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Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2024-2028

Gloucestershire FA is pleased to announce our new four-year Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

Gloucestershire FA is pleased to announce our new four-year Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

The DIAP shows our commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion across Gloucestershire and was driven by our staff, Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) and our Board of Directors.

The DIAP focuses on five key objectives, which are:

  • Widening football participation across Gloucestershire
  • Upskill and Develop a diverse workforce
  • Running the Game
  • Understanding & Engaging with our County
  • Communication

To read more about each of the objectives, you can read the DIAP in full by CLICKING HERE.

“I am delighted to be able to support the launch of the Gloucestershire Football Association’s DIAP," said Chief Executive, David Neale. "We have made tremendous strides in recent years, seeing fantastic growth in the inclusive football development activities we offer, such as the disability and walking football pathways. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is firmly embedded within the organisation and as the local governing body for football, we are committed to ensuring that the game we all love is accessible to all.”

One of the commitments in the DIAP is to ensure that a member of the IAG sits on the GFA Board of Directors. This has now been achieved as we are thrilled to welcome Hitesh Patel, Chair of the IAG, to the board.

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.

Currently working as a Procurement and Contracts Manager, he brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as a Senior Sourcing Manager for a Financial Services company where he worked for over 25 years. We are sure Hitesh will bring new ideas and impetus as a director and will be a fantastic representative of the Inclusion Advisory Group.

In addition to the release of the DIAP, the Gloucestershire FA are delighted to announce that in 2024 we also achieved the Preliminary Level of the Equality for Sport Award which helps the organisation to address inequalities and embed equality.

A requirement of the Preliminary Level was to understand the demographic of our County and we have produced a report comparing the population of Gloucestershire to our current football population, made up of players, coaches and referees. To read the report, please CLICK HERE.

Hitesh added: “I am thrilled to announce that Gloucestershire FA has recently been awarded the Equality Standard Award (Preliminary Level), highlighting our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. By working together with the GFA and actively promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion through the actions in this DIAP, this will ensure that individuals can thrive through a safe and inclusive football experience, making the game truly For All.”

Sam Myatt, GFA Equality and Workforce Development Manager: “I just want to thank all of the staff, IAG members and Board of Directors for their help and support in creating our DIAP for 2024-2028. Together, we have created some really ambitious targets that will help us ensure Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the forefront of what the organisation are doing. Alongside our IAG, we look forward to delivering this ambitious DIAP alongside our latest ‘Inspiring Positive Change Through Football’ Strategy. Together, we can help make football a safe and inclusive space for all.”