A message from our CEO, Ben Snowdon

As you will be acutely aware, all grassroots football including matches, training and friendlies, is suspended and will continue to be until further notice from the Government and The Football Association

These are obviously difficult times for the football community and the financial implications are far reaching as we face the reality of no football for the foreseeable future. 

Our Cumberland FA staff are also part of the of the football community and as such their job security and well-being is extremely important as we move forward.  

Since the suspension of the game there has understandably been a significant downturn in the workload of the staff team. Likewise, without the game being played the financial model of the Association is severely affected. We are a non-for-profit organisation whereby any income received is reinvested back into the game, whether this be to support the County FA workforce, our voluntary workforce, or investment in projects and the various initiatives that we deliver to with the aim of increasing participation, regulating the game and promoting safe and inclusive football within Cumberland. 

A decision has therefore been made for the Cumberland FA to utilise the Government’s Job Retention Scheme, in order to safeguard our staff, the Association’s short and long-term future and to be in the best position to continue to support investment into the grassroots game. 

The Government’s Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) is a temporary leave of absence for economic reasons designed to save jobs in the long-term. The Cumberland FA are looking at this on a rotational basis and all of the members of staff who are affected by this decision, understand and are fully supportive of this course of action. 

Therefore with effect from Monday 30th March the following staff rota will be in operation for the rest of April.  Further details will be provided in due course, should the current Government restrictions remain in place.  

UPDATED

Will this Change and if so How will we know?

Obviously many of the challenges presented to us by Covid-19 are outside of our control.  

Ideally we hope that these restrictions are lifted soon so that we can get everyone back to work and playing football as soon as possible. 

However we really just don’t know how long the current restrictions will remain in place and are therefore committed to remaining agile, proactive and responsible during this unprecedented time. 

We will continue to keep you updated with developments at Cumberland FA through our social media channels, website and direct communication where appropriate.  

How should I contact The CFA going forward? 

As a CFA we are committed to continue to offer our members a service, whilst our Office remains closed as we continue to follow government advice to work from home. 

We would ask that members continue to utilise generic e-mail accounts: 

Safeguarding and Welfare – Safeguarding@CumberlandFA.com 

Football Development (all development, player registration and coach education enquiries) – Development@CumberlandFA.com 

Discipline – Discipline@CumberlandFA.com 

Refereeing – RefSupport@CumberlandFA.com 

Finance – Footballservices@CumberlandFA.com 

County Cups – CountyCups@CumberlandFA.com 

General Enquiries – Info@CumberlandFA.com

Marketing and Communication - Media@CumberlandFA.com

Or via Office Number: 

01900 511 800 

Option 1 for all Football Services and General Enquiries 

Option 2 for all Football Development Enquiries 

Option 3 for all Safeguarding Enquiries 

We will respond as swiftly to your request as we can but do ask for your patience at this time if there is a delay in our response due to the current working arrangements and the reduction in staff available.  

What is the Future for Grassroots Football in Cumberland?

Our support to clubs and leagues will be imperative during this time and indeed when we are able to start playing football again. Sport England have recently announced a £20 million Community Emergency Fund and if you haven’t already done so, I would urge your club or league to look into this at the earliest convenience – more details can be found here on our website. 

As a County FA we are also looking at ways in which we can best utilise our funds to support our members ahead of next season having already announced a 50% reduction in affiliation fees for season 2020-21. 

To get the game back up and running will require your support, enthusiasm and passion for the game, and therefore if you have any opinions or ideas so that we can get this right and be ready for the return of our Players, Teams, Coaches, Referees, Volunteers, Parents, Clubs and Leagues then please feel free to share them with us via info@CumberlandFA.com. 

However I want the grassroots football community in Cumberland  to know that as an organisation, we are here to support you through this unprecedented period. 

These are challenging times and we will endeavour to make decisions aimed at safeguarding the future of the game in Cumberland. 

In tough times our football community comes together as a team and this is certainly a time to do that.

Stay safe.

Ben Snowdon
Chief Executive Officer
Cumberland FA
Thursday 9 April 2020 (Updated Staff details 5 May 2020)

Visit the CFA Covid-19 Page