Business Details
Football Governance & Community Development in Birmingham
Birmingham County F A is the not-for-profit governing body for football in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, and Warwickshire. Established in 1875, we provide support and guidance for grassroots football, overseeing 1,200 clubs, 48,000 matches annually, and 60 football competitions. Our 150-year legacy reflects our commitment to inclusivity, with initiatives supporting disability football, youth development, and mental health awareness. We invest 1.2 million annually in facilities and deliver 320 courses to enhance coaching and refereeing standards.Our sustainability programme, Save Today, Play Tomorrow, aligns with global climate goals through solar energy, zero-to-landfill practices, and carbon literacy training. As a certified Planet Mark organisation, we prioritise environmental responsibility while maintaining a 92% customer satisfaction rate. Our team of experts ensures compliance with safeguarding protocols, disciplinary procedures, and equality standards, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Services
Football Governance
Club Support
Referee Training
Sustainability Programmes
Coaching Courses
Highlights and features
- 150 years of football governance experience in the Midlands
- Support for 1,200 clubs and 48,000 annual matches
- Certified Planet Mark sustainability programme
- 92% customer satisfaction rate across services
- Comprehensive safeguarding and equality initiatives
Associations and certifications
- ISO14001
Services
Football Governance
We oversee all aspects of grassroots football in our region, ensuring compliance with national laws and local regulations. Our governance framework supports 1,200 clubs and 48,000 matches annually, maintaining standards for player registration, competition sanctioning, and disciplinary procedures. Through our 150-year legacy, we provide strategic leadership to promote fair play, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across 55 sanctioned competitions.
Club Support
Our dedicated team offers comprehensive support to local football clubs, including affiliation guidance, funding advice, and facility management. We deliver 320 annual courses covering coaching, safeguarding, and administration, alongside 1.2 million in facility investments. This support helps clubs improve operations, player retention, and community engagement while meeting modern governance standards.
Referee Training
We provide structured training pathways for referees at all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our programmes include FA-certified courses, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing professional development. With 1,500 registered referees, we ensure match officials maintain high standards through regular assessments, continuing education, and access to specialist development groups.
Sustainability Programmes
Our Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme leads grassroots football sustainability efforts through solar energy installations, carbon literacy training, and zero-to-landfill practices. We support clubs in achieving environmental targets via the WM Net Zero Business Pledge and Sports for Climate Action Framework, reducing collective carbon footprints while maintaining playing surface quality.
Coaching Courses
We deliver 320 annual coaching courses covering youth development, disability football, and advanced tactics. Our programmes cater to 1,500+ registered coaches, providing CPD opportunities and specialist certifications. The curriculum focuses on modern coaching methodologies, player welfare, and inclusive practices to enhance coaching standards across all levels of grassroots football.
People
Kevin Shoemake
Chief Executive Officer
With a background as a former professional footballer and UEFA B coach, Kevin leads strategic development and safeguarding initiatives. He oversees governance, business operations, and Premier League delegate responsibilities while maintaining strong ties to grassroots football communities.
Sandra Hampton
Chairperson
Appointed in 2024, Sandra brings extensive experience from Sport England and football governance. She chairs the Senior Leadership Team and focuses on women's football development, equality strategies, and long-term organisational planning to align with modern football governance standards.
Luke Bowles
Head of Football Development
A former player and UEFA B coach, Luke leads football development strategies, safeguarding protocols, and data analytics. He manages pathway programmes for male and female players while overseeing disciplinary processes through Sport Integrity Matters partnerships.
Sarah Willis
Head of Safeguarding
Sarah oversees safeguarding governance and policy implementation across all football activities. She manages case escalations, training programmes, and compliance with national safeguarding standards while supporting mental health initiatives through our partnerships with specialist organisations.
Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley
Safeguarding & Respect Lead
Tighe manages day-to-day safeguarding operations, including case management and policy implementation. He coordinates Respect campaigns to combat discrimination and ensures compliance with national safeguarding frameworks while providing direct support to clubs and participants.
Questions
What areas does Birmingham County FA cover?
We govern football in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Burton, Tamworth, and parts of Staffordshire and Worcestershire.
How can I start a football club?
Use The FA's Find England Football tool or contact our Football Services Unit for affiliation guidance, funding opportunities, and operational support.
What sustainability initiatives do you offer?
Our Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme provides solar energy support, carbon literacy training, and zero-waste guidance for grassroots clubs.
Where can I find coaching courses?
Our Football Development Unit offers 320 annual courses covering all levels and specialisms. Visit our website for upcoming sessions.
How to access disability football programmes?
Contact Ryan Kimberley, our Disability Development Lead, for information on Comets, recreation centres, and mental health football initiatives.
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