Andy Chaplin has explained that continuing to deliver the objectives of the Essex County FA 2018-21 ‘Moving Forward’ Strategy is a key motivation, having been named as the new Chairman of the Association, stating he intends to “help to continue to drive forward on this strategy for the benefit of football across Essex.”

Chaplin, from Silver End, near Witham, has significant experience in local grassroots football, having been involved for over 30 years, initially as a player but also from an administration perspective. He’s been a County FA Council Member since 2015, and a member of the Board of Directors since 2016. He replaces Wayne Deller, who comes to the end of his five-year term as Chairman but is remaining as a Director.

Andy has held a number of roles, both at club and league level. He started out as Secretary of Silver End Youth FC from 1990, and is now currently Chairman, as well as gaining experience as a League Secretary with the Mid Essex League from 1998. Andy continues to be a referee at Level 5 as well as holding his FA Level 1 in Coaching Football Certificate.

Outside of football, Andy recently celebrated 36 years of working for Barclays Bank PLC, the last 15 years of which have been within the area of ‘Cash Management’ of the Corporate Banking sector, providing banking support to a number of the bank’s International Corporate client base.

Andy is excited about being involved as Chairman, which makes him especially proud: “In taking on this role I would like to pass on my thanks to Wayne Deller for his five years as Chairman. I know Wayne was very proud to have held this responsibility but I am grateful that he has decided to retain his position on the Board to help and guide me through my first year.”

“Whilst I have had a long-standing ambition to become the Chairman of the Essex County Football Association, the timing could have been a lot better. Our game has been shut down for a long period, as we tackle a pandemic where ensuring the health and well-being of our members has been the single key objective.”

“As we follow a gradual progression out of lockdown, we need to ensure we achieve a phased re-start but ensuring health and well-being are paramount. The initial signs are encouraging, as football begins to restart, but it is acknowledged that the additional measures being brought in to ensure we play in a safe environment are challenging.”

Andy continued: “Having served on the Board for the last four years, I’ve been involved in supporting the creation of our Moving Forward Strategy. I know, in Brendan [Walshe], we have a forward-looking Chief Executive and excellent and knowledgeable staff who are ensuring we, as an organisation, are delivering on the strategy’s key objectives.”

“As Chairman, this continues to be my key focus and making sure that, as a Board, we help to continue to drive forward for the benefit of football across Essex. Becoming Chairman is a great accolade, and is probably one of my proudest achievements to take a key role, alongside the CEO, staff and my fellow Board Members, in supporting the Association in these difficult times.”

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