YOUNG people are being offered an exciting opportunity to shape the future of local football thanks to a Gloucestershire FA (GFA) initiative.

They are searching for young, passionate football volunteers between the ages of 16 and 24 to form a brand-new Gloucestershire FA Youth Council.

Would-be members of the team must be “actively engaged” in volunteering within the GFA’s county confines.

Successful applicants will play a major part in advising the GFA and key partners on what children and young adults want from local football. Members of the council will engage more youngsters in football as players and volunteers and help develop a children and young persons’ network in Gloucestershire, as well as supporting GFA staff in delivering the County Football Development Plan.

Young people can apply for a variety of roles including that of chairperson, head of administration, head of marketing and communications, lead refereeing officer, lead projects officer and project officer, of which there are five positions available.

Members will be required to attend all Gloucestershire FA Youth Council meetings - at least four a year - and be able to deliver and attend various football events related to the role.

Enquiries and applications should be made by 5pm on Friday, January 31, via email, to scott.milne@gloucestershirefa.com or by post to: Scott Milne, Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4AG.

Applications received after this date cannot be considered.

Full details of the role, and the many other opportunities the GFA provides for footballers and volunteers, can be found at www.gloucestershirefa.com