Josh Stockdale to influence football on a national scale after securing new role with the Association of College Sport
Cornwall FA wish Josh well with new venture as a National Football Development Officer for the Association of College Sport.
Since joining Cornwall FA Josh has flourished in various roles at the association starting as a Junior Football Development Officer back in 2018. Having developed his knowledge within the Cornish Football landscape supporting leagues and clubs, Josh was promoted into the role of Football Development Officer for Male Participation in Cornwall.
Josh’s journey has seen a significant impact within the local Cornish landscape, with his proactive and supportive nature helping to further develop playing opportunities within the County through the continuation and development of initiatives such as Flexi-League Football and through the progression of the FA Accreditation Programme.
Another significant moment within Josh’s journey at Cornwall FA was his involvement in the FA’s National Youth Council, a project which saw Josh operate as an Engagement Officer in the South as well as travelling abroad to engage in further personal development opportunities delivered by the FA/UEFA. Josh used this experience to support the development the Cornwall FA Youth Council, Youth Leadership Academy and Youth Onside programmes locally to support Youth Engagement across many of our clubs and young people.
More recently, one of Josh’s responsibilities has seen him work in collaboration with our growing network of Cornish Walking Football teams, helping to set up a community while introducing and developing new Walking Football teams across the county. This has since seen the introduction of the first ever Age UK Cornwall Walking Football League which will start in June 2022.
Josh said, “It has been a continued privilege to support so many aspects of Cornish football over the last four years in varying roles that I have had so much passion for. To see the growth and development in many areas of the game, alongside having the opportunity to work with countless passionate volunteers has made the role very rewarding. I want to offer a huge thank you to every club, league, volunteer, coach and player that I have worked with throughout my time and for all the work you do to make football happen week in week out across Cornwall. I am excited for the next chapter with AoC Sport and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue working within the game”.
Dawn Aberdeen (Cornwall FA Chief Executive) added, “Josh has been a real credit to himself and to Cornwall FA since joining us four years ago fresh out of university. Starting with us as a Junior FDO he has always shown his professionalism and passion for grassroots football in the county and was rewarded by a promotion to look after Male Participation - Clubs and Leagues in May 2019. He is a valued member of our small County FA team but having the opportunity to progress and develop is something we endorse wholeheartedly. Now leaving us at the end of June Josh will be taking on a National Football Development Officer Role.
He will be a great loss to us but I am confident he will take on and impact his new role with the same passion and commitment he has during his time with Cornwall FA and we wish him every success as he continues on his future career journey”.
Good luck Josh!