The FA National Youth Council (FANYC) are excited to announce that we are recruiting Mentors for the FA Leadership Academy 2026 (FALA26).
The FA Leadership Academy is a 12-month learning and development programme for Youth Leaders in football aged 16 - 24 which kicks off with a 4-day residential event. This year the residential will take place in-person on the 26th-30th July 2026 at Walton Hall, Warwickshire.
Over their 12-month learning and development journey, participants are supported by a FALA Mentor, a voluntary role, to unlock their full potential whilst implementing a project that aims to deliver positive change in their local football community. The programme is delivered by the 16 youth leaders of the FA National Youth Council, supported by FA Staff. The vision of the FANYC is:
"To ensure all young people have meaningful and inclusive opportunities to develop themselves and positively impact the football community."
If you feel as though you, or a staff member from your Organisation fits the criteria of a FALA Mentor, are open to the challenge of developing, and would benefit from connecting with The FA Youth Leadership ecosystem please see the Role Description above and Application Link here: FALA Mentor Application<https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d24b77fc575f99403930c78eacfcd>
To be eligible a mentor must:
* Be available for the following key dates: 2x Training on Sunday 10th May 2026 (online) and Sunday 28th June 2026 (Walton Hall Hotel, Wellesbourne, Warwick),
* Residential - Sunday 26th - Thursday 30th July 2026 (Walton Hall Hotel, Wellesbourne, Warwick)
* Have confirmation of support from your line manager for your involvement in FALA
Applications must be submitted by no later than Monday 20th April 2026 at midday. Any applications after the deadline will not be accepted.
Should you have any questions in relation to this opportunity and would like to speak to an FA member of staff please feel free to reach out directly to Steph Powell (National Development Manager - Volunteering) on Steph.Powell@TheFA.com<mailto:Steph.Powell@TheFA.com> or Joel Moore (Chairperson - FA National Youth Council) on nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com<mailto:nationalyouthcouncil@thefa.com>