Following a recent meeting of the Board of Directors the British American Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Caleb Jackson to support the ongoing development of the sport, in particular in the Higher Education sector.

Caleb is currently the President of the Student Union at the University of Derby where he is serving his second term of office having been re-elected at the end of the 2009/10 academic year. Caleb has served as a committee member of the Derby Braves, a team with which he still trains and plays. Caleb also holds senior roles with a number of other organisations.

BAFA Chairman Gary Marshall welcomed the appointment. 'The BAFA Board of Directors and I are looking forward to working with Caleb. He will bring many qualities to his role which will benefit both the BUAFL and the sport as a whole.'

Andy Fuller, BAFA Director for Student Football Development, also welcomed the appointment of Jackson. 'Strengthening the management structures for the BUAFL is incredibly important at this time and something I have been focused upon for a while. With significant growth over recent years, more universities seeking to establish programmes, the planned expansion of our competition offer and the formulation of a new strategy Caleb's expertise, skills and political knowledge will be invaluable.'

Fuller concluded 'Full details as to how Caleb and I will work together will be sent to members after the start of the BUAFL season. Whilst teams prepare for kick off then they should liaise primarily with myself.'

Speaking on his appointment to the BAFA Board of Directors Caleb said 'I am honoured to be part of this National Governing Body which has been the backbone to producing top athletes in this sport and shaping recognition of the sport over the years by supporting those enthusiasts who love this game and enabling them to participate in the sport, whether as a coach, trainer, player or supporter.

'As with any NGB the Board is a place which can put in the systems and frameworks to ensure that standards evolve along with participants. I hope that being part of this board I will be involved in working hard to ensure this sport continues to grow even further into the mainstream

'I believe that the skills and experience I have gained from working in other organisations can be applied to this sport from grassroots up to the elite levels. Those who are involved with me always say that I can sometimes dream big and I have always responded if we do not dream big then who will after all its free to dream.

'I am looking forward to meeting and working with some incredible and passionate people across the Great Britain.'

In respect of his student football remit Jackson continued 'Student football is continually on the increase with so many teams being ambassadors for the sport and doing their part even down to local community level. Over the years the sport has taken such a different shape to when I first started playing, the sport at this level has become advanced and who knows we might catch the NCAA some day!

'If you had told me last year that I would have the chance to be involved with BUAFL at this level I would have fallen off my chair. However the opportunity did arise and I can truly say that I am excited and passionate for student football as it played a central part in shaping who I am today. Taking on this role will come with challenges and rewards but I am prepared to go the extra mile working towards the BUAFL vision!'