Northumberland FA has partnered with regional youth development charity NE Youth to ensure the voice and views of young people are heard in grassroots football.

The Voice FC project will give 11-18 year olds an opportunity to tell us their thoughts and opinions, identify issues in the game and discuss ways to solve problems.

We’ll be working with several local clubs on a pilot programme, engaging with their players to get their opinions on the issues that concern them the most.

Northumberland FA’s Chief Executive Andrew Rose-Cook said: “Young people are the lifeblood of grassroots football and it’s vital we find ways to get their opinions on how we can make the game better.

“Our longer term ambitions are to use this project to launch a youth leadership group. We hope that NE Youth’s expertise of working with young people will help us to identify people who can help us to shape the future of the game in our area, while encouraging them to develop personal skills.”

NE Youth CEO Jon Niblo commented: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Northumberland FA on such an exciting and important project.”