Co-Opted Member of the Steps 5 and 6 Operational Committee

The Football Association (The FA) is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England, dedicated to promoting the sport and inspiring positive change through the game. We are responsible for developing and advancing football at every level, from grassroots to the professional game, generating revenue to support investment in English football.

The FA oversees all England international teams, including men's, women's, youth, and para football. We manage FA competitions, such as the Emirates FA Cup, the Youth Cup, and the Adobe Women's FA Cup. Additionally, we oversee men's and women's leagues below the professional level in the National Leagues Pyramid. Our remit includes the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.

The Steps 5 & 6 Operational Committee is a key Committee reporting to the National Leagues Pyramid Board. It controls and manages football at Steps 5 and 6 of the men's National League System. We have an exciting opportunity for a Co-Opted Member to join the Committee from the Club or League Network at this level of the game.

The Role

The primary role of the Committee Member is to provide insight and knowledge to help make the best decisions, in accordance with the NLS Regulations, for Steps 5 and 6 of the National League System

The Committee's Remit:

• Control and manage football at Steps 5 & 6 of the National League System and to ensure that the constituent leagues comply with the Regulations.
• Determine all matters pertinent to Steps 5 & 6 of the National League System against the relevant National League System Regulations as amended from time to time.
• Control all promotion, relegation and other issues relating to the movement of clubs within Steps 5 & 6 of the National League System and clubs wishing to enter the National League System.
• Responsible for making recommendations to the Stadium Accreditation Committee in relation to the National Stadium Accreditation criteria document insofar as it affects Steps 5 & 6 of the National League System.
• Agree on the implementation of the National League System Licensing Criteria and make recommendations thereof to the NLS Board on any matter pertinent to the same.
• Manage and develop the FA Vase competition.
• Propose changes to Rules and Regulations which affect Steps 5 & 6 of the National League System, after relevant consultation, including periodic reviews of the Standardised Rules and relevant FA Competition Rules (in conjunction with any relevant committee).
• Appoint members to sub-committees and working groups as may be established from time to time.
• Carry out such other responsibilities and activities as the NLS Board may from time to time decide.

Person Specification

• Strong knowledge of the football environment in the National League System, with significant experience of Steps 5 and 6 and the challenges facing Clubs who play at this level and/or the Leagues that operate at this level.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Rules and Regulations of the National League System.
• Experience as a committee member, trustee, or in a senior leadership position in any sector. We are also open to appointing first-time committee members with relevant experience and the ambition, talent, and commitment to help us, as long as the applicant can meet the Membership Criteria.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the sport, including Board members.
• Driven by a genuine passion for football and a strong belief in its potential as a positive force for good alongside the ability to take a holistic 'for all' approach to complex matters within the Pyramid.

Term:

The Co-Opted Member will be appointed on an initial term of three years and can serve for a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.

Time Commitment & Remuneration:

The OpCo meets a minimum of 6 times per season. Meetings are usually held midweek during working hours, either at Wembley Stadium or through Microsoft Teams. Additional meetings will be required with the Executive leads for the OpCo, and to attend matches and events as required.

An allowance can be claimed for attendance at each meeting of the OpCo (currently £150/meeting) along with any travel or subsistence expenses incurred.

Current meeting dates are:

Tuesday 9th December, 2025 – Wembley Stadium, 1100HRS

Tuesday 10th February, 2026 – Wembley Stadium, 1100HRS

Tuesday 17th March, 2026 – Wembley Stadium, 1100HRS

Tuesday 14th April, 2026 – Wembley Stadium, 1100HRS

Tuesday 12th May, 2026 – Wembley Stadium, 1100HRS

Applications and Restrictions:

The Terms of Reference for this OpCo set out the requirements for Membership of this Committee. We can only accept applications from interested candidates who are an official of a club in membership of a league at Steps 5 or 6 of the National League System, or an official of a league at Steps 5 or 6 of the National League System.

Applications for the role will be managed by a Nominations Committee of the OpCo. To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to by the 20th November 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview and details will be circulated to the successful candidates following the closing date.