Former footballers, Marvin Sordell and Liam Rosenior, are among several new members of the Football Association’s Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB) – the subcommittee of the English FA board which aims to enhance diversity and equality at all levels of the game.
Former Coventry City and Burton Albion player, Sordell has spoken out about his mental health since he retired at the age of 28, while ex-Brighton and Hull City defender, Rosenior was a lead supporter of the ‘Rooney Rule’ legislation in the game.
IAB chair, Paul Elliot, said: “The standard of candidacies was hugely outstanding and, as such, we are hugely delighted with the outcome.
“It was important to bring in people who can offer a free perspective from both within and outside of football.
“We have made great strides since the Inclusion Advisory Board was formed in 2013 and it is crucial to bring in those who can challenge existing ideas”.
Marvin and Liam are joined by Sandra Hughes, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, KPMG’s director of inclusion, diversity and social equality, Edleen John and Staynton Brown, who is the director of inclusion and talent at Transport for London.
Kick It Out chair, Sanjay Bhandari is also added to the board, while Roya Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy will represent the FA Youth Council.
