Vanarama National League’s Mark Ives to Serve as Keynote Speaker at the 2022 NPSL AOM

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Vanarama National League General Manager Mark Ives will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2022 NPSL Annual Owners Meeting (AOM).  This year’s AOM will take place at the New York Athletic Club in New York City on November 17-19.   

“The NPSL has a tradition of bringing the biggest names in the beautiful game to our AOM,” NPSL Chairman Kenny Farrell said. “This year is no different, and we are truly honored to have Mark Ives spend time with our members.  His world-class experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to our league and teams.  We are very thankful that he took the time to travel to New York City to be with us at this important event.  We look forward to working with Mark and the Vanarama National League in the years to come.”

Ives joined the Vanarama National League as General Manager in January 2021 following 19 years at The Football Association where he held the position of Head of Judicial Services, responsible for the disciplinary process across all levels of the game, from the Premier League down to the very grassroots of the game.

“I am honored to be invited to the NPSL’s Annual Owners Meeting,” Ives said. “It is an exciting opportunity not to be missed for us to share our experiences and challenges and to forge a relationship that is beneficial to both our competitions and for our member clubs in the future.”

While at The Football Association, in addition to his judicial function, he was also responsible for the management of The FA Safeguarding Review Panel, and the development of a revised strategy for the management of discrimination cases at local level including the introduction of an independent national panel to adjudicate on all anti-discrimination cases previously managed by local county football associations.

On leaving the Football Association in July 2020, Ives formed his company, Sport Integrity Matters Limited aimed to provide regulatory support and sports law advice to other governing bodies and athletes across a variety of sports.  He also took up a position as Director of Administration with Huntingdonshire Football Association.

Prior to his role at The FA, Ives was Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Football Association from 1995 until his appointment with The Football Association.  

In addition to his professional career within football spanning over 30 years, Ives is also a qualified referee and operated as a referee at the Football Conference level and spent nine years as an assistant referee at The Football League.  When time allows, in addition to his refereeing, he can also be found playing golf with friends and has a playing handicap of 17.