Board and Staff

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Cheshire FA Staff

Cheshire FA Board

Chairman - Dave Edmunds
Vice Chairman - Terry Harrop

Other Directors

John Smith
Paul Cullen
David Mansfield
Mel Pomfret
Peter Ferneyhough

quick links

Cheshire FA Staff

Steve stewart - Chief Executive

Bio

Originally from Belfast, I have had an unbroken 40 year career in Educational Leadership, Local Government and Development Work for the FA. I worked at Lancashire FA for 5 years before joining Cheshire FA in October 2016. I am still an active and successful referee in Liverpool. I believe passionately in Staff Development and Cheshire FA’s Vision of how we are “Changing Lives through Football”

Team that you support - Tottenham Hotspur

Interesting Fact - Worked in South Africa before the 2010 World Cup with an FA Referee Delegation

Paul Kelsall - County Development Manager

Bio

I develop and lead on the delivery of the National Game Strategy and Facilities Strategy. I also lead on customer excellence for Cheshire FA, whilst working towards inclusive football for all in Cheshire

Supporting Team - Birmingham City

Interesting Fact - London Marathon Runner 2014

Stuart Manifould - Business Development & Operations Manager

Bio

I manage our expanding Commercial and Partnership work. This involves creating and developing our business potential and influence across the county. The second part of my role is in relation to internal operations and activities being well coordinated and making sure they run smoothly.

Supporting Team - Manchester City

Interesting Fact - I have climbed Mount Everest

Nadine Crane - safeguarding Manager

Bio

I previously worked at Lancashire FA for 8 years in the Discipline department, before moving to Cheshire into the Safeguarding Team. My key role is to help, support and guide the volunteers creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone within the game

Supporting Team - Everton

Interesting Fact - One of the first people to run 100m in the 2012 Olympic Stadium

Damon Traverse - Marketing & Communications Officer

Bio

My main role is to promote the great work that we do across the county, to help Cheshire FA show how we change lives through football. I support a range of functions, from developing content for the Cheshire FA's website, social media channels and communications, to dealing with press enquiries and partnerships

Supporting Team - Manchester United

Interesting Fact - I have appeared as an extra on Hollyoaks

Sam Cathcart - Finance Assistant

Bio

I support all aspects of CCFAs Finance and Accounts processes

Supporting Team - Manchester City

Interesting Fact - I have bungee jumped off 23 bridges in England, Scotland and Wales

Vesta Kulyte - Customer Support Officer

Bio

I provide admin support for the Football Development and the Compliance & Regulations Teams. I also oversee Customer Excellence for Cheshire FA.

Supporting Team - Chelsea

Compliance & Regulations

Garry Polkey - Compliance & Regulations Manager

Bio

In my role I lead on the annual Club Affiliation and League Sanctioning process ensuring insurance and safeguarding requirements are met. I manage the Disciplinary process including investigating alleged misconduct, processing charges and sitting as Secretary to Discipline Commissions and the Cheshire FA Discipline Committee.

Supporting Team - Nottingham Forest

Interesting Fact - Appeared as linesman in the BBC TV series Playing the Field about a female football team in the final episode and was a Match Official at the London Paralympic Games in 2012.

Gill Rutter - Compliance & Regulations Officer

Bio

In my role I assist in the affiliation and league sanction process, as well as processing discipline within the County. I also deal with County Cup competitions and summer tournaments.

Supporting Team – Manchester United

Interesting Fact – I am the longest serving member at Cheshire FA!

Chris Barrow - Compliance & Regulations Officer

Bio

In my role I assist in the affiliation and league sanction process, as well as processing discipline within the County.

Supporting Team - Manchester City

education & Training Department

James Self - Education & Training Manager

Bio

To provide an excellent education and training programme that meets the needs of our diverse football workforce, ensuring a high quality experience and smooth journey for the learner

Supporting Team - Gillingham FC

Interesting Fact - I Have won a world cup silver medal - as part of the staff supporting the England Partially Sighted Futsal Team competing in the World Championships held in Italy in 2017.

Carol Millington - Senior Education & Training Officer

Bio

In 2001 I was employed by Cheshire FA as a Football Development administrator working within Coach Education. Having now worked for Cheshire FA for 16 years I have seen the department grow as more and more Charter Standard clubs come on board requiring coaches to attain the qualifications necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment within the club.

Supporting Team - Luton Town

Interesting Fact - My grandfather played for St Albans City in 1921/22 season and was involved in an FA Cup 4th Qualifying round on 22 November 1922 which remains “the most amazing match ever played probably by any club let alone City.”

Debbie Wakefield - Education & Training Officer

Bio

Cheshire born and bred! (God's Country!) I have had a 26 year career in the Civil Service... DHSS..DSS..DWP, local garden centre and 10 years at CCFA doing discipline and coach education.

Supporting Team - My family!!

Interesting Fact - Late 1970's/80's going through Checkpoint Charlie from West Berlin into East Berlin with husband and brother in law to be... their passports checked and OK. ... mine, which at the time had Civil Servant as occupation, suddenly resulted in rifles being pointed at our vehicle!!!! Achievement... I'm still here to tell the tale!

Football Development Department

Stephanie Knott - County Football Development Officer (Women & Girls')

Bio

To grow and retain participation, develop the infrastructure, help to raise standards. Support resource and monitor the player pathways. Focus area is on the female game

Supporting Team - Stratford Town FC

Interesting Fact - I love travelling the world!

Dan Landstrom - County Football Development Officer (Disability)

Bio

I deliver the disability football plan and oversee the inclusion strategy ensuring Cheshire FA is always working towards providing football For All

Supporting Team - Liverpool

Interesting Fact - Had the privilege of playing football at Wembley

Referees Department

Ed Duckworth - Referee Development Officer

Bio

My role is to oversee the Recruitment, Retention, Training and Development of referees in the Cheshire area.

Supporting Team -Blackburn Rovers

Interesting Fact - Level 3 Referee, FA Licensed Tutor and love a game of cricket during the close season.

Nigel Freelove - Referee Support Officer

Bio

My role is to assist the Referees Department with the running of FA Referee Courses and general day to day support.

Supporting Team – Chelsea FC

Interesting Fact – First ever employee of a company that went onto to float on the stock market for £1 billion.

Facilities Department

Ryan Cotterill - Facilities Manager

Bio

My role within the organisation is to manage the day to day running of the Cheshire FA Football Centre. This entails the managing of facility bookings, pitch maintenance and providing excellent customer service. If you require any information with regards to our 3G pitch or our in house booking rooms, please do get in touch!

Supporting Team – Chelsea FC

Interesting Fact – Recently achieved a 1st class degree in Sport Development

Matthew Griffiths - Facilities Officer

Bio

My role within the organisation is to help manage the day to day running of the Cheshire FA Football Centre. This entails pitch maintenance and providing excellent customer service. If you require any information with regards to our 3G pitch or our in house booking rooms, please do get in touch!

Supporting Team – Liverpool FC