Whilst discipline data from this season suggests that 94% of football within the county takes place without incident, we recognise that there are a growing number of reports being made regarding incidents of undesirable behaviour both on and off the field of play.  

We are also acutely aware that these, fairly low level incidents, mainly involving consistent shouting, arguing etc., can still dramatically impact the enjoyment of those attending these games and, if not dealt with, these actions can grow to become more serious  unacceptable behaviours that damage the overall perception of the grassroots game. 

As a County FA, we are fully committed to challenging the vocal minority to ensure that all who wish to play this wonderful game of ours to do so in a positive and welcoming football environment. 

However, both logistically and practically, we cannot be in attendance at all games, and we do not have a silver bullet on how we best tackle this deeply cultural and wider societal issue and so if, like us, you are passionate about this area of work, we require your support in order to better understand the scale, context and most importantly the best way to potentially deal with the issues facing our game locally. 

We are therefore looking to recruit individuals from across the game into two new groups. 

1. Club Match Day Observer 

As a County FA, Cumberland FA (CFA), are dealing with a greater number of requests to attend games at a weekend in an observational capacity. 

In order to allow us to support more targeted visits, we are looking to recruit between 4-8 suitable and committed individuals who will attend games on our behalf and provide feedback as a Club Match Day Observer. 

Club Match Day Observers would work closely with ourselves and our local leagues (both youth and adult) to attend identified games in both a discrete and visible capacity, dependent upon the circumstances and nature of the visits. 

Successfully recruited volunteers would be provided with an allowance to cover expenses incurred for each visit and report completed, as well as a range of Nike apparel, a CFA induction, appropriate FA Safeguarding training and an FA DBS, as well as other benefits attached to volunteering for the CFA.  

For more details on the role and a person specification, please CLICK HERE

To be considered for a role, please complete a short expression of interest form HERE

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 22nd September.

2. Positive Football Environment Advisory Group 

We are looking to recruit individuals from across the game to join a new Positive Football Environment Advisory Group. 

The focus of the group would be to: 

• Continuously monitor standards of behaviour from across the county 
• Identify any trends with regards to poor behaviour from within the county
• Feedback on how we can best promote and reward desirable behaviours 
• Advise how we best tackle and deal with undesirable and unacceptable behaviours in line with FA regulations. 

So whether you are a club official, a player, a parent, a coach or a referee, if, like ourselves, you are passionate about the game and, more specifically to making a difference to  the environment in which it is played; if you feel like you can offer constructive feedback and ideas to protect the game in the future and would be willing to volunteer to attend a minimum of 4 meetings (either face to face or virtually) then we would welcome you contacting us to express your interest by completing the short form available below. 

A more detailed role profile and person specification can be found HERE

To be considered for a role, please complete a short expression of interest form HERE

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 22nd September. 

Should you have any further questions or queries, then please email development@CumberlandFA.com