The FA National Youth Council has existed since January 2012. The team is made up of 15 youth leaders in various roles within football to ensure that all young people have meaningful and inclusive opportunities to develop themselves and positively influence the football community.

The FA National Youth Council believe that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they possess the energy, skills and ideas to change football and the wider community for the better today. No decision about young people should be made without young people. The FANYC has representation on the FA Council and various sub-committees including Youth Participation, Football Development and the FA Inclusion Advisory Board.

To view current roles and responsibilities in the FA Youth Council, click here

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The Regional Youth Network’s purpose is to collaborate with The FA National Youth Council and support their vision to ensure all young people have meaningful opportunities to develop themselves and positively influence the football community.

The RYN is comprised of 16-24-year-olds across all four regions who are involved in youth leadership in some capacity, whether that is with a County FA or any other partner organisation.  

Whilst the main aim of the RYN is to collaborate and support The FA National Youth Council, members also join to develop themselves in a personal and professional capacity. This is done by providing RYN members with opportunities tailored to their needs, requirements and interests.

The FA Leadership Academy is a 12-month learning and development programme for 60 young people aged 16-24. The programme starts with an inspiring four-day residential (all accommodation and food is provided free of charge) including workshops and activities centred around personal development and leadership.

Following this, youth leaders complete reflective tasks and are supported by The FA National Youth Council and their mentors to deliver a project within their local football community which positively impacts the game. This is all with the aim to aid the development of young people to unlock their potential and positively impact the football community.

Visit our our FA Youth Leadership and Volunteering community for more information.

A County FA Youth Council is team of young people, typically between the ages of 16 and 25, who are the voice of the youth for their respective counties. This is where the County FA involve young people in a meaningful way, allowing them to provide equal weight and value to their ideas and suggestions. Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, skills and ideas to change football and the wider community for the better today. 

Please contact your County FA to find out about your local Youth Council. 

Follow the FA Youth Council on X, Instagram and TikTok. 

Listen to some of the young people who are enrolled on The FA Youth Leadership Programme and their experiences with volunteering in football: