The Enterprise National League can confirm that Nic Coward will become its next Chair with effect from 1 July 2026.
Formerly General Secretary of the Premier League, Coward also held various senior roles at the Football Association, including two stints as joint acting CEO. He has been Chair or CEO at governing bodies of golf, horse racing and athletics, and remains involved in cricket. In the past decade he has been an advisor to a great many leagues, federations and international federations around the world, in football and other sports, as well as chairing a diverse range of businesses.
Coward joins the National League at a dynamic time for the organisation – with unprecedented competition for promotions, and a huge national interest in all three of its leagues, reflected by long-term deals with global title partners Enterprise and broadcaster DAZN.
The league’s CEO Phil Alexander says: “After a very competitive and comprehensive application process, I am delighted that the National League Board has selected Nic to become our next Chair. He has a wealth of experience across football and multiple sports at the highest levels, and I look forward to him bringing that deep experience and expertise to the National League.”
Coward says: “I’m honoured to be joining the National League, particularly at such an exciting time for the organisation. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, Phil and the whole team, building on the great work of Jack Pearce and his colleagues over the past years.
“We have a big job to do – delivering great competitions together and supporting our clubs in achieving their ambitions. Everyone at the National League is fully aware of what the National League’s historic 72 clubs mean to their communities, and how vital they are as a collective to our unique national football pyramid.”
The announcement of Coward as Chair comes after the National League confirmed its recent annual Board changes at the annual Congress of its 72 clubs earlier this month. He replaces outgoing Chair Jack Pearce MBE, who is stepping down from his position after five years. Pearce became chairman of the organisation in 2021 after a decade serving on the National League Board. His services to football span an incredible 56 years and he was duly recognised for his contribution to the game with an MBE in 2024 as well as numerous lifetime achievement industry awards
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