New Board Members Appointed Alongside New Vision
NEW BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED IN MISSION TO ‘CREATE FOOTBALL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL’
Surrey FA welcome four new Trustees to the Board and has elected a new Vice Chair to drive forward their new Strategy and Vision with each member adding impressive skills and experience beneficial to grassroots football.
The new strategy follows the overhaul of our strategy in 2015, which was adapted in order to align ourselves closer with The FA’s National Game Strategy.
To read the new Surrey FA strategy, which will run from 2018-2021, please click here.
A New Journey
Following consultation with staff, Trustees and Management Committee members, Surrey FA has taken the positive decision to change our organisational vision – adopting a new one which embodies the dedication to our cause.
The new vision, “Creating football opportunities for all” is both representative of our passion for people to get involved in football, but also for our commitment to equality. Whether it’s our county cups, recreational football for women, inclusive coaching courses, or our disability leagues – Surrey FA are dedicated to getting you active and involved in all areas of football.
Our fantastic new board members and Vice Chair are each looking forward to using their unique skillsets and passion for grassroots football to play their part and help us deliver our objectives across the next three years and beyond.
Introducing...
Vice Chair - Soye Briggs
Soye is the director of Community Development for Palace for Life Foundation, he joined Surrey FA in 2012 becoming a member of the Counties then Equality Committee. Two years later the County nominated him to attend the FA-backed ‘On The Board’ initiative.
The scheme run by the Governance Forum equips individuals from a diverse background with knowledge on corporate governance and the skillset to sit on football boards.
Soye graduated in 2015, applied to become a director and was elected. Soye has been on the Board since and this year was elected as Vice Chair of the Board.
Commercial Trustee - Lizzie Liebenhals
Lizzie Liebenhals is the director / co-founder of Halls and Halls an events and PR Company specialising in sport.
Lizzie has been involved in the commercial and events side of sport since 1994, when she became part of the newly formed commercial team for England sponsorship.
‘To be voted onto the board in this new role is a true honour for me. I have been in the commercial forefront of football for over 20 years now and believe the Surrey FA has some very sound frameworks and KPI's. I look forward to supporting the entire team in all their commercial strategy and delivery’.
Marketing Trustee – William Douglas (Board Co-opted position)
William Douglas is the Chief Marketing Officer for JLL (a publicly listed global property and financial services company). He has extensive marketing and commercial strategy experience and his current role sees him directly responsible for the global brand and all regional marketing including strategy, digital, and sponsorship.
William is a qualified and active referee in Surrey and involved in his son’s and daughter’s football adventure in the county.
"I am looking forward to working with Caroline and the board on developing the commercial and marketing side of Surrey FA. Creating football opportunities for all requires innovate programs, willing and enthusiastic volunteers, activate and engaged participants, and great partners, I will try to use my skills and experience to help bring those pieces together and get our story out to the community and partners.
Board Safeguarding Champion – Victor Olisa
Victor Olisa has been part of the Metropolitan Police service since 2005 and acted as Borough Commander for Bexley and Haringey, as well as the Head of Diversity & Inclusion. Victor is also active in grassroots football, taking up the role of Vice Chair at Metropolitan Police FC.
“My overriding aim is to work with every club to ensure that every young person under 18 that wants to play or be involved in football in the County can do so confident that the Safeguarding measures in place will enable them to enjoy football activities safely and enjoyably," said Victor of his appointment.
Health & Safety Trustee – Laura Smith
Laura Smith is CEO of Aldershot Town FC and is responsible for the management of the club including business planning and strategic direction. Her remit includes health & safety compliance and match day safety.
Prior to her current role she was CEO of Suffolk FA for 4 years leading the organisation through a change of focus working closely with the Board of directors.
She previously played for Wimbledon and Millwall Lionesses as well as the previous Surrey FA Women’s representative team.
“I look forward to giving back to football in Surrey. The County has a special place in my heart having spent much of my playing career at a club based in Surrey and I enjoyed being part of the County’s representative side for many years. If I can help enable more players to enjoy the sport as much as I have over the years, it will have been extremely worthwhile.”