YOUNG people are being offered an exciting opportunity to shape the future of local football thanks to a Gloucestershire FA (GFA) initiative.

They are searching for young, passionate football volunteers between the ages of 16 and 24 to form a brand-new Gloucestershire FA Youth Council.

Would-be members of the team must be

'actively engaged' in volunteering within the GFA’s county confines.

Successful applicants will play a major part in advising the GFA and key partners on what children and young adults want from local football.

GFA football development officer Scott Milne explained:

“It is vital we engage and retain them (young people) from an early age to secure the future of football. The Gloucestershire FA Youth Council will act as an advisory board and representative body for children and young people aged under 25, providing them with a platform to be involved in decision making within our county FA.

" As a county FA we have many young volunteers dedicating hours each week to grassroots football as coaches, referees, administrators, event organisers, website designers and many other roles.

“Over the past few months we have recognised that we need to utilise and harness the skills of our young leaders.”

Young people can apply for a variety of roles including that of chairperson, head of administration, head of marketing and communications, lead refereeing officer, lead projects officer and project officer, of which there are five positions available.

Members will be required to attend all Gloucestershire FA Youth Council meetings – at least four a year – and be able to deliver and attend various football events related to the role.

Enquiries and applications should be made by 5pm on Friday, January 31, via email, to scott.milne@gloucestershirefa.com or by post to: Scott Milne, Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4AG.