THE NLP SITS DOWN WITH FA CHIEFS
THE NLP recently sat down with FA chiefs at Wembley Stadium for a Non-League update. In part three, we hear from National League System manager James Earl on a new strategy for the NLS and how a new board will integrate the men and women’s game.
JAMES EARL: For the last 18 months, we’ve been working on the first ever strategy for the National League System (NLS) and this level of the game.
It’s obviously an exciting project to be involved in because it really tries to articulate what clubs and leagues can do for the contribution to the wider game but, equally, identify where the gaps have appeared in the support for anyone involved in this level of the game because of the traditional ‘grassroots’ and ‘professional’ structure The FA has had historically.
We’re close to being in a position where that strategy is finalised which is linked to some of the governance changes that have been confirmed at The FA, where we’re providing more dedicated oversight of the semi-professional level of the game by establishing a committee of the Board which will be focused on the National League System and the Women’s Football Pyramid.
It will give greater exposure and greater accountability for this level of the game. It’s a really exciting period.
NLP: What do you hope the strategy will achieve?
JE: It’s areas where we need to provide further or more targeted support. The core focus is how we make our clubs and leagues stronger and more sustainable. I can’t stress enough how important the development of clubs will be over the next few years and the NLS is central to that.
Whilst we are yet to launch, it hasn’t stopped us already looking at some areas identified. One project we have started this year, for example, is around support for coaches in the NLS. They often feel like they don’t get the best support because of the uniqueness of working at this level.
We have launched a programme for coaches in the National League System which includes four online webinars supported by the League Managers’ Association, with two face-to-face conferences.
The first one was last week which was a great success seeing nearly 400 coaches attend. We had Luton Town manager Rob Edwards as a guest. He gave those on the webinar great insight, and was relevant as he obviously started at AFC Telford United.
We will have Danny and Nicky Cowley on our next Webinar in April. We’re also really thrilled that one of the face to face conferences will be at St George’s Park in May. This is new territory for us.
We know the NLS plays that safety net role for players and managers, as well as a development ground. That is just a snippet of the support we’re starting to really
