CCRF Advisory Panel
In 2024, our Youth Voice Group agreed to create an Advisory Panel to support the work of the CCRF. The Panel is made up of individuals with expertise/experience in youth football and/or children's rights. The terms of the Panel's membership are as follows:
1. Panel members must support the aims of the CCRF Manifesto.
2. The Panel has no decision-making power in relation to the CCRF, its role is to advise as and when requested (if a Panel member is available and interested).
3. Panel members agree to having their contact details kept on a confidential central register which will only be accessed by the management committee for the purposes of making requests for advice.
4. The names of Panel members can be kept anonymous on request.
The following Panel members have agreed to share their names and bios are on our website:
Flavius Andrișca
Flavius Andrișca is a youth football coach and the founder of the Radical Football Conference, Romania’s first international event dedicated to redefining player development. His deep understanding of learning environments, passion for player-first coaching, and commitment to game-based methodologies drive his mission to transform youth football education. Advocating for research-driven, player-centered approaches, Flavius challenges traditional coaching norms, promoting adaptive decision-making, problem-solving, and skill mastery through game-based training. He believes that a development environment should prioritize enjoyment, growth, and excellence, ensuring young players are both challenged and inspired on their journey. Through Radical Football, Flavius has built a global platform where coaches, academy leaders, and researchers exchange bold ideas and practical solutions, pushing beyond outdated systems to create learning environments that truly empower young players. Driven by the belief that every young player deserves an environment that nurtures both skill and character, he works tirelessly to inspire a shift towards coaching methods that encourage creativity, autonomy, and long-term development.
Lee Deema
Founder and Project Manager of the St. Matthew's Project, Brixton. For twenty years, SMP have been helping the young people of Lambeth fulfil their potential and improve their well-being both physically and emotionally through targeted support to children and families.
Rick Fenoglio
Rick Fenoglio is a long-time advocate of childrens' right to engage in holistic and healthy sport. Recently-retired from a 30-year Senior Lecturer career at Manchester Metropolitan University, Rick was co-founder of the influential Give Us Back Our Game youth football ethics programme in the early 2000s. Currently Rick is a senior scout for Manchester City FC and the City Football Group.
Dr Gerald Griggs
Dr Gerald Griggs is Academic Dean and Dean of Manchester Campus at the University Campus of Football Business. He has worked in education for three decades, spanning primary and Higher Education. Gerald is also a member of the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood and co-founder of the Primary Physical Education Assembly. He is a world leading author on primary Physical Education.
Andy Heald
Andy Heald is a leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in sports and physical activity. With an MBA and a deep passion for empowering communities through sport, he has dedicated his career to driving innovation, developing impactful programmes, and advocating for mental health and
children's well-being. With a rich football background, Andy progressed through a Centre of Excellence system before facing the challenges of being released by professional clubs. He built a successful career as a semi-professional player and coach, acquiring first-hand football experience at all levels - from elite pathways to grassroots development. His deep understanding of the game extends to his work with junior football teams, where he has created inclusive opportunities for young players and delivered coaching initiatives for children nationally and internationally. Beyond youth development, Andy remains actively involved in amateur football as Club Manager of Hindsford FC’s adult team, reinforcing his commitment to community football and its vital role in player development, well-being, and social impact. As a CIMSPA Chartered Fellow, Andy has influenced industry standards, workforce development, and national initiatives, ensuring quality coaching and leadership in sports. His expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit continue to shape environments where individuals can thrive. He is honoured to support the Campaign for Children's Rights in Football and contribute to a future where every child has a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment to play and grow.
Professor Laura Lundy
Laura Lundy is Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights, Professor of Children's Rights at Queen’s University, Belfast and Professor of Law at University College Cork. She is Joint Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Children’s Rights and a qualified barrister at law. Her 2007 paper, “’Voice’ is not enough” is one of the most highly cited articles ever on children’s rights and the model of children’s participation it proposes (based on four key concepts - Space, Voice, Audience and Influence) is used extensively in scholarship and practice. The ‘Lundy model’ of child participation is core to the Irish National Children’s Participation Strategy (2015) and National Framework on Child and Youth Participation and has been adopted by international organisations such as the European Commission and World Health Organisation and global NGOs such as World Vision. and UNICEF.
Danielle Manson
Danielle Manson is a barrister at Matrix Chambers. She practises primarily in serious crime, protest law, and inquests and inquiries. She has particular expertise in representing children and young people and is renowned for her empathy, sensitivity and understanding as well as being technically and strategically astute.
Dr. Mark O Sullivan
Dr. Mark O’Sullivan is an associate professor of football at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. He is a qualified UEFA A coach and is a leading coach, coach educator and research academic in athlete development, pedagogy, sports psychology, motor learning, skill acquisition and sports organisation development.
Since 2017 Mark has also worked internationally as a coach educator, key-note speaker and lecturer at events held by national governing sports organisations, clubs (football, basketball, PGA, tennis, ice hockey) and various academic institutions and universities.
Mark O’Sullivan occupies a unique space in football working actively as both a coach and academic researcher. One of the main aims with his work is to support knowledge mobilisation – the act of moving research into the hands of research users (educators, coaches, professionals) to effect change. Contact: [email protected]
Dr Tony Whelan
Tony Whelan is a youth football consultant, having been involved in the professional game for over 40 years. He spent 16 years as a player, and more than three decades working in the youth department at Manchester United F.C both full and part time. He also spent many years as a social worker and education welfare officer, which made him acutely aware of children’s needs, and the responsibility we have to protect childhood in all its manifestations. This is why Tony was delighted to accept the invitation to become a member of the advisory panel for the Campaign for Children’s Rights in Football (CCRF). Furthermore, Tony has acquired knowledge, skills and expertise in areas such as pastoral care, coaching, leadership, management, strategic planning, mentoring, and childhood play. He has also written a number of documents relating to player development including a coaches handbook (2008). He is also a published author(Birth of the Babes: Manchester United Youth Policy 1950-1957, Empire, 2005). He also wrote the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Foreword’ to several books on topics relating to football, including 'Football, Taught by Matt Busby' (Reach Sport, March 2025'). Now retired from full time employment, Tony remains passionate in supporting the following areas:
1. Panel members must support the aims of the CCRF Manifesto.
2. The Panel has no decision-making power in relation to the CCRF, its role is to advise as and when requested (if a Panel member is available and interested).
3. Panel members agree to having their contact details kept on a confidential central register which will only be accessed by the management committee for the purposes of making requests for advice.
4. The names of Panel members can be kept anonymous on request.
The following Panel members have agreed to share their names and bios are on our website:
Flavius Andrișca
Flavius Andrișca is a youth football coach and the founder of the Radical Football Conference, Romania’s first international event dedicated to redefining player development. His deep understanding of learning environments, passion for player-first coaching, and commitment to game-based methodologies drive his mission to transform youth football education. Advocating for research-driven, player-centered approaches, Flavius challenges traditional coaching norms, promoting adaptive decision-making, problem-solving, and skill mastery through game-based training. He believes that a development environment should prioritize enjoyment, growth, and excellence, ensuring young players are both challenged and inspired on their journey. Through Radical Football, Flavius has built a global platform where coaches, academy leaders, and researchers exchange bold ideas and practical solutions, pushing beyond outdated systems to create learning environments that truly empower young players. Driven by the belief that every young player deserves an environment that nurtures both skill and character, he works tirelessly to inspire a shift towards coaching methods that encourage creativity, autonomy, and long-term development.
Lee Deema
Founder and Project Manager of the St. Matthew's Project, Brixton. For twenty years, SMP have been helping the young people of Lambeth fulfil their potential and improve their well-being both physically and emotionally through targeted support to children and families.
Rick Fenoglio
Rick Fenoglio is a long-time advocate of childrens' right to engage in holistic and healthy sport. Recently-retired from a 30-year Senior Lecturer career at Manchester Metropolitan University, Rick was co-founder of the influential Give Us Back Our Game youth football ethics programme in the early 2000s. Currently Rick is a senior scout for Manchester City FC and the City Football Group.
Dr Gerald Griggs
Dr Gerald Griggs is Academic Dean and Dean of Manchester Campus at the University Campus of Football Business. He has worked in education for three decades, spanning primary and Higher Education. Gerald is also a member of the Cross Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood and co-founder of the Primary Physical Education Assembly. He is a world leading author on primary Physical Education.
Andy Heald
Andy Heald is a leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in sports and physical activity. With an MBA and a deep passion for empowering communities through sport, he has dedicated his career to driving innovation, developing impactful programmes, and advocating for mental health and
children's well-being. With a rich football background, Andy progressed through a Centre of Excellence system before facing the challenges of being released by professional clubs. He built a successful career as a semi-professional player and coach, acquiring first-hand football experience at all levels - from elite pathways to grassroots development. His deep understanding of the game extends to his work with junior football teams, where he has created inclusive opportunities for young players and delivered coaching initiatives for children nationally and internationally. Beyond youth development, Andy remains actively involved in amateur football as Club Manager of Hindsford FC’s adult team, reinforcing his commitment to community football and its vital role in player development, well-being, and social impact. As a CIMSPA Chartered Fellow, Andy has influenced industry standards, workforce development, and national initiatives, ensuring quality coaching and leadership in sports. His expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit continue to shape environments where individuals can thrive. He is honoured to support the Campaign for Children's Rights in Football and contribute to a future where every child has a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment to play and grow.
Professor Laura Lundy
Laura Lundy is Co-Director of the Centre for Children’s Rights, Professor of Children's Rights at Queen’s University, Belfast and Professor of Law at University College Cork. She is Joint Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Children’s Rights and a qualified barrister at law. Her 2007 paper, “’Voice’ is not enough” is one of the most highly cited articles ever on children’s rights and the model of children’s participation it proposes (based on four key concepts - Space, Voice, Audience and Influence) is used extensively in scholarship and practice. The ‘Lundy model’ of child participation is core to the Irish National Children’s Participation Strategy (2015) and National Framework on Child and Youth Participation and has been adopted by international organisations such as the European Commission and World Health Organisation and global NGOs such as World Vision. and UNICEF.
Danielle Manson
Danielle Manson is a barrister at Matrix Chambers. She practises primarily in serious crime, protest law, and inquests and inquiries. She has particular expertise in representing children and young people and is renowned for her empathy, sensitivity and understanding as well as being technically and strategically astute.
Dr. Mark O Sullivan
Dr. Mark O’Sullivan is an associate professor of football at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. He is a qualified UEFA A coach and is a leading coach, coach educator and research academic in athlete development, pedagogy, sports psychology, motor learning, skill acquisition and sports organisation development.
Since 2017 Mark has also worked internationally as a coach educator, key-note speaker and lecturer at events held by national governing sports organisations, clubs (football, basketball, PGA, tennis, ice hockey) and various academic institutions and universities.
Mark O’Sullivan occupies a unique space in football working actively as both a coach and academic researcher. One of the main aims with his work is to support knowledge mobilisation – the act of moving research into the hands of research users (educators, coaches, professionals) to effect change. Contact: [email protected]
Dr Tony Whelan
Tony Whelan is a youth football consultant, having been involved in the professional game for over 40 years. He spent 16 years as a player, and more than three decades working in the youth department at Manchester United F.C both full and part time. He also spent many years as a social worker and education welfare officer, which made him acutely aware of children’s needs, and the responsibility we have to protect childhood in all its manifestations. This is why Tony was delighted to accept the invitation to become a member of the advisory panel for the Campaign for Children’s Rights in Football (CCRF). Furthermore, Tony has acquired knowledge, skills and expertise in areas such as pastoral care, coaching, leadership, management, strategic planning, mentoring, and childhood play. He has also written a number of documents relating to player development including a coaches handbook (2008). He is also a published author(Birth of the Babes: Manchester United Youth Policy 1950-1957, Empire, 2005). He also wrote the ‘Introduction’ and ‘Foreword’ to several books on topics relating to football, including 'Football, Taught by Matt Busby' (Reach Sport, March 2025'). Now retired from full time employment, Tony remains passionate in supporting the following areas:
- Football History and Culture
- The role of spontaneous play for child growth, health and wellbeing
- Child rights in sports, particularly football
- The holistic development of talented young players seeking a career in professional football
- Sport and child spirituality
- Reflective practice