EDI Officer Joins Berks & Bucks FA Inclusion Advisory Group

Reading City Football Club is proud to announce that our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ryan Sheehan, who is also the club’s Marketing, Communications & Engagement Manager has joined the Inclusion Advisory Group at the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Assocation ahead of the 2023/24 Season

Following our Club Chairman and newly appointed Director of Grassroots Football at the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Association, Martin Law ratifying the appointment everyone at Reading City Football Club would like to congratulate Ryan on becoming a member of the County FA’s Inclusion Advisory Group.

We’re delighted to confirm that Ryan will also remain our Marketing, Communications and Engagement Manager.

Ryan’s passion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Football is evident in the work that he does not only at Reading City Football Club but in his capacity as Head of Content & Social Media at Proud Royals, Reading Football Club’s LGBT+ Supporters Group. A role he’s held alongside being our Marketing, Communications & Engagement Manager since February 2022.

The Berks & Bucks County Football Association Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) was established to engage more individuals from under-represented groups into all roles in football.

The IAG provides ideas and support on Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Association’s main areas of focus in delivery. It also plays an important role in influencing how the County Football Association, make decisions, with representatives from their Board of Directors also playing a part in the group.

We spoke to Club Chairman, Martin Law following him ratifying Ryan’s appointment as a Member of the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Association and here’s what he had to say:

”We are a club that sits at the heart of our local community and are therefore proud to welcome everyone irrespective of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment. Since Ryan joined the club in 2018, his passion for making football an inclusive environment for all has been clear to see and during the summer break this year he’s successfully secured the club’s partnership with Her Game Too, as well as our accreditation as Kick It Out Equality Chartered Club taking our commitment to making the club a safe and inclusive environment to a whole new level.

Ryan will be a huge asset to the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Association’s Inclusion Advisory Group as he is very enthuastic, passionate & hardworking”

We also spoke to our Equality, Inclusion & Diversity Officer, Ryan Sheehan about joining the Inclusion Advisory Group at the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire County Football Association and here’s what he had to say:

“As a member of the LGBT+ Community, I know the challenges that under-represented groups may face and that not everyone is lucky enough to work in an inclusive environment like me. I initially joined Reading City Football Club in 2018 and it soon became clear how much of a family ethos there was within the club which allowed me to feel comfortable enough to tell those I work with that I was gay without any fear of reprisal.

Whilst Reading City strives to provide a safe & inclusive space for all, i'm mindful that football has a long way to go before it's a safe and welcoming space for everyone and therefore I’m really excited about joining the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Football Association’s Inclusion Advisory Group and having the opportunity to support not only the County FA but its Member Clubs from the Football League to Non-League in engaging members of under-represented groups. There’s a role for everyone in football, I was a terrible at football but my passion for the game and creative mind led to me becoming the lead for Marketing, Communications & Engagement at Reading City Football Club, and that’s why I’m committed to making Football for All.

I’d like to thank everyone at Reading City Football Club for supporting me in joining the IAG. Especially our Chairman, Martin Law who gave the green light for my appointment as a member”.