Wiltshire Football Association [FA] has been recognised as an organisation that is working towards being inclusive and providing equal opportunities across football after being awarded the Equality Standard for Sport, Foundation Level.

Oliver Selfe, CEO at Wiltshire FA said “This is a significant achievement for Wiltshire FA. We believe football is for all, therefore we must ensure there are no barriers to participation and involvement.”

The Standard is a framework for assisting sports organisations to widen access and reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity from under represented individuals, groups and communities.

Presented to Wiltshire FA by Angus Macpherson MBE, Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner, who commented, “Wiltshire Police is committed to providing the best possible service to our communities, we value and respect equality and diversity.

Football is a great platform to promote inclusion. Increasing participation in sport, across the whole of our community, will have positive social, economic and health impacts for those who take part.”

The FA is committed to delivering diversity and inclusion, ‘In Pursuit of Progress’, a strategy launched in January 2018, aims to make The FA a more diverse organisation that will better reflect modern day football and society, whilst also helping to bring down barriers and to inspire the next generation.

As the nation’s game, football is well placed to be reaching out to all of society, Oliver Selfe comments, “Football is a great game that can be enjoyed by everyone no matter who you are, where you're from or how you play. Wiltshire FA aims to inspire people to take part in football, making sure there are opportunities For All.”

This summer, Wiltshire FA is celebrating ‘The Football Effect’ by showcasing the positive force football has on society. Oliver continues “We believe football can unite communities and build relationships and as part of our new partnership with Crimestoppers, we plan to host a Football Festival in Swindon for 11-14 year olds. The festival will celebrate the powerful and positive impact of football and will launch new community football sessions being delivered by Swindon Town FC Community Foundation as part of the opening of the new 3G pitch at the County Ground.”

Find out more about ways to play in Wiltshire