Meet the Team
We're here to help
CEO
Craig Oakley
Chief Executive Officer (and Senior Safeguarding Lead)
Craig joined Herefordshire FA as our new CEO in September
2024. Craig comes from a sports development leadership background, having
previously worked as the Executive Director for Worcestershire Cricket
Foundation for over 4 years.
Craig's main tasks are to support and develop the staff team and provide a link
to Board and Council. He also leads on the County's long-term strategy for the
game at all levels.
Email: Craig.Oakley@herefordshirefa.com
Board & council links
Football Services & Safeguarding
Danielle Harris
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Our designated safeguarding officer and is available for players, clubs, coaches and volunteers to contact with any welfare or safeguarding concerns or issues.
Email: safeguarding@herefordshirefa.com
Phone: 07469 422520
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30am-2:30pm
Diane Phillips
Junior Leagues Officer
Diane leads on the administrative side of our two junior leagues, producing fixtures and appointing referees (Herefordshire Junior Football League & Herefordshire Girls Football League).
Email: Diane.Phillips@HerefordshireFA.com
Ben Archer
Football Services Manager (and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer)
Ben is the Herefordshire FA Football Services Manager and works in the office fulltime Mon-Fri. Ben administers our courses and education programme as well as supporting clubs with their grassroots administration and affiliation. Ben also provides administration support for our county clubs on everything surrounding Full Time, Club Portals & WGS. Ben also oversees the HFA County Cup competitions and the booking system for the County Ground 3G pitch as well as acting as the Secretary for the Men’s Herefordshire Football League.
Football Development Team
Scott Russell
Football Development Manager (and Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead)
Scott oversees the Football Development team and manages the ongoing strategy for our football programmes. Scott is also our Facilities and Investment lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Scott's role also covers our disability football provision and making football inclusive for all. He also coordinates our recreational football provision such as Super 6s, Walking Football League and Just Play Centres. Scott is our Mental Health First Aid Champion.
Email: Scott.Russell@HerefordshireFA.com
George Leyshon-James
Football Development Officer (South Region)
George leads on Women's and Girls' football and covers clubs and participation programmes. George also coordinates the coach education programme, club development through the England Accreditation scheme and leads on Marketing.
Email: George.Leyshon-James@HerefordshireFA.com
Kyle Williams
Football Development Officer (North Region)
Kyle leads on the male pathway and helps deliver our football projects. Kyle is also the Herefordshire Schools FA's Co-Ordinator and is responsible for organising the competitions for schools in the County.
Email: Kyle.Williams@HerefordshireFA.com
Referee Support and Development
Referee Development services are provided by Jack Shepherd of Worcestershire FA. Jack oversees the recruitment and development of referees and
provides support and assistance to the referee workforce.
Email: Referees@HerefordshireFA.com
