West Riding FA is thrilled to announce our partnership with Yorkshire Sport Foundation in support of their exciting initiative, Lead the Change? 

Yorkshire Sport Foundation launched ‘Lead the Change’ to support more ethnically diverse people into leadership roles in sport and physical activity.

Working alongside partners, Sporting Equals, AKD Solutions, Equity Coach, West Riding County FA, and Yorkshire Cricket Board, the scheme will provide up to 20 people with the opportunity to benefit from a five-day leadership programme between February and June 2025.

Those enrolling on the scheme will also be provided with access to online learning modules to provide greater background knowledge including on the history of ‘race’ and sport.
In-person workshops will include providing an overview of the sporting systems and structures in the UK; development of a personal plan to support a person’s aspirations; and support to provide skills, knowledge and insights necessary for Non-Executive Director roles within national governing bodies (NGB’s) or other sports organisations.

Alongside the training for individuals, a one-day anti-racism workshop has been scheduled for leaders within organisations. The workshop will improve their understanding of how to attract applications for leadership roles from people with a diverse ethnic background.

Nigel Harrison, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Sport Foundation, said: “We know from our own recruitment in recent years that while we are attracting more ethnically diverse candidates, this is not consistently translating into those making it to the interview stage, particularly for senior roles including on our Board of Trustees.

“It’s also very evident that there is a lack of representation across the sector in those senior roles and working alongside our partners we want to change that. We believe that ‘Lead the Change’ will give people the confidence, resilience and sector understanding to be best placed to help change the narrative on leadership roles in sport and physical activity.”

Hannah Simpson, CEO at West Riding County Football Association, added: "West Riding FA is thrilled to partner with Yorkshire Sport Foundation and Yorkshire Cricket on the 'Lead the Change' project.

“This initiative is about breaking down barriers and ensuring that people from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds have the support, skills, and confidence to aspire to—and achieve—leadership roles, including positions on company boards. Together, we are committed to fostering greater representation and driving meaningful change across our communities."

For more details and to apply, click below: 

http://www.yorkshiresport.org/LeadTheChange