Hitesh currently works as a Procurement and Contracts Manager, where he is responsible for overseeing procurement processes and managing contracts. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as a Senior Sourcing Manager for a Financial Services company who he had worked for over 25 years.

Originally from the Midlands, Hitesh has lived in Gloucester for many years and has built a career rooted in his commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community involvement. Growing up in one of the most socio-economic deprived areas in England and being the only Indian family for many years, he has a unique perspective on the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. This insight fuels his dedication to breaking down barriers in all aspects of life, particularly in football.

Hitesh has been an active member of the IAG since May 2018, becoming Chair in September 2022 and joining the GFA Board in November 2024, where he continues to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility in the game. He is also UEFA B qualified coach who currently coaches both mainstream and learning disability youth teams and is a FA-qualified referee. 

Why you joined the IAG?
I am passionate about grassroots football and especially committed to youth learning disability football. 

Team supported: West Brom

Rachael is a Senior Lecturer of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Gloucestershire having previously taught Physical Education in secondary schools. She is involved in several Equality Diversity and Inclusion projects and initiatives across the university. She has been involved in a variety of research topics including homophobia in sport and trans male inclusion in sport.

Rachael’s PhD analysed the experiences of openly lesbian athletes participating in team sports leading to her publishing ‘Out in Sport’ which offers an up-to-date examination of homophobia in sport. 

Why you joined the IAG?
I am passionate about striving for equity in all areas of society but particularly in sport and the IAG is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in football. 

Fun fact: I enjoy paddle boarding.

Team supported: Cheltenham Town

Rebecca has worked in Diversity and Inclusion for nearly a decade in higher education and now, within the public sector. She is currently an EDI Lead, particularly focusing on the workforce.

Why you joined the IAG?
I really wanted to be a part of the IAG because it has meant combining my passions of EDI and football! Football has been a huge part of my and my family's life since I can remember. I played football growing up (a long while ago!) and there were so few girl's teams at the time - you either had to be good enough to be in the boy's team or you couldn't play at all. It has been great to see girl's and women's football grow and I would love to offer further support and challenge for the range of other groups that are currently experiencing barriers to participation.

Fun fact: I love game shows and was once on the Weakest Link. I got voted off after the 4th round and can confirm that I was NEVER statistically the weakest link. I was robbed. Goodbye. 

Team supported: West Ham United

A former staff member at the GFA, Jacques is a communications and marketing professional with experience working in football media in the South West.

Why you joined the IAG?
I used to work for the GFA and as part of my induction, I was invited to an IAG meeting to introduce myself and find out more about the IAG and its role within the GFA and grassroots football in the county. From that first meeting, I wanted to be a part of the group and play my part in football becoming inclusive for all.
We can all attest to the positive, powerful impact of football on our physical and mental health – being a part of the IAG, supporting the GFA to give access to all communities and giving a platform to celebrate their uniqueness is a major factor in wanting to be a part of the IAG.

Fun fact: I can speak fluent French.

Teams supported: Fulham and Bristol City

Forward is a journalist by profession who has experience in different roles in statutory and not for profit organisations in Bristol, nationally and internationally to progress inclusion, equity and justice. Forward remains deeply involved with work in the community across Bristol.

Why you joined the IAG?
I am passionate about football and its power to bring diverse communities together to make positive change. I have a huge interest in inclusive leadership and EDI. and am motivated by the desire to work with other IAG members to provide constructive challenge and guidance to the GFA, sharing expertise from professional and personal experiences to help shape and inform the equality and inclusion direction and priorities.

Fun fact: By His grace I was born under a tree with my mother on her own. My late father, a teacher by profession, was at work at his school.

Team supported: Manchester United

Lauren is the Head of Community and Workforce Development at the Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF). Her role involves supporting Professional Football Club Charities to be effective and sustainable organisations and deliver impactful community work. She is also the strategic lead for equality, diversity and inclusion at the Charity, and wants to actively help make football a place where everyone feels they belong.

Prior to working at PLCF, Lauren worked at The Football Association leading on the development of the Women’s Professional Game as Head of League Operations. She has also worked in Further Education leading England Colleagues FA, and has also worked at and been a Board Director at County Football Associations in the South West. She is extremely passionate about grassroots football and creating inclusive environments for everyone to be able to access and enjoy the beautiful game.

Why you joined the IAG?
I am extremely passionate about the power of football to positively impact peoples’ lives. I believe in the importance of youth voice, having been a member of the FA Youth Council. I advocate for organisations to consider how they create meaningful opportunities for young people to be heard and how to take appropriate action on stakeholder feedback. I also have a keen interest in Corporate Governance, and served on the FA Council for two seasons.

Leigh has extensive experience as an Executive PA and Educational Governance and current Head of Operations at Tyrone Mings Academy. She is a former World and European medallist in Tumbling Gymnastics.

Why you joined the IAG?
I wanted to join the IAG as I have a passion for Diversity & Inclusion, something that we are proud of promoting at TMA, and I want to actively participate in shaping policy & practices to ensure equality and inclusion cross the game. 

Fun fact: I once performed in a stage show at Bristol Hippodrome in front of HRH Prince Edward.

Team supported: Liverpool (My dog is named Robbie after God... Robbie Fowler!)

Rosie is a former marketing executive for 29 academies nationwide, and before that was a year 6 teacher in Bristol. She is originally from Cornwall (no, she can't surf!) but moved to Bristol just over 4 years ago. After serving on the IAG, Rosie also made the move to join the GFA as a permanent member of staff; she is now our Football Development Officer for Facilities and Investment.

Why you joined the IAG?
I am passionate about football and joined so that I could be a part of impactful change and help young people to have a positive experience within the sport.

Fun fact: I once made Paul Gascoigne a cup of coffee.

Team supported: Liverpool