August 2026 Newsletter

SHROPSHIRE FA August Edition

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SHROPSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

365 Days of football

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DALIAN ATKINSON LEGACY FUND GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT.

SHROPSHIRE FA CONFIRMS PROVISIONAL 2026/27 COUNTY CUP SCHEDULE

Congratulations to Will Reid of AFC Bridgnorth on being awarded the Dalian Atkinson Legacy Fund Goal of the Tournament.

Shropshire FA is pleased to announce the confirmed provisional dates for the 2026/27 County Cup competitions.

GRASSROOTS AWARDS EVENING Shropshire FA celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs and leagues from across the county at the annual Shropshire FA Grassroots Awards.

The awards recognise the dedication, passion and commitment of those who make a significant difference to grassroots football.

SHROPSHIRE FA NEWSLETTER .

PLUS LOTS MORE! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Grassroots football in Shropshire is built on the stories, celebrations, milestones and hard work of our local clubs.

Whether you’re marking an anniversary, launching new plans, celebrating success, or simply have news to share, we’d love to feature it in the Shropshire FA magazine.

Get in touch and let’s showcase the fantastic work happening across our football community.

Email your news to: Luke.flindall@ShrosphireFA.com

WINNER

WILL REID Congratulations to Will Reid of AFC Bridgnorth on being awarded the Dalian Atkinson Legacy Fund Goal of the Tournament.

His outstanding long-range curling effort proved a worthy winner of the award.

A fantastic achievement and a moment to remember.

Shropshire FA Confirms Provisional 2026/27 County Cup Schedule Shropshire FA is pleased to announce the confirmed provisional dates for the 2026/27 County Cup competitions, with another exciting season of grassroots football set to take place across the county. Here is how the provisional dates look; SFA SATURDAY CHALLENGE CUP SPONSORED

BY TJ VICKERS Round 1- 6th / 7th October 2026 Semi Final - 9th / 10th February 2027 SFA SATURDAY CHALLENGE CUP SPONSORED BY PITCHCARE Round 1 - 19th September 2026 Round 2 - 24th October 2026 Round 3 - 28th November 2026 Round 4 - 23rd January 2027 Semi Final - 27th February 2027 SFA SUNDAY PREMIER CUP Round 1 - 25th October 2026 Round 2 - 15th November 2026 Semi Final - 21st February 2027 SFA SUNDAY CHALLENGE CUP Round 1 - 4th October 2026 Round 2 - 1st November 2026 Round 3 – 6th December 2026 Semi Final - 7th February 2027 TOM FARMER WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP SPONSORED BY SEAH Round 1 - 13th December 2026 Round 2 - 17th January 2027 Round 3 - 21st February 2027 Semi Final - 21st March 2027 SFA PREMIER YOUTH CUP Round 1 - 11th November 2026 Round 2 - 9th December 2026 Semi Final - 3rd February 2027 SFA SUNDAY YOUTH CUP Round 1 - 4th October 2026 Round 2 - 1st November 2026 Round 3 - 10th January 2027 Semi Final - 7th February 2027

Provisional 2026/27 County Cup Schedule

SFA SATURDAY YOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SPONSORED BY SEAH Round 1 - 3rd October 2026 Round 2 - 7th November 2026 Semi Final - 9th January 2027 MARK HARROD U15 & PREMIER YOUTH CUP Round 1 - 10th October 2026 Round 2 - 21st November 2026 Semi Final - 30th January 2027

U16

MARK HARROD U16'S SUNDAY CUP Round 1 - 4th October 2026 Round 2 - 1st November 2026 Round 3 - 6th December 2026 Semi Final - 14th February 2027 SFA U16'S SATURDAY CHALLENGE CUP SPONSORED BY SEAH Round 1 - 7th November 2026 Round 2 - 12th December 2026 Semi Final - 30th January 2027 SFA U15'S SATURDAY CUP SPONSORED BY SEAH Round 1 - 10th October 2026 Round 2 - 7th November 2026 Semi Final - 30th January 2027 SFA U15'S SUNDAY CUP Round 1 - 11th October 2026 Round 2 - 15th November 2026 Round 3 - 13th December 2026 Round 4 - 10th January 2027 Semi Final - 28th February 2027

Shropshire FA celebrates grassroots football heroes at annual awards Shropshire FA celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs and leagues from across the county at the annual Shropshire FA Grassroots Awards.

The awards recognise the dedication, passion and commitment of those who make a significant difference to grassroots football, from volunteers and coaches to match officials and clubs.

League of the Year – Telford Junior League Grounds Team of the Year – Jon Gaff Positive Behaviour Award – Kyle Grazier The Bobby Moore Award – Aimee Meredith-Jones Club of the Year – Bridgnorth Spartans The Lioness Award – Ruby-Mae Brothwood The awards also celebrated the recipients of the Spirit of the Game award, recognising those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting respect, inclusion and positivity within grassroots football.

The Spirit of the Game winners were: Amy Clews Michael Matthews Paul O'Rourke Tom Taylor Tom Langford Bayston Hill U14 Girls Each winner has played a valuable role in strengthening football across Shropshire, whether through volunteering their time, supporting players’ development, creating positive environments or helping their clubs and leagues thrive.

Shropshire FA would like to congratulate all winners, nominees and finalists for their achievements and thank everyone involved in grassroots football for their continued dedication and contribution to the game.

Grassroots Award Winners

This year’s winners were recognised for their achievements and the positive impact they have had on their teams, communities and the wider football landscape in Shropshire.

The 2026 Shropshire FA Grassroots Award winners were: Young Volunteer of the Year – Nevaeh-Mai Taylor New Volunteer of the Year – Rachael Green Match Official of the Year – Dom Gardner Coach of the Year – Female Pathway – Anne Johnson Coach of the Year – Disability Pathway – James Harrison Coach of the Year – Male Pathway – Kevin Smart

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Grassroots football is built on the commitment of people across the county, and these awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals and organisations who make football accessible, enjoyable and inclusive for all.

New 3G Pitch Opens at Burton Borough School to Support Football and Community Sport A new 3G pitch has officially opened at Burton Borough School in Newport, providing a significant boost for sport, physical activity and community opportunities across the town.

The state-of-the-art facility has been developed as a community hub, supporting both education and local sport. During the school day, the pitch will provide pupils with enhanced opportunities to take part in physical activity, while outside of school hours it will be available for use by local football clubs.

The new facility will help create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in football, with a key focus on increasing access for boys’ and girls’ teams, disability football provision and recreational opportunities.

The opening of the pitch represents an important step in supporting the continued growth of grassroots football in Shropshire, providing a highquality playing surface that can be used all year round.

By creating more accessible spaces for participation, the facility will help encourage more people to enjoy football, develop their skills and be part of the local football community.

Shropshire FA welcomes the opening of this fantastic new facility and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on football and community sport across the area.

Shropshire Football Association is delighted to announce Pitchcare as the new title sponsor of the prestigious Shropshire FA Challenge Cup, strengthening a partnership that will also deliver valuable benefits to affiliated clubs across the county.

The agreement sees Pitchcare, one of the UK's leading suppliers of sports turf products, equipment and technical advice, become the official sponsor of the competition while providing Shropshire clubs with exclusive discounts on pitch maintenance supplies and access to specialist helpline support from Pitchcare's experienced team.

The partnership has been designed not only to support one of the county's flagship football competitions but also to help grassroots clubs improve and maintain their playing surfaces through expert guidance and cost-saving opportunities.

Steve Monk of Pitchcare said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Shropshire FA and becoming the new sponsor of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup. Grassroots football relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers and club officials, and we are passionate about supporting those people who work tirelessly to provide quality playing surfaces for their communities.

Through this partnership, we are pleased to offer affiliated clubs access to exclusive discounts on products and supplies, alongside technical support and advice from our experienced team. We look forward to working closely with clubs across Shropshire and helping them develop and maintain better playing environments for players of all ages."

Pitchcare Announced as New Sponsor of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup

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Andy Weston, CEO of Shropshire FA, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Pitchcare as the new sponsor of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup. This partnership goes far beyond traditional sponsorship and provides tangible benefits for our affiliated clubs throughout the county.

The Challenge Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions in Shropshire football, and it is fantastic to have a partner that shares our commitment to supporting the grassroots game. The club discounts and access to Pitchcare's expert helpline advice will provide real value to clubs as they continue to face increasing financial pressures and challenges in maintaining their facilities.

We look forward to working with Steve and the team at Pitchcare to strengthen grassroots football across Shropshire and further enhance the profile of the Challenge Cup." The partnership will commence ahead of the 2026-27 season, with further details on club discounts, support services and competition branding to be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup and the benefits available through the Pitchcare partnership, affiliated clubs are encouraged to contact Shropshire FA.

5 tips for dealing with drought 1, Efficient, effective irrigation If you're lucky enough to have access to irrigation it's important to ensure efficiency is maximised. Prioritse high wear areas such as goal mouths or areas that are known to be more affected by reduced water availability. Water less frequently but for longer to ensure that water is reaching the whole depth of the rootzone and encouraging deeper rooting.

2, Minimise additional stress Applying herbicides, fungicides and even fertilisers can cause further stress to the plant. Only apply if absolutely required and follow all label directions for use. Try to plan fertiliser applications to be before periods of drought, slow release feeds are particularly helpful.

3, Rotate areas of use if possible Managing use of pitches is always tough, however if possible encourage coaches to use different areas of the pitch to minimise wear and stress.

4, Apply a wetting agent to aid moisture retention Beginning a wetting agent programme ahead of dry weather improves movement of water downwards through the soil profile helping to increase rooting depth. This will help 5, Recovery - overseed & feed It may be required to overseed damaged areas. Applying the correct fertiliser will also aid in recovery and establishment of any repaired areas.

Call the Pitchcare team on 01902 440262 and speak to our friendly & experiencd team for advice on how to deal with drought stresses.

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ULTIMATE PLAYER HQ BECOME OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE SHROPSHIRE FA Shropshire FA are delighted to announce a new one-year partnership with Ultimate Player HQ, who become our official digital coaching partner. This partnership aims to support coach education, player development and digital learning across all affiliated clubs in Shropshire. As Ultimate Player HQ’s first official County Football Association partner Shropshire coaches will receive an exclusive Founding Partner Introductory discount.

Ultimate Player HQ is a football coaching platform providing animated session ideas, expert practice examples and planning tools to make coaching more effective. Their mission is to create engaging, purposeful and enjoyable sessions that bring out the best in players.

An annual subscription to Ultimate Player HQ comes with a range of benefits, including: access to an extensive coaching resource library featuring more than 2,200 professionally designed coaching sessions, unlimited use of the Session Builder and Session Animation Tool and 24 brand-new coaching sessions uploaded every month, ensuring you'll always have fresh, engaging content to deliver.

Jordan Haskell, Founder of Ultimate Player HQ said” We’re delighted to be partnering with Shropshire FA to support the development of coaches across the county. At Ultimate Player HQ, our mission is to support grassroots football by giving volunteer and grassroots coaches access to high-quality, practical coaching resources that help them plan engaging sessions and continue their own development. We look forward to working closely with Shropshire FA to provide their coaching community with the tools and content they need to positively impact players across the grassroots game.”

Lawrence Wilson, Shropshire FA Lead Coach Development Officer, added: "Everyone at the Shropshire FA is thrilled to welcome Ultimate Player HQ as an Official Partner. Supporting the development of coaches and players is at the heart of what we do, and Ultimate Player HQ is a fantastic resource that will help us achieve that.

The exclusive discount also makes the platform even more accessible for our volunteer coaches, ensuring they can benefit from high-quality learning and development opportunities. We're proud to be the first County FA to partner with Ultimate Player HQ and look forward to working together to support the growth of grassroots football across Shropshire."

Telford Referee Association Awards Congratulations to all those nominated and recognised at the Telford Referees’ Association Annual Awards Evening, celebrating outstanding contributions across seven categories: Referee of the Year, Young Referee of the Year, Female Referee of the Year, Rising Star, Best Newcomer, Unsung Hero, and Biggest Contribution to Refereeing.

In the Referee of the Year category, the nominees were James Astley, William Peel, Greg Filipiak, Joey Malone, and Freddie Williams.

The Young Referee of the Year shortlist featured Harrison Edgley, Oliver Fones, Dylan Brown, Kian Sherry, and Gabe Hamner.

For Female Referee of the Year, congratulations go to nominees Frankie Ruhe, Isabelle Morris, Georgia Brothwood, Rhiannon Gaut, and Milana Strickley.

In the Best Newcomer category, nominees were Mason Pryce, Ava James, Emre Kaya, Lucas Ashdown, and Jayden Edgley. .

The Unsung Hero award recognised Chris Ramsey, Jack Wildman, Ross Smart, Andy Sherry, and Gemma Atkinson.

Finally, the Biggest Contribution to The Rising Star category included Refereeing category featured Ben Luke Pearce, Liam Downing, Leland Thompson, Adam Matthews, Glen Atkinson, Ben Guest, and Matthew Jones, Ben Tipton, and Callum Oram.

Eley.

Walking Football Congratulations to Shrewsbury 99ers Youth Academy (Over 50s) and Shrewsbury 99ers Codgers and Dodgers on their success in the Shropshire FA Walking Football Regional Qualifying Round, securing their place in the next stage of the Walking Football FA Cup in Wigan.

August, 2026

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Shropshire FA Youth Council Recognised at FALA 2026 Awards The Shropshire FA Youth Council has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to youth leadership after being nominated and receiving a Highly Commended award in the Youth Leadership Team category at the FALA 2026 Awards.

The recognition celebrates the hard work, dedication and positive impact of the Youth Council, who play an important role in ensuring young people have a voice within football across Shropshire.

Receiving a Highly Commended award is a fantastic achievement and highlights the commitment of the group in representing young people and contributing to the continued development of football within the county.

Shropshire FA would like to congratulate all members of the Youth Council on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued efforts, passion and leadership.

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“It's a no-brainer!” Fight back against rising club costs We’re all too aware of the rising costs associated with grassroots football – both for clubs and their members. To keep monthly subs affordable, Northamptonshire-based Wellingborough Whitworth U14s signed up to easyfundraising last August. In just 11 months, they’ve amassed more than £3,000 in free funding – thanks to their club community collecting cashback donations when they shop.

Club member Liam explained, “It’s a no-brainer. The rewards are far greater than most fundraising options and for a lot less effort. We've raised just shy of £3,400 in under 12 months which is fantastic! One parent is a regular shopper at B&Q and we get £4-5 a time with every order he places there.” Read more about how the club have made it a success here.

To join them and thousands of other football clubs who have raised over £2m to date, register with easyfundraising today at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/shropshire-fa/

Shaun Gore Appointed Chairman of the Shropshire TJ Vickers League

The TJ Vickers League, run by Shropshire FA, is delighted to announce the appointment of Shaun Gore as its new Chairman.

Shaun brings with him a wealth of experience from across the professional and grassroots game. The former professional footballer played for Fulham before moving into a different role within the game at neighbours Chelsea. He enjoyed a 34-year career with the Blues, where he managed Chelsea Ladies, played a key role in setting up the Chelsea Foundation and most recently worked within the club's Men's Senior Scouting and Recruitment department.

Shaun now brings that experience and passion for football to the TJ Vickers League, which he will lead into its next chapter by working alongside clubs, volunteers and the League Management Committee to continue developing grassroots football across the county.

Shaun said: "I'm honoured to be appointed Chairman of the TJ Vickers League. Grassroots football is where the game begins. Having moved up to Shropshire, I'm looking forward to working with our clubs and volunteers to help the League continue to grow and provide a positive experience for everyone involved."

Andy Weston, Chief Executive of Shropshire Football Association, said: "We're delighted to welcome Shaun as Chairman of the TJ Vickers League. His experience spans every level of the game, from professional football through to community development, and he has a genuine passion for supporting grassroots football. We are looking forward to working with Shaun and the League Committee as they continue to build on the League's strong foundations."

Everyone at Shropshire Football Association congratulates Shaun on his appointment and wishes him every success in his new role.

At Shropshire FA, we believe that great coaches never stop learning. Our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme is designed to support coaches of all ages, abilities and experience levels, helping them become more confident, knowledgeable and effective in their coaching.

Through a range of practical sessions and workshops, our CPD events provide coaches with opportunities to learn, share ideas and develop new skills that can be applied directly within their teams and environments.

What We Offer Our CPD programme covers a wide range of topics, including: Practical coaching sessions delivered by experienced coach developers Classroom workshops exploring the latest coaching trends and best practice Session design and planning Player development and age-appropriate coaching Tactical and technical understanding Creating positive and inclusive environments Managing players, parents and volunteers Coach wellbeing and personal development FA initiatives and updates from across the game How We Deliver CPD Our CPD events are designed to be interactive, engaging and relevant to the needs of grassroots football.

Develop Your Coaching with Shropshire FA CPD KEEP LEARNING. KEEP IMPROVING. KEEP MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

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Rather than simply sharing information, sessions encourage coaches to: Share ideas and experiences with fellow coaches Discuss real coaching challenges and solutions Learn through practical demonstrations and observation Reflect on their own coaching practice Take away new ideas to implement within training sessions and matches Whether attending a practical session on the pitch or a workshop in the classroom, every event aims to provide coaches with a supportive learning environment where they can continue to develop.

Who Is It For? The Shropshire FA CPD programme is open to coaches across all levels of the game, from those taking their first steps into coaching through to experienced grassroots and semi-professional coaches looking to continue their development.

Why Attend?

By attending Shropshire FA CPD events, coaches can: Learn from experienced coach developers and industry experts Gain fresh ideas to improve their coaching sessions Connect with coaches from across Shropshire Challenge their thinking and develop new coaching approaches Support their own development while helping players enjoy and progress within the game Invest in yourself. Inspire your players. Develop your coaching.

Keep an eye on Shropshire FA channels for upcoming CPD opportunities and join our growing coaching community across the county.

Coaching Mentoring Programme – Support Available for Coaches Shropshire FA’s Coaching Mentoring Programme continues to support coaches across the county, with a limited number of spaces still available.

The programme is designed to provide coaches with additional guidance, support and development opportunities, helping them build confidence, enhance their coaching skills and continue their journey within the game.

Whether you are looking for support with session planning, fresh ideas or working towards your coaching qualifications, our mentoring team is here to help.

Support available includes: Session design and planning Developing new coaching ideas and approaches Support working towards coaching badges and qualifications Building coaching confidence and skills Having someone to discuss challenges, ideas and experiences with Whatever stage you are at in your coaching journey, the Coaching Mentoring Programme offers a valuable opportunity to receive tailored support and guidance.

If you would like to get involved, please complete the application form below or get in touch for more information.

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxxPspo2tqO3Eiokpn33IMHR91TNxiehTEC-pttZvMTeWAg/viewform?usp=header

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Click here to become a provider today

Meet the Shropshire FA Team 2 High Street, Dawley, Telford, Shropshire,TF4 2ET 01743 362769 info@shropshirefa.com https://www.shropshirefa.com/ @ShropshireFA shropsfa Shropshire Football Association

Andy Weston CEO & Senior Safeguarding Lead

Zoe Vernall Head of Football Services

Sam Griffiths Designated Safeguarding Officer

Kemi Smallman Football Services Administrator

Luke Flindall Digital Media & Participation Administrator

Lawrence Wilson Football Participation Officer (Coaching & Development)

Shropshire FA

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2 High Street, Dawley, Telford, Shropshire,TF4 2ET 01743 362769 info@shropshirefa.com https://www.shropshirefa.com/ @ShropshireFA shropsfa Shropshire Football Association

Tom Wellings Football Participation Officer (Referees & Facilities)

Dylan Shinton Football Participation Officer (Club Development and Pathways)

Shropshire FA

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Grassroots Football Partnerships Why Purpose Is the New Game Changer The world of sport sponsorship and brand activation is undergoing a seismic shift.

Brands are no longer content with simply slapping their logo on a stadium hoarding or a player’s kit and hoping for maximum impressions. Today’s landscape demands more - more meaning, more impact, more purpose. As fans become increasingly value-driven, brands must pivot towards campaigns that prioritise social impact.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the grassroots sports space, where the emotional and cultural stakes are at their highest.

Football at its core has always been about more than just winning. On local pitches across the UK, grassroots football brings kids, parents, coaches and volunteers together in ways that go far beyond sport. It’s here, in muddy boots and on community sidelines, that the game shapes culture and builds futures.

The Rise of the Socially Conscious Fan Supporters today aren’t passive spectators. They’re engaged, connected and deeply invested in the issues that shape both their communities and the game they love.

From inclusivity and mental health to tackling racism and climate action, fans expect the clubs and brands involved in grassroots football to stand for something real. In fact, research shows more than 70% of UK sports fans believe sponsorship should promote positive social change - a figure that rises even higher among Gen Z and Millennial fans.

For grassroots football, this isn’t just a trend; it’s a cultural shift. Families now expect action, not just advertising.

Why Purpose Works - For Football and for Brands Cause-led parentships and sponsorship aren’t just good for the game - but good for business.

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Here’s why: Authenticity builds trust - Communities know when brands are serious and when they’re faking it.

Supporting real issues earns long-term respect.

Purpose sparks engagement - Stories rooted in values are the ones people talk about and share, both locally and nationally.

Stand out in a crowded market - With so many brands chasing visibility, purpose-driven sponsorship cuts through the noise.

Inspire from the inside out - Employees, volunteers and partners want to be part of something meaningful. Purpose energises teams as much as fans.

How Brands Can Deliver Purpose in Grassroots Football For those ready to step onto the grassroots pitch with real intent, a few principles stand out: Listen first: Ask players, teams, referees and families about the challenges they face. Build campaigns with them, not just for them.

Partner wisely: Work with governing bodies, leagues and charities who already have trust on the ground.

Think beyond matchday: Legacy projects - from workshops to online resources -leave an impact long after the final whistle Beyond Sponsorship: A Shared Responsibility For brands, the lesson is clear: don’t just show up with a badge. Roll up your sleeves, step into the community and make a lasting difference. Because when football sponsorship moves beyond visibility and into real impact, everyone benefits - the players, the clubs, the fans and the sponsors themselves.

Final Word The future of grassroots football sponsorship isn’t about being the biggest logo on the pitch. It’s about being the brand that shows up, listens and makes change happen.

And in that future, purpose isn’t just an advantage. It’s the whole game.

Advertise in the Shropshire FA Digital Magazine - Connect With the Heart of Local Football The Shropshire FA Digital Magazine is where the county’s football community comes together. Every month, thousands of players, parents, coaches, clubs, volunteers, supporters and businesses read our publication to stay up to date with the latest news, stories and developments in grassroots football.

Now, we’re opening up exclusive advertising opportunities for businesses looking to reach a loyal, engaged and diverse audience.

Why Advertise With Us? Placing your advert in our digital magazine gives your business: Direct access to a large, highly engaged local audience Brand visibility across the entire Shropshire football community A platform that aligns your business with positive, community-focused sport Flexible advert sizes and placements to suit different budgets and goal Whether you’re aiming to raise brand awareness, promote a new service, or connect with families and local communities, advertising with Shropshire FA is a powerful way to get your message heard.

Get Involved Spaces are limited each month, so if your business wants to feature in an upcoming issue, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact To discuss advertising options please contact: Shropshire FA CEO, Andy Weston on 07435 960651 or via email Andy.Weston@ShropshireFA.com.

Promote your business while supporting grassroots football across Shropshire - a winning partnership on and off the pitch.

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Room Hire

Are you looking for room hire in Shropshire for your next meeting, training course, or workshop? At Shropshire FA, we offer modern facilities that can be tailored to suit your needs, including a fully equipped Training Room and a professional Boardroom.

Training Room Hire in Shropshire Our Training Room is a versatile space, ideal for: Staff training and development sessions Workshops and seminars Coaching courses and community events Boardroom Hire in Shropshire If you need a space for more formal meetings, our Boardroom provides the ideal setting. Suitable for: Team meetings Client presentations Interviews and strategy sessions Enquiries & Booking For more details about meeting room hire in Shropshire or to book our facilities, please contact:

📧 zoe.vernall@shropshirefa.com

SHROPSHIRE FA LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS PARTNER BROCHURE A GAME-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY TO BACK GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AND COMMUNITIES The Shropshire FA is proud to unveil its brand-new Business Partner Brochure, presenting a powerful invitation to businesses and organisations that want to invest in more than just sport - but in community, inclusion and opportunity.

With over 13,000 players, 170 clubs, 1,000 teams, and 6,000 dedicated volunteers, Shropshire FA is the beating heart of football in the county.

But its impact goes far beyond the pitch.

Backed by a mission to improve lives through football, the newly launched brochure offers bespoke partnership opportunities that deliver not only high visibility but also lasting social impact.

“This is more than sponsorship – it’s about shaping the future of football in our communities,” says Andy Weston, CEO at Shropshire FA. “We’re offering organisations the chance to be part of something powerful, authentic and deeply rooted in Shropshire life.”

A Responsible Investment in People and Place

The Opportunities That Go Beyond Branding Partnership options include: Exclusive naming rights for competitions and county-wide initiatives.

Targeted exposure through events, digital campaigns and community outreach.

Participation in landmark events like County Cup Finals and the Annual Grassroots Awards.

Hospitality packages and national football experiences that bring tangible value back to your team.

Driving Measurable Impact As part of its bold 2024–2028 Strategy, and looking ahead to its 150th anniversary in 2027, Shropshire FA is focused on increasing its impact in local communities. With a current £128 million estimated social return on investment, the evidence is clear: football changes lives.

Now, businesses have the chance to become part of a legacy that blends purpose with performance.

Join the Movement By becoming a Shropshire FA Business Partner, you’re not only gaining exposure -you are investing in community wellbeing, youth empowerment and inclusive opportunity across the county.

To view the brochure and explore how your organisation can be a force for good through football, visit link SFA Partner Brochure 2025 Print.pdf

The Business Partner Brochure outlines meaningful ways for organisations to demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) while aligning with one of the region’s most accessible and values-driven sporting bodies.

Partners will be directly supporting: Youth development programmes that nurture life skills, resilience and leadership.

Disability football initiatives that champion inclusion and opportunity.

Volunteer and referee training, helping grow a sustainable, skilled grassroots network.

Facility development, ensuring safer, more welcoming environments for all.

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To view the brochure and explore how your organisation can be a force for good through football, visit link SFA Partner Brochure 2025 Print.pdf

OUR EXISTING PARTNERS NATALIE PIETRZYK, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SEAH “Supporting grassroots football is at the heart of what we do. Our ongoing partnership with Shropshire FA means we can directly contribute to the growth and success of local football communities.”

MARY BRANDRICK, GENERAL MANAGER AT MARK HARROD LTD. “The girls’ game is continuing to grow and more girls are playing. At Furrows, we felt this was an ideal opportunity to get involved and be part of something that can only grow and improve.”

ANTONY FROST, DIRECTOR & DEALER PRINCIPAL AT FURROWS Grassroots football plays such an important role in the lives of so many young people and families in our community. I’m proud to continue supporting the Shropshire FA Grassroots Awards, which celebrate the hard work and passion of the people who give their time week in, week out to keep football thriving in Shropshire.”

MATT WINFIELD, MCDONALD’S – ERASMUS RESTAURANTS. “Grassroots football plays such an important role in the lives of so many young people and families in our community. I’m proud to continue supporting the Shropshire FA Grassroots Awards, which celebrate the hard work and passion of the people who give their time week in, week out to keep football thriving in Shropshire.”

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Safeguarding Team 2 High Street, Dawley, Telford, Shropshire,TF4 2ET Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Sam Griffiths sam.griffiths@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07918764766

01743 362769 Iinfo@shropshirefa.com https://www.shropshirefa.com/ @ShropshireFA

Sam Griffiths - Designated Safeguarding Officer

shropsfa Shropshire Football Association

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DDSO) Tom Wellings tom.wellings@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07719047701

Shropshire FA

Tom Wellings - Referees & Facilities

Senior Safeguarding Lead (SSL) Andy Weston andy.weston@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769

Andy Weston - CEO & Senior Safeguarding Lead

Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead (DSSL) Zoe Vernall zoe.vernall@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07736 956038

Zoe Vernall - Head of Football Services

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Safeguarding Hub

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Safeguarding Requirements

Safeguarding Requirements

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