Phil Smith was appointed Director of Sport by Sport England in September 2008, with the aim of transforming sport in England so that playing sport becomes a lifelong habit for more people, a regular choice for the majority, and all those with talent reach their full potential. This is done via funding and advice to National Governing Bodies and other partners who deliver grassroots sport.
Phil joined Sport England from The FA, where his professional career started in 1996 as the General Secretary of the County FA in Manchester, before moving through various roles in the administration of grassroots football. Latterly he became The FA’s Head of Public Affairs, responsible for FA policy for English football in relation to Government in both the UK and EU.
