Within the new 2024-28 strategy, ‘Time to Inspire’ the purpose of the Guernsey FA, as the custodians of the game in the Bailiwick, is recognised as being to inspire lifelong journeys and positive change through football – by fostering accessibility, uniting the community, and enhancing the football experience for ALL.

That commitment to fostering accessibility, and enhancing the football experience for all, has led to the formation of a new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which represents the GFA’s strong and public commitment to promoting, embedding and advancing diversity and inclusion across the organisation and local football environment.

Following the recent re-introduction of the GFA Inclusion Advisory Group, which will have oversight responsibility for the DIAP, this Plan identifies specific actions and objectives relating to diversity and inclusion, which includes ambitions to achieve greater diversity on the GFA’s own Board, workforce, and volunteers. Additionally, the DIAP focusses on ensuring appropriate governance that is conducive to supporting greater inclusion and diversity for the game in Guernsey, whilst also including a commitment to ensuring that participation opportunities are available for all of the community.

Guernsey FA Development Officer, Joelle Priaulx, who has taken a leading role in developing the DIAP commented:

“The DIAP has been developed to ensure everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be part of the game and is reflective of our island community. There is a recognition and acceptance that the GFA is at the forefront of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across football in Guernsey, and we are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging equal opportunities for all, with no barriers to participation and involvement. This action plan reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring our sport truly represents the unified, welcoming, and accessible game for all, and the GFA DIAP will be driven by the Inclusion Advisory Group, supported by the Board of Directors, and endorsed across our organisation.”

Guernsey FA Director, and IAG Chair, Nicky Will added:

“Sport should be accessible for all and football has the opportunity to lead the way in ensuring everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be part of the game. This new Plan outlines the GFA’s commitment to promoting, embedding and advancing diversity and inclusion both within the organisation itself and the wider football community and I’m delighted to be chairing the new Inclusion Advisory Group tasked with driving this Plan forwards.”

Guernsey FA Chief Executive, Gary Roberts, concluded:

“The collective responsibility of the Board, and Guernsey FA staff, is to ensure that people from all backgrounds can participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, regardless of their age, sex, gender re-assignment, disability, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race or sexual orientation. We are, therefore, working to ensure everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be part of the game and this Plan will be at the forefront of our work to create a more inclusive and diverse sport in Guernsey. This Plan will be reviewed, and progress monitored and reported, on an annual basis to ensure that we are making progress against the stated objectives.”

“Football should be a constant source of positivity across the island for everyone and, with Victoria Park, Guernsey’s new ‘Home of Football’, set to open in early 2025, the Guernsey FA recognises that the Time to Inspire a game for ALL is now.”

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