MATT HANCOCK APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Matt Hancock has assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Directors at the Staffordshire Football Association, succeeding the longstanding tenure of Mike Stokes, who held the role from 2014 until his retirement.

With over two decades of experience in community and professional sports, Matt embarked on his career at Newcastle Borough Council and later served as a Football Development Officer at the Staffordshire FA. His journey then led him to Burton Albion Community Trust, where he became Community Manager in 2012 and ascended to the position of Head of Community in 2017.

In 2019, he joined the Staffordshire FA as a Non-Executive Director, and in December 2022, he assumed the pivotal role of Director of Community & CSR  at Port Vale Football Club.

In his new capacity, Matt will play a decisive role in providing leadership and accountability to the Association's Membership. His responsibilities include spearheading the Board of Directors and remaining answerable to the Membership of the Staffordshire Football Association. Furthermore, Matt will serve as an esteemed ambassador for the Association and will actively champion positive change within both the Association and the broader football landscape.

Adam Evans, Staffordshire FA Chief Executive Officer, said: “I would, first of all, like to personally thank Mike Stokes for what he has done for Staffordshire Football during his nine years in post. Mike will be missed from his senior position, but he will take up his deserved honorary membership of the Association where he will continue to support and advise for many years to come.

“His leadership has allowed us to modernise and better reflect the local game. He steered us through the tough Covid times, and he will leave the Association in a great position thanks to his dedication and passion to the role.

“Looking forwards, we are incredibly pleased to be able to welcome Matt Hancock as our new Chair of the Board of Directors. Matt has a great wealth of knowledge in community and sports having been heavily involved in grassroots football for a countless number of years. Everybody at the Staffordshire FA is excited for Matt to join the journey and continue in the right direction.”

Matt Hancock, Staffordshire FA Chair, said: “This appointment really means a lot to me, and I am  committed to working alongside the Board, Council, our dedicated staff, and particularly alongside Adam Evans, to help create  meaningful change and bring innovation, creativity, and inclusivity to the way we deliver football in our county. I feel  honoured to have this opportunity and will ensure we continue to make decisions in the best interests of football in Staffordshire. 

“In the past nine years, Mike Stokes has steered Staffordshire Football Association towards a position of remarkable stability, complemented by his astounding 50 years of service to the game. While I recognise that I can never replicate his legacy, I am determined that we can continue developing Staffordshire football positively in the coming years and carrying forward Mike's enduring impact.”