Jon Gittens Pitch unveiled at St George's Park in honour of former FA coach

A pitch has been unveiled at the national football centre, in memory of former FA colleague and friend Jon Gittens. A role model and pioneer in coach education, as a Black coach developer Gittens was a leading voice in the conversation on equality, diversity and inclusion during his time with English football's governing body.

Through his work, Jon championed inclusivity and acted as a mentor and role model for the next generation of coaching talent from ethnically diverse communities. Since his loss in 2019, Gittens’ family and The FA have looked to celebrate his achievements in football, and his legacy in FA Education, and all involved in planning the tribute were delighted to attend the October opening of The Jon Gittens Pitch at the home of England football’s Staffordshire base. 

With Jon’s family and friends in attendance, the pitch used for coach development work at St. George’s Park was officially renamed. The 3G playing surface will act as a lasting legacy to a much-missed member of staff who was heavily involved in the delivery of FA coaching courses in both the grassroots and professional game – first as an affiliate member of staff before joining The FA as a full-time coach educator in 2012.  

Prior to his career in coaching, Jon represented Swindon Town, Southampton, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Torquay United and Exeter City during a 15-year professional playing career.  

Speaking at the October pitch opening, Jon’s son Alexander said of the afternoon: “To rename a pitch here after Dad, a place that plays host to so many from all over the world, from grassroots to elite level is a great honour and a fitting tribute to someone that gave so much of himself back to the game and those who played or coached it. To think Dad will continue to play a part in the development of future generations that come to train here is an amazing feeling and makes us all extremely proud. 

“I hope The Jon Gittens Pitch can become a symbol and a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and resilience. Fittingly, being Black History Month, I also hope that it can provide inspiration to anyone from under-represented groups making their way in the game. Dad was a proud Black man and I know giving something back to diverse communities was very important to him.”   

Lucy Pearson, The FA’s Director of Education, said: “Jon’s legacy to the game is rightly marked with the naming of this pitch at St. George’s Park. His reputation as a considerate and thoughtful coach developer, whose passion for and insight into the game informed the development of many coaches up and down the country, is testament to his achievements and influence. As a Black former player and coach developer, Jon also led the way in creating the opportunities for coaches from under-represented groups to fulfil their potential, giving individuals the confidence to develop their coaching skill through his strong, supportive mentoring. He is a greatly missed colleague and the naming of the pitch is a welcome honouring of his life in the game.”