Cumberland FA is delighted to release its new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, featuring the County FA's Diversity & Inclusion Plan, tackling discrimination framework, research and highlights of our EDI journey to date.

Ben Snowdon, Cumberland FA CEO, said: "As a County FA our purpose is to work together to make a difference in our County through the game, we love and we hope to do this by increasing participation, regulating the game, and promoting safe, inclusive football. If we truly wish to increase participation and make this a game open for all to fall in love with, then a vital component of this will be us all working together to create a thriving community that harnesses the true spirit of football, and a game free from discrimination.

"It is important that we also take time to reflect and celebrate success within our ED&I journey to date and further explore how we best utilise existing opportunities, local role models and clubs to highlight the excellent work already being undertaken by key stakeholders. This can both inspire and support other leagues and clubs, within the grassroots community, to work towards and achieve greater diversity in their own governance and structure, including within their players and volunteers.

"We must also continue our work to create a safe and positive football environment and as such improve the perception of the game to ensure that it is one that resonates and connects with more people within the County. A game that embraces difference and where a person can feel welcome, find their place and flourish, regardless of their ability, or background. A game that more people can and want to be a part of.

"To achieve this drive for inclusive football it is imperative that Cumberland FA must first diversify ourselves as an organisation and look to develop and embed inclusion across our programmes, as we know that by setting the standards in what we do and the way we do it we can inspire positive change and also allow the power of football to bring people together, eradicate social barriers and be a force for good across the local community."

To download and view the strategy in full, please click below.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy