FA head of women's football Kelly Simmons backs Mia Hamm's appointment to Roma board

FA head of women's football Kelly Simmons hopes more women can follow in the footsteps of Mia Hamm and enter boardroom positions at football clubs.

Former USA international Hamm has been appointed to the board of directors at Italian side Roma alongside Boston Bruins president and former NHL ice hockey player Cam Neely. 

And Simmons believes the former two-time FIFA Women's World Player of the Year has the necessary football experience to make a valuable contribution to the Serie A side.

"Mia Hamm is probably the most famous player women’s football has ever had and it's great that she's staying involved in the game," Simmons told Sky Sports.

"She's won everything and is an incredible role model who has really helped raise the profile of women’s football in America. 

"We need women like her coming through and taking up senior-levels positions in football.

"She's got a whole wealth of experience that she can bring whether that's to the men's game or the women's game so I'm sure she will add tremendous value to the club.

“I’d like to congratulate her on her now role and I wish her all the best.”

Important

Simmons was speaking at Upton Park on Tuesday at Kick It Out's second annual Women's Raise Your Game conference.

The free event - designed to encourage more females to secure positions across football - provided networking opportunities, panel discussions and mentoring opportunities to around 150 women in attendance. 

"Events like this are hugely important," Simmons said.

"I think we've seen some significant changes in the industry recent years. It's fantastic to see more women coming through into senior positions - we're here at West Ham where Karen Brady is a role model to women seeking a career in the game.

“But we need more in the industry and the support and advice they get from mentors here is really important and part of what is required. 

“They are able to pass on tips and ideas and share experiences in order for those young women to build those networks that are so vital to make their way through.”