East Riding FA Grassroots Football Coaching Conference 2025

Last night we welcomed over 100 volunteers to the University of Hull for our annual Grassroots Football Coaching Conference.

The event which was open to all active and aspiring coaches in East Riding followed last years conference which saw us welcome former England International Nick Barmby, Brentford FC Technical Director Lee Dykes and Football Mental Health Alliance founder Danny Matharu.

This year we once again aimed to Engage, Inspire and Educate our attendees with us inviting guest note speakers who have a tremendous knowledge of football at grassroots, semi-pro and professional level.

First to take to the stage was Grimsby Town Chief Executive Polly Bancroft who took time out of her busy transfer deadline day schedule to share her incredible career. Polly is one of only a handful of CEO's in professional football with her journey starting here at the East Riding FA as Women and Girls Football Development Officer. Since then Polly has enjoyed spells at UEFA, The FA, the Football Foundation, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United.

Polly shared her experiences of working in elite level football and the importance of formulating strategies and plans regardless of what level of football people operate at. 

Next to to take to the stage was Norwegian FA Performance Consultant Sally Needham. Sally is a UEFA A License Coach, with a PHD in Elite Performance, and has previously worked for the FA, Sheffield United and the Wales Women's national team. Now a Human Development, Performance and Culture Consultant with her own coaching company 4Growth Ltd Sally explained to conference delegates the the importance of language, how to structure learning, the role of the coach and the application of Neuroscience.

Our final guest speaker was Bridlington Town AFC manager Mike Thompson. Mike shared his experiences of going from grassroots to semi-professional football and what motivated him to keep involved in the game as a manager of a Northern Premier League side. Mike also shared his love for the game and why its important for coaches to have a clear direction in what they want to achieve.  

The evening finished with a question and answer session with East Riding FA CEO Adam Lowthorpe joining the panel.

Adam Lowthorpe said; “It was a truly inspirational evening with our guest speakers providing really thought-provoking ideas, opinion and advice. The turnout was magnificent, and we were delighted that so many coaches from the region took the time to attend."

For information on all our upcoming volunteer workshops please click here.