Voice FC
Following an open recruitment phase, Northumberland FA is delighted to announce that a group of 12 young people (currently aged 15-21) have formed the first Voice FC team within Northumberland FA. The group contains players, coaches, referees, supporters, and volunteers in other roles in football, so offer a fantastic mix of knowledge and experience.
Voice FC will act as a representative voice for young people in the region. They will gather insight to help form ideas and initiatives to improve the football experience for young people, aiming to support more young people play, coach, referee, volunteer, and spectate in grassroots football. Voice FC will compliment Northumberland FA’s existing Football Advisory Board and Inclusion Advisory Board, with Voice FC having members on both, ensuring the voice of young people is represented within Northumberland FA.
In addition, in partnership with local youth charity, NE Youth, Northumberland FA will support the development of Voice FC members to support their own aspirations and leadership skills. Voice FC members will take part in workshops across Teamwork and Team Building; Decision Making & Problem Solving; Communication; Inclusivity & Diversity; Time Management; CV Building; Mental Health & Wellbeing; Creativity & Innovation; Reflection; and Safeguarding.
Voice FC came together for the first time, at a workshop hosted at St James’ Park in April. As well as getting to know their team, the group have already begun discussing what they think is important to help young people in football. They will be taking part in a series of workshops throughout the season. One of the tasks they hope to achieve in 2024/25 season is to visit Clubs to run short feedback workshops with junior players to learn what young players themselves like about football, what they want from football, and how football could be even better for them.
The application window to join Voice FC for 2024/25 season has now closed. However, if you are aged 16-21 and are interested in joining Voice FC, please complete our Voice FC expression of interest form. If opportunities to join come up, or when applications re-open (expected April 2025), Northumberland FA will get in touch.
Any questions, please contact david.jones2@northumberlandfa.com.