Head of Academy Hannah Dingley is moving to take on a role with FAI as Head of Women’s and Girls’ football and she goes with our best wishes.

During her time here at Forest Green, we’ve seen Hannah grow alongside the programmes’s she has led.

The Academy, who recently produced first-team star Harvey Bunker, continues to develop and will remain in place with a new Head of Academy to be announced in due course.

“A lot of people have worked hard to get it to the place it is now,” says Dingley. “It’s a great place to work, there’s some fantastic people but it’s the right time for me to move on.”

Dingley helped the Club’s Academy secure EFL Category 3 academy status back in 2018 as well as setting up the Girls’ Academy here at FGR in 2021.

“It was a massive step for the Girls’ Academy - to have somebody employed full-time to dedicate their time is brilliant for the club.

“We’ve also wanted to do things sustainably and that is always going to help it grow.

“The quality of the football is improving year-on-year. Over time, we want the infrastructure to grow and keep them at Forest Green. Hopefully we can have England internationals of the future come through the Football Club.”

Versatile youth graduate Bunker turned 21 earlier this month and has made a significant contribution to the first-team since his return from a loan spell at Scunthorpe in the 2022/23 season.

His attitude and application has always impressed Dingley and it’s something the Academy has continued to teach players dedicated to their craft.

“We talk about trying to make well-rounded individuals – and Harvey’s exactly that. He’s a model professional and that’s a testament to him, his parents and the programme.

“Our underpinning values make us a little different. There’s football but the way we consider how young people are treated, them and their mental health as they become encompassed in football.”

On Dingley and the Academy's work, Bunker added: "They've helped me into the First Team and supported me with the opportunity that was given to me.

"She looked after well with the transition from the Academy to the First Team and I wish her all the best in the future - I'm always grateful for her help on my journey."

The academy programme will no doubt miss Hannah and all her work, but the Club is actively looking for a replacement.

We wish Hannah all the best for the future, and she’ll always be welcome back here at Forest Green.