Youth Leaders from across the Country travel to St. Georges Park on Monday 25^th July for the FA Football Futures Academy delivered by The FA National Game Youth Council. This year Matthew Underwood (Dorset Youth Council Chairperson) and Lucy Cuff (Women and Girls Activator) have been nominated to attend. The week long experience will enhance their capabilities as a leader, and equip them with the tools and knowledge to go back into Dorset and cascade learning amongst peers to directly impact on the County FA and The FA’s organisational objectives.

As Chairperson of the Dorset Youth Council, Matthew Underwood has worked tirelessly with sport providers in the County to encourage football clubs and leagues to create 'youth forums' where children and young people's voices can be heard to help promote change. Matthew is also an integral member of the Dorset County FA Development Committee, voicing the views of young people in grassroots football.

Lucy Cuff has co-ordinated the successful delivery of Dorset's Football Legacy Fund which is using soccercise as a tool at Shaftesbury School to re-engage women and girls aged 14+ into participating in football. Following such a high level of success the project will look to expand across all areas of Dorset in 2016-2017 season. Lucy is also designing a 'Female Football Takeover' in Dorset to expose young girls to the exciting career pathways in football.

Congratulations on such a prestigious achievement and we look forward to hearing all about it.