An ex-Burton Albion forward has joined a Football Association advisory board which looks at tackling discrimination and aiding diversity in football across England.
Marvin Sordell – who played for the Brewers between 2017 and 2019, playing 84 games and scoring nine goals – is one of seven new members to join the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board (IAB) which is a sub-committee to the FA board itself.
Created in 2013, the board also looks at cross-football inclusion and is made up of ex-professional footballers, mental health specialists and social experts.
Former Brighton and Hove Albion defender Liam Rosenior also joins alongside Sordell.
The 29-year-old retired from professional football last year, saying he was doing so to protect his mental health.
He has regularly championed for mental health to be a point of discussion more often at both professional and amateur levels in the game, also speaking out against the prevalence of racism within football.
Upon the news that he had joined the IAB, Sordell said: “I’m really excited to be a part of this board, and hopefully be a part of helping create a better environment for the beautiful game in this country.
“As I made very clear throughout the process, I’m not interested in politics, or building any sort of career in football. I only want to help make change.”
Chairman Paul Elliot stated: “I’m delighted to welcome the new members.
“”The standard of candidates was outstanding, and it was important to bring in people who can offer a fresh perspective from both within and outside of football. We’ve made great strides since the Inclusion Advisory Board formed in 2013 and it’s crucial to bring in those who can challenge existing ideas.
“In Pursuit of Progress lays out our mission to make football truly for all. With an ambitious set of targets, we aim to increase the diversity of those playing, coaching, watching and leading football, ensuring it is reflective of modern society, and play our part in removing discrimination from the game we all love.”
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