Simon Gerrard

Chief Executive

Simon is the visionary CEO of Lancashire Football Association, having joined the Company in June 2018, and proceeded to progressively modernise and transform its operations and governance with his energy and drive, ensuring it can succeed within both the sporting and business arenas moving forwards.

Simon is a strong and vocal advocate for creating an inclusive environment where football can be enjoyed by all, and this is reflected in the Lancashire Football Association mission ‘A Game for Everyone’ as well as within the working environment at the Association. 

With his passion and enthusiasm for football, and his keen desire to create an infrastructure for developing football for the future, Simon has a long history of rising to challenges and having a positive influence in the industry – he has worked within the Football Association Group for over 19 years.

As well as his strong impact at Lancashire Football Association, notable other achievements include transforming investment and partnerships whilst CEO at Cheshire FA from 2011-2016, and, when Team Manager for various England Disability Squads, supporting the Partially Sighted Team to win a World Cup Bronze in 2008. Simon continues to work within Team Operations, supporting the current England Futsal Squad.

Outside of football, Simon developed a third-generation climbing centre offering a unique climbing experience for all ages and abilities. He is a keen cyclist and golfer and enjoys both watching and playing football, whilst sharing his interests with his wife, Kim, son, Jake, and his extended family and close friends.

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: simon.gerrard@lancashirefa.com

Iain Kay

Football Development Manager

Iain, who has worked for the Association for a total of nine years, started his current role in October 2016. His role includes developing, maintaining and delivering the FA National Game Strategy across the whole of Lancashire. This involves line managing the Football Development team when delivering the National Game Strategy, the Whole Support Plan and the Facility Targets. Outside of work, Iain is a passionate runner, completing the Preston Half Marathon as part of the Preston Guild in 2012. Iain is also an avid season ticket holder at local club, Preston North End; his family even holds shares within the club since it formed back in 1880. 

Phone: 01772 644269 | Email: iain.kay@lancashirefa.com

 Lee Boyer

Head of Facilities & Investment

Lee Joined the Lancashire FA in January 2019 and is the county contact and lead on facilities development programmes, supporting clubs, schools and Local Authority’s in particular.

He is passionate about grass roots football, having been a volunteer and an employee employed in various roles in Sports Development for over 25 years, as well as being a previous Manager and Coach of several semi-professional and amateur teams across the county. One particular highlight was winning the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup in 2012.  Consequently, he has seen first-hand the great work many of our volunteers do to ensure the game takes place, in their community and clubs.

Lee is a long standing Burnley and Accrington Stanley supporter, having first watched Stanley in their North West Counties Days and has followed the national men’s team home and away on many occasions.

Phone: 01772 624000  Email: lee.boyer@lancashirefa.com

Nick Birchall

Football Development Officer (Education)

Nick, who has been a part of Lancashire FA since 2015, works in association with Universities, Colleges and Schools across Lancashire. He leads on the Club Charter Programme and is heavily involved in the Junior Football Leaders course and Futsal Coaching courses. Additionally, Nick is the main point of contact for clubs in Blackpool, Fylde, Preston boroughs and Wyre. Outside of work, Nick, a keen Blackburn Rovers Fan, is also a FA Coach Mentor and a grassroots Football Coach

Phone: 01772 282757 | Email: nick.birchall@lancashirefa.com

John Treacy

Football Development Officer (Leagues)

John, a Bolton Wanderers supporter, has worked at Lancashire FA for ten years and has been heavily involved in grassroots football for the past thirty years.  His role in Lancashire FA includes implementing a variety of programmes and strategies in order to support Lancashire FA’s member leagues and the clubs that they support; this includes the FA Charter Standard League programme, the FA Youth Review and Player Registration. John is also the lead of Respect, an attribute which is extremely important to Lancashire FA. Moreover, John also oversees rules and regulations and supports participation in the adult and youth 11v11 games. Additionally, outside of work, John was an official and founder member of the Police Roll of Honour Trust in helping create the National Police Memorial Monument in London, in remembrance of Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

Phone: 01772 644273 | Email: john.treacy@lancashirefa.com

Iain Mackie

Football Development Officer (11v11/Recreation)

Iain, who has been with the Association since early 2017, supports the development of adult football. His role, which includes using recreational and flexible football formats, allows as many people as possible to enjoy football in Lancashire. Moreover, Iain is also the main point of contact for clubs from Bolton, Bury, Greater Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Rossendale. Iain, who is originally from Suffolk, supports his local team of Ipswich Town. However, Iain is also quite the globe trotter, spending his teenage years living in Madagascar and Kenya. 

Phone: 01772 282761 | Email: iain.mackie@lancashirefa.com

Michael Nadal

Football Development Officer (Women and Girls)

Michael, Chairman of Lancashire Schools FA, is our lead on our Women and Girls Football programmes; a role which he has enjoyed for over ten years. Through his role he supports new projects which encourage women to become more involved within football in Lancashire and aid existing movements such as the Wildcats Clubs. Moreover, Michael is the former coach of the girls section, a role that he is very proud of. Michael is also the generic Football Development contact for clubs in Chorley, Sefton, South Ribble, St Helens and West Lancashire. For the past 25 years, Michael has been a keen season ticket holder at AFC Telford United; although he does also watch Newcastle United. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his two children and planning his wedding which is scheduled for May 2020.

Phone: 01772 644279 | Email: michael.nadal@lancashirefa.com

Andrew Whitaker

Football Development Officer (Disability and Inclusion)

Andrew, who has been working at Lancashire FA for the past six years, ensures that football is an inclusive sport and available to everyone throughout Lancashire. Through his role, Andrew aims to utilise the amazing power of football in order to improve a person’s physical wellbeing, mental health or using football as part of a recovery tool. Andrew is the lead on developing the disability game across the county, he oversees Lancashire FA’s Ability Counts league, and he also works to secure national FA projects that focus on disability or impairment. Andrew is also our lead on walking football. Moreover, Andrew is the main point of contact for clubs in Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and the Ribble Valley. Outside of work, Andrew is British, European and World Champion at powerlifting. His record is 220KG’s which he will increase in the future. 

Phone: 01772 644263 | Email: andrew.whitaker@lancashirefa.com

Tony Callister

Football Development Officer (Barrow & Lancaster)

Tony, who has worked at Lancashire FA for 14years, offers support and guidance to clubs in Barrow, Lancaster, Morecambe and South Lakes. Outside of work, Tony is an avid Manchester City fan; although, Tony also enjoys playing the drums and singing and admits that heavy metal music is his guilty pleasure. 

Email: tony.callister@lancashirefa.com

Jack Gardner

Football Development Apprentice (Schools)

Jack, who started working at Lancashire FA in August 2017, supports fellow team member Nick Birchall, in working with universities, schools and colleges across Lancashire. Jack is a keen Liverpool fan and also plays football for Thornton Cleveleys.

Phone: 01772 644270 | Email: jack.gardner@lancashirefa.com

Football Development Apprentice (Disability, Inclusion, Women and Girls)

Bill started as an Apprentice within the football development section, supporting disability, inclusion and women and girls with the relevant development officers. Away from the Association, Bill coaches and referees as well as being a Bolton Wanderers supporter. He is also interested in drama and playing music.

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: bill.carr@lancashirefa.com

Colin Greenall

Coach Education Manager and Apprenticeship Programme Manager

Colin, who has worked at Lancashire FA for the past 13 years, manages and oversees the delivery of our coach education courses as well as the Apprenticeship Programme. Prior to his role at Lancashire FA, Colin was a professional footballer. His former clubs include Preston North End, Blackpool and Wigan Athletic and he still checks how the clubs are faring throughout the season. Colin is also often heard on BBC Radio Lancashire giving a live summary of the match. 

Phone: 01772 282763 | Email: colin.greenall@lancashirefa.com

Justyna Demuth

Senior Coach Education Administrator

Justyna, who has been working at Lancashire FA for a total of ten years, is responsible for administering the FA Level 2 and FA Level 3 (UEFA B) in Coaching Football courses. Moreover, Justyna is the main point of contact for   the FA Junior Football Leaders course. She also oversee's the running of the Coach Admin department. On top of all this Justyna is the main lead on CPD events

Phone: 01772 644274 | Email: justyna.demuth@lancashirefa.com

Andrea Gratton

Coach Education Administrator

Andrea, who has been working at the Association for four years, is the main contact for enquiries relating to the FA Level 1 in Coaching Football course. 

Phone: 01772 644261 | Email: andrea.gratton@lancashirefa.com

Andrew Watson

Apprentice Mentor

Andrew, who has worked for Lancashire FA for six years, started his current role four years ago. Andrew’s role includes planning, developing and delivering our PE and School Sport Apprenticeship Programme. Andrew, a Manchester United supporter, is also heavily involved in football outside of Lancashire FA as he is an FA Level 1 and Level 2 coach educator for grassroots coaches. Moreover, Andrew is also a semi-professional footballer who enjoyed two promotions and an FA Cup run with Curzon Ashton. 

Phone: 01772 644262 | Email: andrew.watson@lancashirefa.com

Lewis Smith

Referee Development Officer

Lewis, who has been at the Association for just over a year, is responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of all referees across Lancashire at both grassroots and elite levels. Lewis is also the lead on the development of all referees within the county who are aiming to progress through the referee pyramid onto the higher levels. Moreover, Lewis is also responsible for promoting female refereeing and supporting the referees ensuring that their match experience is as enjoyable as possible. Lewis is also a Level 2A referee and he officiates in National League Premier and Premier League Reserves. Outside of work, Lewis is a keen Wigan Athletic supporter as well as supporting the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He also adores rugby union and supports Wigan Warriors 

Phone: 01772 644277 | Email: lewis.smith@lancashirefa.com

Shaun Taylor

Referee Development Officer

Shaun, who has worked at the Association for four years, has worked in a few different roles before settling in the Referees Department. During his current role he is responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of all referees at grassroots level across Lancashire. This role ensures that the referees experience as a match official is as enjoyable as possible. Shaun, a Blackpool FC supporter, is also a Level 4 referee himself; this means that he officiates in the North West Counties Football League and the Evo-Stick Northern Premier League. 

Phone: 01772 282758 | Email: shaun.taylor@lancashirefa.com

Neil Yates

Head of Safeguarding and Well-Being

Neil, who has been at Lancashire Fa for a total of eight years, and his colleagues within the safeguarding department are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all under 18 participants in the county. His role in the FA centres on this principle of safety. Neil also delivers many of the free workshops which Lancashire FA offers, including the Adults in Junior Football workshop which he helped to create five years ago. Neil is also an FA tutor on our Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officer workshops as well as our Referee courses. Previously, Neil was a Football League Assistant Referee. Outside of work, Neil is a National Leader of Governance after being a school governor for fourteen years and the Chair of a school for five.

Phone: 01772 282756 | Email: neil.yates@lancashirefa.com

Chris Doherty

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Chris, who has worked at the Association for seven years, assists with any discrimination and equality complaints whilst working closely with his colleagues Neil and Rachael. Chris is also a fully qualified first aid instructor and an enhanced community first responder. Chris also delivers the Association’s free CPR/AED Awareness Training workshop to the clubs across Lancashire. In addition, Chris is an affiliated FA tutor for the Safeguarding Children, Emergency First Aid and Welfare Officer Workshops as well. Outside of the FA, Chris is involved in grassroots football as a Club Welfare Officer and a goalkeeping coach. The Manchester United Supporter also works as a freelance Health and Safety, Food Safety and First Aid Tutor. 

Phone: 01772 644264 | Email: chris.doherty@lancashirefa.com

Rachael Pearson

Safeguarding Support Officer

Rachael joined the Association in October 2018 and works alongside Neil and Chris in the safeguarding department.  Outside of the FA, Rachael is involved in grassroots football and is a U5’s coach. 

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: rachael.pearson@lancashirefa.com

Darren Swarbrick

Football Competitions and Services Lead

Darren, who has been working at Lancashire FA for five years, oversees the administration of all Lancashire FA’s County Cup competitions as well as the Lancashire FA’s Women’s County League. Darren also processes all club affiliations every season. Outside of work, Darren is a keen Blackburn Rovers Supporter. He also works in Talent Recruitment at Blackburn Rovers Academy. 

Phone: 01772 644266 | Email: darren.swarbrick@lancashirefa.com

Hayley Mather

Discipline Manager

Hayley, who has worked at the Association for over 12 years, is the main point of contact for discrimination or serious participant charges. Hayley is also involved in the Board of Appeals, personal hearings and debt recovery. 

Phone: 01772 644268 | Email: hayley.mather@lancashirefa.com

Jason Middleton

Discipline Officer

Jason joined the Association in August 2018 and works alongside Hayley and Connor in the busy Discipline Office. Jason is a Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder and can also be seen at Shawbridge watching Clitheroe FC.

David Chell

Head of Commercial and Operations

David, who joined Lancashire FA in May 2017, works closely with the CEO, board, staff and other stake holders to develop and instigate our new five-year strategy. David is also responsible for all commercial and operations at the Association and is always keen to speak to potential partners and sponsors. Previously, David has worked for Manchester City, Southampton, and AFC Fylde; as well as some of the UK’s leading sporting, visitor and leisure attractions. David is involved in Grassroots football through his two sons; this inspires David to be passionate about making a difference in what we deliver as a County FA. 

Phone: 01772 282762 | Email: david.chell@lancashirefa.com

Bevan Middleton

Head of Hospitality and Events

Bevan, who joined the Association in May 2017, oversees all events held at the County Ground. He is also responsible for organising hospitality within the County FA which includes providing food and drink and sorting room arrangements. Prior to working at Lancashire FA, Bevan worked at AFC Fylde’s Mill Farm Sports Village, Ribby Hall and Contessa Hotels. Outside of work, Bevan is a Liverpool supporter and a keen motorcross fan.

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: bevan.middleton@lancashirefa.com

Lyndsay Riding

Sales Executive

Lyndsay joined Lancashire FA as Sales Executive in April 2019. Lyndsay is responsible for building all key relationships with advertisers and sponsors at the county ground. She is always keen to meet new businesses who have an interest in supporting grassroots football. Lyndsay also assists in the booking of conferences and events at Lancashire FA. Prior to joining us she has worked for Bartle Hall and Marriott Hotels, where she was instrumental in building partnerships with many football clubs. Outside of work, Lyndsay is a Liverpool supporter and enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons who all support different football teams; making the football season an interesting one for this household!

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: lyndsay.riding@lancashirefa.com

Michael Marsden

Leisure Supervisor/Duty Manager

Michael’s role is one of an ‘operational’ role to look after all the people that come to the County Ground as guests, delegates and pitch users. He is responsible for all 3G pitch bookings and to ensure the building is clean, maintained and secure.When he’s not at work, you will find him spending time with his little girl Millie, his wife Rebecca and their two dogs Bella and Alfie.

Phone: 01772 624000 | Email: michael.marsden@lancashirefa.com

Jane Wareing

Accounts Officer

Jane, who has worked at the Association for two years, is responsible for managing all Lancashire FA’s accounts.

Phone: 01772 644271 | Email: jane.wareing@lancashirefa.com