Helen Beales

Head of Business Development

Helen is responsible for marketing and communications alongside commercial partnerships. She is also lead for facilities and investment.

A former journalist, Helen has wide ranging experience in PR and Marketing in both the private and public sector.

Luke Collins

Facilities and Investment Officer

Luke joined the team in September 2022 as our Facilities & Investment Officer. His role involves working with key partners to deliver high standard facilities to serve grassroots football across the region.

His background has been centred around sport, having completed his BSc Sport Management degree at Northumbria University and recently, working as the Sport & Service Manager at The Northumberland Club. He still has an active playing role in football, currently representing Boldon CA FC in the Northern League.

David Jones

Head of Football Development

David joined Northumberland FA in November 2019. His role as Head of Participation is to oversee and develop football at all age groups across disability, female and male pathways. He also manages facilities provision.

He previously worked at Northumberland FA from 2013-2016 as the Just Play Officer, before working as the Sport Engagement Manager at Northumbria University and completing a Masters Degree in International Sport Management.

David has a wide knowledge of the sport industry and sport development. He has also worked abroad in health and sport in Canada and Zambia, is a Level 2 Football Coach, Level 1 Futsal Coach, and qualified football and futsal referee. Outside of his role, David volunteers in football as secretary of an adult club as well as playing every Saturday.

Gary Middleton

Football Development Officer (Coach Education and Male Pathway)

Gary joined Northumberland FA from Gateshead College where he was Head of the Men's Football Academy.

He leads on the development of the male pathway, as well as our coach and volunteer education programme.

Previously, he was Football Development Manager for Hirst Welfare/Active Northumberland for 12 years and was an Affiliate Tutor for Northumberland FA.

He is a UEFA A licence  coach with experience in varied different coaching environments through senior football, the youth development phase & the foundation phase, and has vast teaching and education experience and qualifications.

Chris Kilburn
 

Football Development Officer (Inclusion)

Chris joined Northumberland FA in September 2019. His role as Disability Development Officer is to develop and support disability football across all ages.

Chris has a BSc in Applied Sports Science and experience coaching football at grassroots level with Forest Hall, working with young players and adults at Newcastle United Foundation and assisting the FA where he coached the Regional Disability Centre in 2011/12.

In 2016 Chris began a career in teaching with 1-to-1 support for pupils in SEND/SEMH schools before returning to football with Northumberland FA. 

Matt Sowerby

Referee Development Officer

Matt joined Northumberland FA in January 2021.  Matt has a wide background in football and has recently worked as a PE coach within a school.

He is an Assistant Referee for the National League and began his career as a match official at the age of 15.

Lloyd Miller

Football Development Officer (Women and Girls) 

Lloyd joined from Newcastle United Foundation where he worked for a combined 6 years. Lloyd also previously worked as Director of Coaching in America for 4 years helping oversee club operations. He is currently First Team Coach at Newcastle United Women and has a vast experience of coaching overseas in America, Canada, Zambia, Poland, Australia and Brazil.
 
Lloyd is currently undertaking his UEFA A Licence with a vast experience of working within both the female and male game.

Dean Buckle

Head of Compliance and Inclusion

A former building society manager, Dean has wide leadership experience and a wealth of knowledge of operational and risk management.

Dean is passionate about football and has previously coached a grassroots youth team.

Gill Upperton

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Gill has a background in education and the civil service. Most recently she has worked within a local authority dealing directly with safeguarding referrals. 

She has also spent many years around Grassroots football, both as a spectator and volunteer.

Louise Winter

Football Services Assistant (Compliance)

Louise has worked in Customer Services for 17 years. She played football for 11 years before getting injured and has now taken up golf, but still volunteers in football.