Leoni Waghorn

Leoni has worked in a volunteering capacity at DCFA since 2019 as a Disciplinary Panel Member. Since then, she has been appointed Equality Director and Chair of SIAG and has long term engagement within the sports volunteer sector, notably as mentor and ambassador for the Elena Baltacha Tennis Foundation as a female advisor to support underrepresented girls in sport. Leoni is also a board member of a mental health charity.

Sonny Nanua

Sonny joined the SIAG in January 2022, having been involved in grassroots football for the last 20 years in various roles. A champion of D&I in his current profession as a Human Centred Designer, Sonny brings his experience of using empathy to understand others.

An avid Arsenal fan, Sonny likes to split his time watching and coaching his Junior Football Team. Away from football, you'll find Sonny on his mountain bike or behind his pizza oven.

Deborah Holland

Deborah has nearly thirty years experience as a teacher, with her current role being a Community Engagement Officer at The Pingle Academy. Deborah works closely with local sports teams, football clubs, Derbyshire FA and the Football Foundation, amongst others.

Having spent all of her working life in South Derbyshire, Deborah is committed to the people of the county; the students in the school, their families and the wider community.  Physical activity is important to all of our well being and should be accessible for all. Deborah joined the SIAG to make a difference to the lives of the people in Derbyshire.

Nick Rippon-Smith

Nick is a grassroots coach at U10 level with Long Eaton United, with aspirations of coaching at the highest level possible with academy age groups. One of Nick's finest achievements in the game is his anti-racism work; An example of this being when his teams squad numbers were replaced with the 'Show Racism the Red Card' logo. 

Nick was awarded the 'Spirit of Grassroots' Award by Derbyshire FA in 2021 for his amazing work. Away from coaching, Nick is a family man, and travels the country following his beloved Leeds United with his two sons.

Hannah Peate

Hannah has 28 years experience working within the public sector across the local authority, education and health sectors, covering community engagement and development, physical activity, sport, recreation, health, facility management and development, workforce health and wellbeing.

She started her journey into leisure as a volunteer football and multi-sport coach and facility duty officer alongside her business degree.

Jennifer Blewitt

Jenny is the Safeguarding & Equality Manager at Derbyshire FA. Her role is to manage all aspects of Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk, in line with FA guidelines and legislation. She cooperates with Derbyshire football clubs to ensure they meet and exceed safeguarding requirements.

Jenny is very experienced in safeguarding and law enforcement, having served as a Police Officer in Staffordshire for 30 years.

Ricky Stevenson

Ricky is the Chief Executive Officer at Derbyshire FA, and his role is to deliver the business objectives and to drive strategy and partnerships opportunities across the county.

Ricky is also the President of The Federation International of Powerchair Football Associations (FIPFA) and plays an active role in the development of the game in England and across the globe.