Derby County’s Specialist First Team Coach Liam Rosenior
says he is delighted to have been asked join to the Football Association’s
Inclusion Advisory Board [IAB].
It was announced recently that Rosenior, who is 35, was one of seven new members to join the IAB.
The IAB is a sub-committee of, and reports into, the main FA Board. Formed in 2013 following the introduction of the cross-football inclusion and anti-discrimination programme, its latest development includes In Pursuit of Progress, their current three-year equality, diversity and inclusion plan.
The plan sets out ambitious targets for both the FA and the wider game, with achievements within the first year including:
* Increasing diversity amongst the Football Association’s workforce
* The smallest gender pay gap of any major sports governing body in England
* Creating the Elite Placement Coaching Programme, providing invaluable England camp-based opportunities for under-represented groups with national senior teams
* Developing programmes to encourage Asian communities to get involved in football
* Wide-ranging support for the LGBT+ community, including a partnership with Stonewall, the Rainbow Laces campaign and participating in the annual Pride in London parade
* Increasing focus on tackling discrimination across the game at all levels
Rosenior, who joined manager Phillip Cocu’s coaching staff last summer, has described the invitation to join the IAB as an honour and he is keen to help people get the jobs they deserve in football, regardless of their skin colour, background, religion or gender.
Speaking to RamsTV, Rosenior said: “I was honoured to be asked to join the board. I think sometimes people can misinterpret what that means, but for me it is about people in football getting jobs they deserve.
“This isn’t positive discrimination, but just having that opportunity to get an interview regardless if you’re white, black, gay or straight or if you’re male or female.
“None of that matters. If you are good enough and can make the game better, I’d like to help.”
Rosenior’s position will not have an impact on his day-to-day role with Derby.
Once contact was made by the Football Association, Rosenior was keen to ensure the club were aware of the discussions and that it was a role he could fulfil alongside his coaching responsibilities.
He said: “I was approached for this role and it was an honour to be asked. My first thought was about combining it with my most important job, which is with Derby County.
“When I got the green light from the club’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce that I could, I was delighted. I hope I can do it justice and help the game move forward.”