Steve's new role with NFA

A man engrained in grassroots football within the north-east region, Steve becomes president and chairman of the Northumberland FA having served on the Association’s board for the past 11 years, and succeeds outgoing chairman Alan Wright.

Established across numerous areas of the game, 57-year- old Steve has also served on the executive committee of Blyth Spartans Football Club for over a decade, having previously managed a number of women’s football teams across the county.

One of the pioneers of the North East Regional Women’s League, which ran from Hull up to Scotland, Steve also refereed in the Northern League and has acted as secretary of the Sunday Morning League.

Upon being announced as president and chairman of the Northumberland FA, Steve said: “I’m delighted to take up this prestigious role and I am looking forward to working with all associated with the Northumberland FA to ensure that everybody has a level playing field so that they can enjoy football across the region.

“We have a brand-new set-up at the Northumberland FA, led by our proactive chief executive officer, John Ackerley. Having met with John a number of times, I’m glad to say that our thoughts are very much aligned with regards to moving the County FA forward – and we’re both excited about what the future holds.

“We are keen to engage with everyone connected with football and promote opportunities for anybody wishing to get involved in the game. As a unit, we have one of the best set-ups in the country and we want to be proactive in our approach to connect with players and clubs, both old and new.

“As a collective, we are confident we can take on the challenge of changing people’s perception of the Northumberland FA.

“Northumberland is a county rich in football heritage and the game practically runs through many people’s veins.

“There are great people involved in football locally that aren’t given the recognition they deserve and we feel that it’s the Northumberland FA’s responsibility to do that.”