About the NLFA

Our Ethos

The NLFA was formed to improve the structures within Non League Football and to be a cushion of support for all players from Non-league to grass roots, both men and women can become a member of the NLFA.

PFA and NLFA

“The PFA would like to offer its support to its former chairman Dean Holdsworth in the launch the Non league Football Association. We feel that the NLFA will be a positive force in Non League Football helping players to forge a successful and rewarding career at this level of the game. The Non League Footballers Association can be both the spring board and the additional support needed for footballers moving in an out of the professional leagues”.

The FA

Respect isn’t just earned on the pitch, its earned off of it as well. When we talk about Respect, we are talking about the positive environment we want to encourage across all of football.

It’s about making the game a better place for all to enjoy.

To achieve this, we understand the importance of the role of our coaches across the game in implementing a positive environment to make their players better on and off the pitch.

A coaches dedication takes players to the next level. Tactics, skills, fitness – all these things are important, but there’s one big factor that can make a huge difference to the people you coach – and it could be the simplest change you make this year to transform your team.

“My coach was just so infectiously positive and enthusiastic all the time.” – Esme Morgan

“My coach didn’t only build me as a player – he built me as a person.” – Marcus Rashford

Hear directly from our England stars on the importance their grassroots coaches played on influencing and shaping their footballing journeys and setting them on the right path to a successful career. And when we spoke to the former grassroots coaches, they told us that their ethos revolved around making the players feel positive and respected.

Studies have even shown that players who feel positive on the pitch actually play better.

While as a coach you can’t control each moment on the pitch, you can set the tone before and during every match, at every training session, in every interaction with your team.

See our handy tips for help instil a more positive environment for your club.

RESPECT: Bukayo Saka

RESPECT: Ollie Watkins

RESPECT: Esme Morgan

Having played football and been involved in football, both professional and Non-league for a huge percentage of my life, I have experienced the joy of winning and the pain of losing. Having major knee surgery (Cruciate, Medial and Lateral Ligament reconstruction) at the age of 17 nearly stopped my career before it had even started. It made me realise serious injury can dismantle the dream through no fault of your own, wrong place and wrong time or just fete? We don’t prepare as a footballer for a bad hand of the cards.

We live the dream, one things for sure though there’s nothing quite like the adrenalin of a dressing room that’s just won a match, a league or a cup final. I am honoured to have played in Wimbledon’s notorious ‘Crazy Gang’, I say honoured because we relied on team spirit, playing to the maximum, giving everything you can for each other and feeling ‘Us against the world’ mentality. We had defeats but made teams earn the win they knew what was coming before the game. When we won we lived and lived hard sometimes taking things beyond the rules but the strength of the team came from the defeats, we wanted to win so much and were a team scared of being average. The feeling of team spirit amongst the group that you have given everything you can for each other, looking in the eyes of the person next to you and knowing you can trust him to give you his last bead of sweat is beyond anything we find when we leave the game.

The spectator and the brains.

John has specialised in member benefits for the last 9 years working as a director with UR Benefits and a Director on Switch Lifestyles Consultancy which focuses on the health and well-being of clients

John has brought this knowledge to enhance the membership of the NLFA putting the members at the forefront on the mission

Paul Wilkinson enjoyed an illustrious 18-year professional football career, making over 650 senior appearances and scoring more than 150 goals. He began his career at **Grimsby Town** in 1982, where his impressive performances earned him a move to **Everton** in 1985. During his time at Everton, he scored a memorable winning goal in the Merseyside derby and contributed to the team’s First Division championship win in the 1986-87 season

Paul Wilkinson‘s extensive experience as both a player and coach has made him a respected figure in the football community. His contributions to the game continue to inspire young footballers and coaches alike.

Joanne is the Co-CEO of Love My Club and leads the Discounts and Benefits department. She oversees a team of dedicated advisors who are passionate about saving our members money on everyday products. Thanks to Joanne’s leadership, our members have collectively saved over £300,000 in 2023, significantly enhancing their everyday lives

Louise is the visionary Founder and Director of Love My Club, bringing her extensive expertise in insurance to the forefront. With a deep passion for ensuring clients receive optimal coverage without overpaying, Louise has dedicated her career to making insurance accessible and fair. Her commitment to excellence was recognised when she was awarded the prestigious Top Advisor of the Year 2022 by Vouched For.

Leading a dynamic team of advisors, Louise ensures that every client receives personalised support throughout their insurance and mortgage journey. Her team’s mission is to provide comprehensive guidance and unwavering support at every step.

As a former national runner, Louise understands the critical importance of having the right insurance, especially for athletes. She knows firsthand that injuries need to be covered and addressed swiftly to ensure a quick recovery.

Having played football and been involved in football, both professional and Non-league for a huge percentage of my life, I have experienced the joy of winning and the pain of losing. Having major knee surgery (Cruciate, Medial and Lateral Ligament reconstruction) at the age of 17 nearly stopped my career before it had even started. It made me realise serious injury can dismantle the dream through no fault of your own, wrong place and wrong time or just fete? We don’t prepare as a footballer for a bad hand of the cards.

We are delighted to have Sam as part of the new Player recruitment team.
Once a member has registered to join the Player Directory, they will be able to work alongside Sam, to find a club in this country or maybe in another. Sam has excellent knowlledge in overseas football and careers.
Sam started he’s Career at West Ham United then moved to Stop Out SC in New Zealand before taking the offer to play at the collegiate Level in the USA. Sam was a 2008 NJCAA National Champion with Herkimer College and a 2009 NCAA Runner Up with Lees McRae College, a 4x Conference regular season champion, 2x conference tournament champion, 2x regional champion.

In 2006 Sam was a ranked 12th in the Nation in NJCAA for points, a 3x Conference selection, 2x Regional selection, 2007 Region 3 All Star team selection and 2009 NCAA Final Four All Tournament selection.

Sam also played one season with DFW Tornadoes in the USL/PDL in 2010 and with Forest City London in 2011.Sam graduated with a BA degree from Lees McRae in 2010 with Sports Management

Mitch Hahn is the CEO of Nordens Chartered Accountants, overseeing Business Development with a role that focuses on introducing and nurturing new clients and helping businesses grow and navigate through any issues they may be facing with specific strategic advisory.

Outside of Nordens, Mitch plays semi-professional football and captains the Team GB football team (Gold Medallist and double silver-medallist) and provides coaching and mentoring.