WFA Chairperson Vacancy
The Wheelchair Football Association are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees to lead us on our charity mission of Powering Positive Progress.
The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) was formed in 2005 to govern the sport of Powerchair Football in England. Recognised by the FA, who sanction our laws, the WFA was initially a voluntary organisation focused on raising awareness, providing guidance to newly formed clubs and establishing a national competition. By 2009 the number of clubs had grown sufficiently for the WFA to begin applying for funding to employ a Development Officer to expand the services provided to members.
Powerchair Football is a unique sport that provides opportunities for people with a high level of impairment to access sport. It is the only active team participation sport for people who use powered wheelchairs. The sport is fast-paced, dynamic and fun to watch. Due to the unique nature of the game, it allows all ages, disabilities and genders to compete together. Powerchair Football enables disabled people to participate in regular activities and provides them with competition – something that the majority probably won’t have experienced before due to their impairment. As a result, it builds key life skills such as teamwork and communication. It brings strangers together, many of whom have similar stories and life experiences, creating friendships and bonds which last a lifetime.
We receive funding from the FA and charitable organisations to fund the full-time employment of a National Development Manager and National Development Officer. We also have partnerships with UK and International companies which help us to fund our National Competitions (comprising of a Premiership and Championship League, each with 12 competing teams). The England Powerchair Football team are the current European Champions, beating France on penalties to lift the trophy in Finland in 2019. With the World Cup in Australia later this year, it is a very exciting time to enter the sport.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is Powering Positive Progress. This is achieved by:
- Ensuring Powerchair Football is accessible to the widest number of its target audience.
- Encouraging and promoting the sport of Powerchair Football to improve conditions of life, assisting with integration into the game of football and society.
We will work to achieve our mission by working on the following fundamental values. These values reflect the association’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, equality, and accessibility in sports. The WFA’s values include the following:
- Passionate – Reflected in our actions as an organisation, the attitude of our staff and our collective commitment to the professional governance and ongoing development of Powerchair Football in England.
- Inclusive – Open, honest, diverse, inclusive, equitable, supporting and welcoming irrespective of gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, or age.
- Progressive – We support all individuals to reach their full potential, championing inclusion, physical activity and wellbeing, accessibility, sustainability, and innovation, applying a growth mindset towards learning and improving as an organisation and sport.
- Collaborative – Whether with members, players and families, facilitators, partners and community stakeholders, we collaborate across football, disability and community networks to achieve the best possible outcomes for our sport.
Role Overview
The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees and the association, as well as hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the charity’s mission and vision, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the Trustees and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire membership of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Trustees.
Remuneration: The role of Chairperson is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed
Location: Birmingham County FA (Board meetings usually take place remotely)
Time commitment: Six Board meetings per year. The Chair is also expected to have regular contact with the Trustees and represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.
Reporting to: WFA Membership
Principal responsibilities include Strategic Leadership, Governance, External Relations, Efficiency & Effectiveness, and establishing a Relationtionship with the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate will have or have had experience as a senior executive within a sports organisation, but this is not essential. It is important that they have an interest in disability sports, charity administration and social justice. Characteristics displayed by the very best members of our community include integrity, humility and emotional intelligence, and we would look for these in a chairperson.
To download the role description document, please click the link below:
