Liverpool FA are delighted to announce that Anthony Smith has been appointed as full time Chief Executive Officer. Upon his permanent appointed to his new role, we’re also pleased to confirm that Anna Farrell will be remain in her role as Head of Participation & Development with Ellie Fox remaining as Football Development Officer leading on Women & Girls.

Spanning two periods working in our Football Development Team over 10 years, Anthony has supported the development grassroots football across Merseyside. His work alongside the Football Foundation, Local Authorities and partners has seen the creation of Local Playing Pitch Strategies, the development of several full sized 3G pitches and changing rooms, improvements to grass pitches and most recently securing £500k of investment via the Active Through Football Programme for Merseyside.

Over the 14 years working in our Football Development Team, Anna has previously held roles in Education, Clubs & Leagues, Disability Football and, most recently, has been overseeing our Female Football Pathway and Marketing & Communications. Her work alongside our clubs and leagues has seen female football flourish across Merseyside with more females playing the game than ever.

Ellie Fox, has volunteered with Liverpool FA over several years and has been instrumental in supporting the development of our Amnesty International Programme which sees female refugee and asylum seekers given the opportunity to play football, make friends and integrate into our community.

Upon the new appointments, Anthony said: "I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to lead one of the country’s most respected County FAs.

"These are challenging times for grassroots football but I’m very passionate about football in Merseyside having been involved in all aspects of the game, both through my voluntary and paid work. Having worked in various roles across Liverpool FA, I’m also so pleased to see Anna appointed to Head of Participation and Development and for Ellie to be recruited on a full time basis in a role she is passionate about.

"Alongside our talented, dedicated and passionate team at Liverpool FA, our aim will remain the same, to support and continue improving grassroots football for everyone here on Merseyside.

"Coupled with Liverpool FA moving to their new Headquarters in Thornton, the future of football here on Merseyside is looking prosperous."