Danielle, the Gunners top-scorer so far this season, joins the Hertfordshire FA Discipline Panel as an independent member following her involvement with the PFAs excellent ‘On the Board’ programme.

‘On the Board’ is part of the Effective Board Member series of programmes established to tackle diversity on boards. The programme for footballers, delivered by the PFA, includes discussions and debates about governance frameworks, governance codes, board behaviour and reviewing performance.

What is a Discipline Panel?

Discipline panels are sought when clubs, teams, leagues or individuals have committed offences which have caused charges to be raised against them by the County FA.　

The hearing provides the opportunity for all evidence to be heard, any witnesses to be spoken with and a verdict on any sanctions to be made.

All discipline panels are made up of a secretary, two panel members and a chair, each with slightly different roles and responsibilities.

Mark Sampson gave Danielle her Lionesses debut in 2015, after the speedy forward had represented England youth teams at U171, U19 and U23 level.

Speaking of the news, Hertfordshire FA Football Investigations Manager, Lauren Halsey said:

"We’re thrilled that Danielle as decided to join our panel. We want the County FA Discipline Panels to be as independent and diverse as possible in order to reflect today’s football community in Hertfordshire.

Having a professional female player within the panel reflects this, and I believe that Danielle’s experience and knowledge will prove really valuable in our decision making processes."

Danielle helped Arsenal to the double as a teenager in 2011, as they won the inaugural FA WSL title, as well as the 2010–11 FA Women's Cup. In the 2015-16 FA Women's Cup final, she scored the only goal of the match in the 18th minute to give Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Speaking of her new challenge off the pitch with the Hertfordshire FA Disciplinary panel, Danielle said:

“I am really looking forward to joining Herts FA as an independent member for disciplinary hearings. When the opportunity arose I didn’t give it a second thought and believe it will lead me in good stead. I would encourage anyone with an interest in football to join me in applying!”

Want to join the Hertfordshire FA Discipline Panel?

In order to ensure that the Hertfordshire County FA’s discipline panel is as independent and diverse as possible, the Hertfordshire County FA are seeking applications from individuals to sit on commissions for disciplinary hearings.

The aim is for a member of the newly established independent panel to be present at all disciplinary hearings for the 2017/18 season and beyond.

Individuals from across Hertfordshire football are encouraged to apply, allowing for a diverse group of committed individuals, with a variety of backgrounds, to be built up and be reflective of the local football community.