Helen Beales

Marketing and Partnerships Manager

Helen's role is to promote the work of Northumberland FA and ensure it reaches as wide an audience as possible. She also looks after the association's key commercial partnerships.

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

David Jones

Head of Participation

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

Gary joined Northumberland FA from Gateshead Colllege 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

Disability Football Development Officer

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.

 Lee Scott

Assistant Referee Development Officer

Lee joined Northumberland FA on secondment in February 2020, and works closely with Alex to provide support and guidance to officials throughout the county. He has been a pivotal point of contact for our younger officials offering specific support and advice throughout this time. Lee also works for Northumberland Football Leagues as League Secretary.

Ray Johnstone

Designated Safeguarding Officer

A former semi-professional footballer, he is a qualified UEFA B coach and previously worked in Sunderland AFC’s youth set-up.

Ray will be the first point of contact for any safeguarding inquiries. 

Ellis Lander

Football Services Assistant

Ellis supports the Compliance Department and undertakes all its administrative functions.

He joined NFA from Essex County FA where he was Governance Administrator and previously worked in the IT events team for The FA at Wembley Stadium. He studied Football Business and Media at UCFB Wembley.