ANDY Norman has become the Worcestershire Foot-ball Association's second full-time employee.

The 38-year-old follows in the footsteps of secretary Mervyn Leggett by becoming the association's first Football Development Officer.

His duties will be varied, and they include developing girls' and women's soccer in conjunction with a part-time development officer for all ladies' soccer, as well as further development of small-sided soccer.

He also plans help clubs and organisations implement the new FA Charter for Quality, including matters such as child protection, developing a programme of education and training for volunteers, help set up coach and medical education courses, and to develop working relationships with key local authority and sporting bodies.

He said: "What I am very keen to do initially is get myself known. I am keen to help the clubs with anything they wish to develop for the good of football."

Coaching

The development of soccer for girls is a particular target area. "I have had a lot of experience in the Wychavon area of doing coaching sessions. I have coached in a lot of schools in that area, and we have had upwards of 40 girls at after-school sessions.

"One of the goals is to try and and convert that interest so there are regular clubs for girls' football."

Norman, who lives at Bredon, was previously employed by Wychavon District Council as their assistant youth sports development officer.

He is a keen footballer himself, having played for Bredon for several years, and he still turns out for their seniors side.

He is looking forward to the task ahead, saying: "It is a dream job for me. To be employed by the county FA and to be able to do something like this and help other people, I am really looking forward to it.

"I am looking really to build up some rapport with the football clubs in all areas of the county. I already have in the Wychavon area and want to develop that in other areas."