Board Observer

Manchester Football Association is the home of grassroots football in Greater Manchester, committed to making football accessible and inclusive for all. With over 3,500 teams and more than 30,000 participants, the Association provides the structures and services that support players, volunteers, coaches, referees, clubs, and leagues. As a dynamic and evolving County FA, it focuses on enabling individuals and groups to develop and thrive within the game. The organisation is passionate about the long-term success of football and works closely with local and national partners to promote safe, enjoyable, and sustainable participation. Board Observers join a mission-driven environment where community impact and the growth of grassroots football are central priorities.

The Board Observer is a volunteer position that provides independent observation, insight, and feedback to support effective governance at Manchester Football Association. In this hybrid role, based in Manchester with flexibility for some work from home, the Board Observer will attend scheduled Board meetings (in person), committee meetings, review papers and reports in advance, and observe discussions on strategy, finance, safeguarding, and grassroots development. Day-to-day activities include reading and analysing governance documents, identifying risks and opportunities, and offering constructive feedback to the Chair or designated Board members outside formal decision-making processes. The role involves engaging with senior staff and Board members to understand key initiatives, monitoring how decisions align with the Association’s values and regulatory requirements, and contributing to periodic reviews of Board effectiveness. The Board Observer does not vote or carry legal responsibility for decisions but plays an important part in supporting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Experience or strong interest in governance, compliance, or board-level oversight within sport, nonprofit, public, or corporate settings.

• Ability to analyze written reports, financial information, and strategic plans, and to distill key risks, trends, and opportunities.

• Clear, confident communication skills, including the ability to ask challenging questions respectfully and provide balanced feedback.

• Strong ethical judgment, integrity, and commitment to inclusivity, safeguarding, and the values of grassroots football.

• Capacity to work independently, manage time effectively, and prepare thoroughly for meetings in a hybrid working environment.

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, football governance structures, County FA operations, and relevant regulatory frameworks.

• Prior experience in community sport, voluntary organizations, or stakeholder engagement is beneficial but not essential.

• Availability to attend regular meetings in Manchester and to participate in virtual sessions and document review from home.