyone is able to participate, regardless of their personal circumstances.

 “We know this is an ambitious project, however we have already made great strides by joining forces with a range of partner organisations who will help us make our dream a reality.”

 The new strategy has three key target areas:

 Working with people in low socio-economic areas to ensure they have access to football. This  includes our new Grassboots kit recycling initiative, and our SCARF Fund which helps children whose families are facing financial hardship by funding subs, transport costs and equipment.

 Working with people suffering from poor mental health and physical health to encourage them to start and continue playing sport. We are working with mental health charities to provide players with support services; and have partnerships with opticians and a sports therapist who provide discounts on their services.

 Taking action to increase participation for ethnically marginalised communities including our work to bring refugees into football and providing funded coaching and refereeing courses to increase access and skills.