The Middlesex Football Association (MFA) is pleased to announce Mrs. Barbara Bivens as its newly elected President

This appointment marks a historic milestone as Mrs. Bivens becomes both the first female President of the Association and the first woman to hold this title within any County FA across the country. 

The Middlesex FA Council elected her in November 2024, and she will serve as interim President until the next Annual General Meeting at the end of the 2024/25 season, when her role will become permanent subject to her election.

Responding to the announcement, Barbara said: “I feel very honoured and proud to be elected President of Middlesex Football Association, especially at the start of our new 4 year strategy cycle, Realising Our Potential, that was launched recently.”

Barbara has a rich history in grassroots football, having served as Secretary of North Greenford United Football Club for the past 27 years. Throughout her time with the club, she held numerous roles, including physiotherapist, welfare officer, treasurer, and even managed the bar. Among her proudest achievements was seeing future Premier League player Chris Mepham move from Brentford to clubs like Bournemouth and Sunderland FC, in addition to representing Wales internationally.

Since joining Middlesex FA in 1999, Barbara has contributed in many capacities, beginning with roles on the Cups and Disciplinary Committees. In 2000, she became the Representative Team Secretary for the Youth Division, which has since been integrated into the larger association. In 2005, she was elected Chairman of the former Youth Division and simultaneously served as physio for the Under-18 and Under-16 Representative Teams, appearing over 100 times on the touchline and receiving a County cap for her service.

Before her elevation to President, Barbara’s roles included Director of the MFA, Chairman of the Competitions Committee, Disciplinary Chairman, Disciplinary Secretary, and a member of the Adult Cups, Youth Cups, Youth Representative, and Football Committees.

Middlesex FA Chair, Mr. John Taylor, expressed his enthusiasm for her appointment, saying: “I am thrilled that Barbara has been recognised for her extensive contributions to grassroots football in Middlesex. Her experience and expertise across so many roles have been invaluable to local football, and we look forward to the positive impact she will bring as President in this new chapter.”

Everyone at Middlesex FA extends their best wishes to Barbara in her new role in this exciting era for the Association.