Kathryn Smith

As Head of Football Development at Manchester Football Association, Kathryn plays a central role in developing and shaping the future of grassroots football across the region. In this capacity, she leads on supporting the organisation to achieve the FA’s Code of Governance, while also driving forward Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) priorities and the Game for All standard, ensuring these frameworks are meaningfully embedded and interconnected internally within the County FA and externally within grassroots football clubs.

Alongside this role, Kathryn contributes strategically as a Board Observer for Kick it Out, and EDI Non-Executive Director at Oldham Active and as a Board Trustee for Rotherham United Community Trust chairing their ESG sub committee. In these wider roles, Kathryn supports initiatives that widen participation, strengthen community connections, and promote inclusive opportunities through sport.

In parallel with her professional work, Kathryn is also an active footballer, currently playing for Leeds United Women. This lived experience of the game provides valuable insight, enabling her to support and inspire the next generation of players both on and off the pitch.

With a background that includes roles as a School Sports Partnership Manager and a Primary School Teacher, Kathryn offers a unique perspective on the intersection of education, sport, and community development. Within this, she is keen to widen the reputation of Governance and share the  benefits of ‘Good Governance’ across more organisations and areas of her work, ensuring sport remains accessible, representative, and impactful for all.