The FA has named Baroness Sue Campbell CBE as its new Head of Women’s Football. 

The former Chair of UK Sport, Baroness Campbell will take forward The FA’s drive to increase girls and women’s grassroots football participation with the aim to generate further success among England’s elite women’s teams.

The FA’s Director of Participation and Development, Kelly Simmons said: “I’m delighted that Baroness Campbell is joining us and am really looking forward to working with her laying the foundations for growth across the women’s game.  

“Sue is widely regarded as one of the most influential people in British sport. This appointment is a massive statement about the FA’s ambitions for the women’s game and where the game is at.” 

Baroness Campbell is a former junior international pentathlete and netball player and went on to represent her country as a player, a coach and a team manager. 

In 2003 she was awarded a Commander of the British Empire for her services to sport and other accolades include receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards and serving as Chair of UK Sport, where she presided over Team GB and ParalympicGB’s largest medal haul in living memory. 

Baroness Campbell said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to help shape the future vision and strategy for girls and women’s football. Great strides have already been made both in terms of grassroots participation and at the elite level.

“The growth of The FA Women’s Super League and success of the England Lionesses are testimony to that. I am really looking forward to building on the work already done.”

She was the creative force behind the Youth Sport Trust which champions best practice and innovation in Physical Education and School Sport. 

Ali Oliver, the Trust’s Chief Executive said:  “Sue is an exceptional and transformational leader and any organisation would be lucky to secure her insight, experience and expertise.

“Throughout her career Sue has made a significant contribution at the highest levels of sport and I am sure she will build on the existing momentum, pioneering an exciting new era for women’s football at The FA.

“I am delighted she will continue to Chair the Youth Sport Trust but wish her every success in this new role.” 

Baroness Campbell will commence her role in March.

Image: Action Images / Steven Paston Livepic (Baroness Sue Campbell, right. 2010)