As the 2024-25 football season begins, the FA National Youth Council (FANYC) is entering its 13th iteration. Our new team is highly motivated to continue driving forward our mission: “For all young people to have meaningful and inclusive opportunities to develop themselves and positively impact the football community.”

With 16 dedicated members working across three key teams Community Engagement, Leadership and Development, and Insight, Inclusion, and Communications we are committed to delivering initiatives that bring this vision to life.

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement team is focused on connecting, developing, and amplifying the voices of young people across the nation. This year, we are committed to supporting County FAs in establishing effective youth councils, ensuring that the youth voice is heard throughout clubs and leagues. By working closely with adult partners and existing youth councils, we aim to embed youth perspectives at every level of the game.

Leadership and Development

The Leadership and Development team leads our core projects, including the FA Leadership Academy Program post-residential phase and the Regional Youth Network, which serves as an online platform providing broader access to the Youth Volunteering and Development network. This season, we will continue to focus on developing the leaders of today and tomorrow empowering them to shape their communities through football.

Insight, Inclusion, and Communications

The Insight, Inclusion, and Communications team is dedicated to understanding the diverse needs of young people in football and ensuring that everyone feels welcome, heard, and represented. By gathering insights and research from across our networks and sharing them through our social media and communication channels, we aim to shape strategies that remove barriers to participation. This knowledge also helps us continually improve our programs, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to access the opportunities they deserve.

As we look forward to the 2024-25 season, the FA National Youth Council is excited to continue empowering young people to make a difference through football. By working collaboratively across our three teams, we aim to create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the pitch. We look forward to seeing how young leaders across the country will drive positive change within their communities.

So let us know in the comments! What are you looking forward to doing in the 24/25 season?