Clarke Carlisle to chair IAB
Former PFA Chairman Clarke Carlisle described himself as “honoured” upon being named chair of Manchester County FA’s brand new Inclusion Advisory Board.
The ex-Premier League footballer was named MCFA equality ambassador earlier this year and will now lead the County FA’s most recent innovation.
Tasked with bringing to life MCFA’s promise of “football for everyone,” the IAB has been created with the focus on how the board can best monitor the impact of football delivery in terms of inclusion and anti-discrimination.
“I must thank all those involved in Manchester grassroots football for accepting me as chair of this board,” Carlisle said. “I am both flattered and honoured.
“It excites me to be a part of a group that is so forward-thinking. A group that is equally (if not more in many circumstances) determined to see change within our game and our society.
“The Manchester County FA IAB wants to approach equality it in a new, holistic, inclusive way and I am proud to be a part of this new innovation.”
Carlisle will be joined by vice-chair John Browne and a host of other reputable names who will contribute their own specific areas of expertise.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams, Manchester Blind’s Martyn Twist and Ajin Abraham of Huddersfield Town were all selected alongside Denise Lambert of the National Football Museum, John Gurd, Dan O’Donoghue and Nafisah Ali who has previously been involved with the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation.
The IAB has declared its intention to be both receptive and transparent to the grassroots audience by setting up a Twitter account: @IAB_MCFA.
Abraham believes the IAB will make an active difference in grassroots football.
"Football at all levels should be a barometer of how contemporary society is,” he said.
“There is no place for discrimination in football, based on gender, race, religion, caste, creed or sexuality.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Inclusion Advisory Board at Manchester County FA to make a positive change within football and seeing diversity being celebrated."
19