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Former England women's head coach Hope Powell believes that the London FA's radical overhaul of its governance structure could provide "an amazing springboard" for the next generation of female footballers.

The reforms, which complies with Sport England’s Code for Sports Governance, are led by Lisa Pearce, LFA's first female CEO.

The LFA is currently inviting applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for a range of positions including three independent non-executive directors, six football/sports directors and one finance and risk director.

The move, which follows The FA’s own governance initiative earlier this year, will ensure that London’s diverse football community has a greater say in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport.

An estimated 500,000 people play football across the capital and the new board structure will aim to further increase this number. 

“London is a fantastically diverse city where football is enjoyed and played by over half a million people, whether at school, Sunday League five-aside or at a professional level. We want to reflect this diversity in the members of our Board," explained LFA CEO Lisa.

"As the first woman to hold the role of CEO at the LFA, it’s particularly poignant for me to lead London’s governing body of the game through this exciting period of change and enrich the future of grassroots football in London. 

“Creating a new structure at board level provides greater representation of the communities we serve. We are also strengthening our decision-making process to ensure that our actions are fair, transparent and promote equality of opportunity for all.

"By helping change perceptions and turn our ambitions into action, we want to give Londoners, irrespective of age, background, gender, ethnicity and ability, greater involvement in how the game is run.”

Hope, who was the first full-time England women's coach and newly appointed manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Women, was quick to add her support: “As someone who has campaigned for equality throughout my career in football and coaching, I’m passionate that we continue to give hope to girls and women so they can achieve great things in the sport.

"Having strong and inspirational role models is vital to the future of women’s football and the LFA’s new approach to governance provides an amazing springboard for the next generation.”

Emma Hayes, manager of Chelsea Ladies FC, added: “Women’s football has never been in such a strong position and following England’s bid for the Women’s Euros in 2021, this is a fantastic opportunity to cement the long-term future of the sport.

"We applaud the LFA’s decision to open up football to the wider community and meet the needs of unrepresented groups including females and those from BAME backgrounds. Now is the time to inspire and welcome more people into our wonderful sport so they can live healthier, more fulfilled lives.”

Alongside these new governance reforms, the LFA is investing £150,000 in attracting more girls to the sport. This includes launching the FA’s new Wildcats programme in London, targeting five to 11-year olds.

The LFA will introduce a new Walking Football initiative this autumn to support the physical and mental wellbeing of over 55-year olds and to grow the number of football teams to meet demand this season, the LFA has launched a new £100,000 investment programme for clubs and leagues to access grassroots funding.

To find out more, or to apply for an independent Non-Executive Board position with the LFA, visit http://www.londonfa.com/more/about-london-fa/board-of-directors or Twitter @LondonFA.

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