In December 2024, Sue Day MBE will succeed Baroness Sue Campbell as the new director of women’s football at the FA.
Day, a former captain of the England rugby team, an MBE recipient for her work promoting gender equality in sports, and a founding trustee of the Women’s Sports Trust, comes from the Royal Football Union (RFU), where she serves as a board member, COO, and CFO.
A passionate football fan, Day will be responsible for the next phase of development for the women’s and girls’ game and disability football in England.
With a broad mandate, Day will spearhead the implementation and development of the FA’s women’s strategy for 2024–28. This plan aims to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities in the game at all levels.
Additionally, as a new age of professional football begins, Day will represent the FA on the board of NewCo. Kay Cossington, who has been the women’s technical director, will continue to manage the senior and development squads for England.
She will also be in charge of providing strategic direction to grow, enhance, and promote disability football in England.
When it comes to women’s and para football’s efforts to increase participation, engagement, visibility, and income, Day’s commercial and marketing acumen will be invaluable.
After eight fruitful years, Baroness Campbell will hand over the reins to Sue at year’s end.
Sue Day MBE told TheFA.com: “It is an honour to be able to join the FA in this incredibly exciting role, at a pivotal moment in the history of the sport.
“Women’s football has the opportunity to change the sporting and societal landscape forever, and I am very excited to be part of that. The challenge to develop disability football from the grassroots to the elite is also deeply motivating. I grew up playing football every day in the school playground, then one day I was told I wasn’t allowed to play with boys on the school team.”
“I am passionate about making sure that future generations have the equal opportunities that weren’t afforded to so many girls like me. I’m really looking forward to working with the brilliant team at the FA and the many external stakeholders to bring all of these possibilities to life.”
“I would like to also pay tribute to Baroness Sue Campbell. Sue is a legend of sport. Her leadership and expertise over the last eight-years has taken the game to a new level. Football, and the whole of English sport, has a great to deal to thank her for.”
FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sue Day into the FA at the end of this year. Sue’s professional expertise and passion for women’s sport, combined with her business acumen made her the standout candidate for this role. Her credentials show she has the vision and leadership to make the most of this moment in time to take the women’s game and para football to new heights.”
“I would also like to again reiterate my thanks to Baroness Sue Campbell, these exciting times for the women’s game are testament to Sue’s brilliant leadership, total commitment and deep passion for the sport. She has inspired us all and we are grateful for her continued contribution across the women’s game and para football.”
