From the start of the 2026-27 season, The FA will be launching a new progressive framework for grassroots youth football in England, which aims to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.
Over the past two years, The FA have been working with stakeholders across the grassroots game to explore the future of youth football, alongside the physical and technical impact of our current formats on young players. This comprehensive consultation process has been enhanced by a study into playing formats for youth players in other European nations and is complimented with The FA’s own research and testing within the grassroots game across England. In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, The FA have studied more than 400 grassroots games, from U6-U14 level, which has allowed The FA to better understand the technical and physical returns of different playing formats for young players and the impact of proposed adjustments.
From the 2026-27 season, The FA will be introducing the following changes and will shortly deliver a series of comprehensive workshops and tools to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented:
• A new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level, fielding three players on each side, to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football.
• Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway, including 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.
• Greater alignment with schools with children playing smaller formats with simplified rules throughout primary school, before progressing to 9v9 and more complex rules at secondary school.
• Evolved Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of the young player. For example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.
Therefore, in conjunction with the FA we are holding a consultation evening on Monday 24th March at Shrewsbury Town FC at 6.30pm. As our major stakeholders locally we would welcome your input to any changes that be may made and the impact locally. Please complete the form below to sign up.
County FA Roadshow Sign-Up Form
Please feel free to pass on to anyone who you think might benefit from attending. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch
Further information can be accessed here
Anti-bullying poster winner!
On Friday 21st February we had the pleasure of meeting Melanie, aged 10, the winner of our anti-bullying poster competition! �� Melanie’s creativity and passion really stood out, and to celebrate, she was presented with tickets to see the England Lionesses in action at Wembley! ⚽��
It was fantastic to sit down with Melanie and her family as she shared her football journey. She’s even got to against Manchester United in Manchester recently! ��⚽
It was wonderful meeting you all, and we hope you enjoyed the match at Wembley. You’re an inspiration, Melanie! ��
Melanie’s
Summary of What Bullying Means
We stand together, united in our stance against bullying. We understand that everyone is different. We encourage and support individuality. We respect our teammates and our opponents whatever their size, colour or character. We strongly believe that there should be no place for bullying or intimidation on any football pitch and we will do our part to kick any form of bullying into touch.
PHOEBE’S February OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
Students and staff from Shrewsbury Town foundation attended a coach CPD session with a focus on player development.
The students took part in classroom based learning and then went onto a practical session where they learnt the principles of coaching and how to make a positive impact.
Well done to all who took part!
PARTNERSHIP WITH BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION TO HELP FUND LIFESAVING RESEARCH!
“With heart and circulatory diseases killing one in four people in the UK, it’s inspiring to know that our fundraising could make a real impact for such an important cause.”
Zoe Roberts, Fundraising Manager for Black Country, Shropshire and Staffordshire at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: “We are honoured that Shropshire FA have chosen to support the British Heart Foundation and help fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow.
“For more than 60 years, the British Heart Foundation has funded research that has turned ideas that once seemed like 'science fiction' into treatments and cures that save lives every day. But millions of people are still waiting for the next breakthrough.
“It is only thanks to the generous support of organisations like Shropshire FA that we can keep research going and discover the treatments and cures of the future.”
Email Zoe Brittish Heart Foundation fundraising manager: robertsz@bgf.org.uk for more info
Students Complete referee course
Students from Shrewsbury Town College & University pathways had the opportunity to take part in the FA Referees course, this week supported by Shropshire FA’s tutor team.
This course has created 21 more referees for Shropshire and has been a great opportunity for our students!
Where would we be without our brilliant Match Officials? It’s time for us all to give our referees the recognition they deserve in the 2025 Referee Recognition Awards. Who will you nominate?
As an Association we wish to record and reward the service to Shropshire FA. A Long Service Award may be presented to Club Officials on completion of 21 years’ service with an individual Club, League or- Competition. The Club, League or Competition concerned shall have the option of making the application and producing the necessary supporting evidence.
You can apply for individuals to receive a long service award from The Football Association after serving 50 consecutive years. A Long Service Referees on completion feree affiliated to this on
THE GRASSROOTS CODE IS DESIGNED TO UNITE EVERYONE ACROSS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL BY DRIVING POSITIVE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND.
Enjoy The Game - we're here to enjoy ourselves... win, lose or draw.
• Give Respect - we always treat others as we'd like to be treated.
• Be Inclusive - we embrace our differences... football is a game for everyone.
• Work Together - we're a team, on and off the pitch.
• Play Safe - we all have a role in safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults. For more information CLICK HERE
Please find the link to First Advantage's new Football Association Customer Support Microsite. https://help.fadv.com/s/thefa
This Microsite has within it an IA integrated 'Chatbot' which will provides answers and also will link customers to FADVs dedicated FA Support team during office hours.
Customers can find information on setting their club/verifiers up and there are links to other FAQ (these will grow) and to TheFA.com safeguarding pages.
The microsite also includes a 'submit a query' section which opens up a query service that goes direct to The FA specific FAD DBS customer support team along with detailing the tel. number if people prefer to call the team.
The Player Welfare in Open Age Football course by England Learning is now available to complete online
Develop your understanding of the importance of player welfare and gain insights into creating a positive, safe environment for your team
complaints procedure
This procedure outlines the details with regards to sending a complaint to the Shropshire Football Association regarding a Match Official, Club, League, Participant or the Shropshire FA itself.
SAFEGUARDING COURSES
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Take our courses and learn how to implement best practices.
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best practice
Over the years The FA has been asked for advice and guidance to help clubs create fun, safe and inclusive environments.
This advice the form of Guidance Notes, available to download in themed-sections of this website.
66,000 reasons to get involved!
We were delighted to hear that our partner, easyfundraising, had paid out more than £66,000 to football clubs and teams during their last Donation Day in February! Every 3 months they pay out to their registered causes all the funds that have been raised that quarter thanks to members of the community collecting cashback donations when they shop online. Did your club get a share? A huge well done if you did! If not, make sure your club or team is signed up ahead of their next Donation Day in May. Over 8,000 big name retailers will donate to your club when the club community shops with them!
