Get Into Football was launched in 2006 to promote football development initiatives to all children and parents and has since evolved to incorporate the adult game as well.
As the guardians of the game, it is The FA's role, through County Associations to ensure there are opportunities for all to play the game and also engage people at all levels in off-the-field roles
It's about doing things properly. About making sure everyone has a chance to be involved in football, regardless of ability, race, gender, religion or background. It’s about encouraging and increasing the involvement of groups at all levels of football by recognising that inequalities exist and taking steps to address them. It's about making opportunities available where currently they are limited.
It is the work of the Football Development Officers based in each County to help deliver the objectives of ‘football for all’. They are there on the other end of the phone or e-mail to support you to get into football.
Wiltshire County Football Association has a team of Football Development Officers which all undertake responsibility for different parts of the game;
Stephen Neale – County Development Manager – Responsible for leading the Development Team and its work programme including key partner agencies, strategic planning, co-ordination and delivery of the County Plan, development & co-ordination of local partnerships, facilities development and grant funding advice and support.
Emma Small – Football Development Officer – Responsible for Charter Standard delivery in all its forms, the Respect and Football Futures Programmes, supporting the course education programme and working in conjunction with other staff and partners in school/club links work.
Adam Greaney – Get Into Football Officer for Swindon (Maternity cover for Tammy Pembleton) – Responsible for increasing adult participation in Swindon Borough, developing the Small Sided game across the County.
Bev Maull – Women’s & Girls’ Development Officer for Wiltshire – Responsible for growing the female game in all its forms and linkages with the County Sports Partnership.
Clive McGuire – at Swindon Town Football in the Community (STFC-FiTC) - WCFA partners with STFC - FiTC in terms of disability football strategy and delivery. Clive leads on delivery and developing opportunities for access to football for disabled players.
Kevin Small – Referee Development Officer – Responsible for recruiting and training referees.
Ian Hibbard – County Welfare Officer – Responsible for leading Wiltshire County FA Safeguarding Strategy
Rod Carter – Development Administrator – Responsible for organising and the administration of the County Course Education programme.
If you are interested in playing football, setting up a new club, becoming a coach or referee or keen to lend a hand and pay something back to the game, please contact one of the Development Team who will help you in your football pursuits.