Eartha Pond joins FA Women's Football Board

Eartha Pond is the newest member of the FA Women's Football Board (WFB) after being appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Eartha was part of the April 2021 Pathway to Success cohort, and the announcement coincides with the publication of The Colour of Power 2021 study.

The directory noted an increase in the number of black women in high-level leadership positions over the last four years, and Eartha's appointment appears to be the latest addition to a trend that must continue to pick up the pace - for both women and men.

The newly created role will see Eartha advise the WFB as it moves ahead with delivering on its 'Inspiring Positive Change' strategy which was launched last year.

The FA programme aims to leave its imprint on the women's game at every level, from boosting access to the sport among school-aged girls, to collaborating with clubs and other key stakeholders to develop domestic competitions. Its goals include helping ensure England win a major tournament by the end of 2024. 

True, the FA is known for its wide-ranging initiatives to address issues in The English Game (with varying degrees of success) but Eartha's appointment to her new position will allow English footballs national body to not only draw on her on-field experience at Chelsea, Everton, Charlton, and others but also her off-field knowledge as a community leader and helper.

Image source: The Telegraph - Eartha Pond has been especially active in supporting the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire

It has seen her take a prominent role as a councillor in the Queen's Park community in addition to serving as an educator where her growth has been evident.

The Chair of The FA Women’s Football Board, Sue Hough, noted that issues of equality, diversity and inclusion were 'integral' to Eartha. Everyone hopes that Eartha's outlook as an educator and her talents as a leader will see her prove to be an asset in her new role, just as she was on the pitch, and she is in her community. 

“The selection panel are confident that Eartha will bring a refreshing view on the talent pathway and look forward to welcoming her to the Women’s Football Board.”

Sue Hough, Chair of The FA Women's Football Board

The FA Women's Football Board in full 

• Rupinder Bains: FA Board representative.

• Sue Campbell: FA Executive representative.

• Hannah Dingley: Inclusion Football Advisory Board representative.

• Sandi Dosanjh: Chair of Women’s National League Board.

• Sue Hough (Chair): Chair of the Women’s Talent Committee. Sue is a Vice President of The FA and also sits on The FA Board and is on the Ambassadorial Panel. Sue also sits on the Barclays FA WSL/WC Board on behalf of the Women’s Football Board and the FA WNL Board. Sue is the CEO of Dorset County FA.

• Elizabeth Jenkin : Independent Non-Executive Director.

• Jason Lee: Professional Footballers’ Association representative. Jason is the Equalities Education Executive at the PFA.

• Elaine Oram: Chair of the Women’s Pyramid Project Group and Chair of the Ambassadorial Panel. Elaine is the CEO of Nottinghamshire County FA.

• Eartha Pond: Independent Non-Executive Director.

• Thura Win: Women’s Football Conference representative. Thura is also on the Ambassadorial Panel.

Mayowa Ayodele

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