We are delighted to announce that, following an extensive recruitment process, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam has been appointed as the new Chair of the Lincolnshire Football Association with effect from 1st July 2023.

Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam (JVT) graduated in Medicine from the University of Nottingham in 1987 and has spent nearly 40 years working in medicine and public health.

From October 2017 until March 2022 Professor Sir Jonathan was seconded to the Department of Health and Social Care, England as Deputy Chief Medical Officer where his portfolio was vaccines, pharmaceuticals, health protection, and biosecurity. In that role he has been extensively involved in domestic vaccines policy, seasonal influenza, infectious disease incidents (Ebola, Monkey Pox), the Novichok attack, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was a member of the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and co-Chair of the Global Health Security Advisory Group  Pandemic Influenza Working Group. He has received multiple awards and accolades for his public communication of science and was awarded a Knighthood for services to Public Health in 2022.

Professor Sir Jonathan said: “It is an honour to be confirmed as the new Chair of the Lincolnshire Football Association and I am looking forward to starting the role. I will endeavour to continue the excellent work that my predecessor Grahame Lyner has done and ensure that both the Association and football in Lincolnshire continue to grow and develop.

“I am passionate about football. Football has been a big part of my life since childhood as a participant, a fan and now as a parent whose children play football in Lincolnshire. Participation in sport has a positive impact on our communities and for those individuals involved supports  health, fitness and wellbeing and teaches teamwork, leadership and confidence.”

Lincolnshire FA's Chief Executive, Nick Hanson said: “We are excited to welcome Professor Sir Jonathan to the Lincolnshire Football Association. It was essential that we appointed a Chair who has a passion and knowledge of football in Lincolnshire, but also the skills and experience to drive the Association forward. We look forward to working with him to realise our strategic objectives and capitalise on the many growth and investment opportunities for football in Lincolnshire.”