Shropshire team is s future for wome
men's Day 2025: scoring a bright
ens’ football
International Women's Day 2025:
Shropshire team is scoring a bright future for womens’ football
Shropshire FA Launches New Sunday League to Revitalize Men's Football
The Shropshire Football Association is proud to announce the launch of a new Shropshire wide Sunday League for the 2025 / 2026 season designed to reignite and modernize men's Sunday football across the region. This initiative comes in response to declining participation numbers over the past five years and aims to make the beautiful game more accessible and enjoyable for players throughout Shropshire.
A Modern Approach to Sunday Football
The new league will feature:
·County Wide Competition: Teams from across Shropshire will compete against each other, in a traditional league format building upon existing, and fostering new rivalries.
· Flexible Kick-off Times (Dependant on pitch availability) Accommodating modern lifestyles and commitments.
·Champions League Style Competition: An additional knockout tournament giving teams more opportunities to compete for silverware.
Affordable and Accessible
"We're committed to making football affordable and accessible to everyone," said Zoe Griffiths, head of football services at Shropshire FA.
"The new Sunday League will be priced in line with our other Shropshire FA-run competitions, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation."
Working Towards Excellence
The Shropshire FA has set an ambitious goal to achieve England Accreditation within the first season of operation. This accreditation will provide benefits for member clubs. For more information email: Info@shropshirefa.com
Shropshire’s Salop Leisure League Cup Final Venue Announced
The Shropshire Football Association (FA) have announced, that the prestigious Tony Bywater Premier Cup Final will be held this year at Shrewsbury Town’s Croud Meadow Stadium on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
This partnership between Shropshire FA, Salop Leisure, and Shrewsbury Town Football Club marks an exciting opportunity for the teams from the men's league, hitting the final in May, to compete at one of the region’s premier sporting venues.
Zoe Griffiths, head of football services at Shropshire FA, expressed her excitement for the event: "We are thrilled to bring the Salop Leisure League Premier Cup Final to Shrewsbury Town. This venue provides the perfect setting for our county’s grassroots teams to experience playing in a professional stadium. The facilities are exceptional, and we're confident this will create lasting memories for all participants and spectators alike."
The final will showcase the best talent from within The Salop Leisure League, with teams battling for county-wide recognition for the coveted Tony Bywater Premier Cup Trophy
Shropshire’s Salop Leisure League Cup Final Venue Announced
Tony Bywater, CEO of Salop Leisure, said:
"As long-time supporters of local football in Shropshire, we’re delighted to see the Cup Final hosted at such an impressive venue. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering community engagement and sporting excellence across the county. We look forward to an unforgettable match day that celebrates the spirit of local football."
Shrewsbury Town Football Club has also welcomed the opportunity to host this significant fixture in the local football calendar
Liam Dooley, CEO of Shrewsbury Town FC commented: "Opening our doors to the Tony Bywater Premier Cup Final represents our ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots football. We’re proud to provide a professional stage for local teams to showcase their talents. Events like these strengthen the bonds between professional clubs and the community football scene that forms the backbone of our sport."
Growing the Game: Shropshire FA Appoints Dylan Shinton as Football Participation Officer
Shropshire FA has taken a significant step forward in its mission to make football accessible to all with the appointment of Dylan Shinton as our new Football Participation Officer
As a former Thomas Telford pupil and current player for Dawley Town in the Salop Leisure League, Dylan brings authentic local knowledge and passion to this crucial role. His appointment reflects our commitment to growing grassroots football throughout the county and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game.
Expanding Football's Reach
The Football Participation Officer role goes far beyond traditional development work. Dylan will help to support the initiatives specifically designed to bring football to nontraditional groups, focusing on creating inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome regardless of age, gender, ability, or background.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dylan to our team," said Andy Weston, CEO of Shropshire FA "His dedication to promoting inclusivity in football will be instrumental as we strive to make the game accessible to everyone in our community."
A Vision for Inclusive Football Dylan himself is eager to make an impact, "I am honoured to take on this role. Football has the power to bring communities together, and I look forward to working with clubs, leagues, and players across Shropshire to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game."
Since 1877, Shropshire FA has been the heartbeat of local football, now supporting over 170 clubs, 1,000 teams, and 13,000 diverse players. Dylan's appointment represents our continued dedication to creating a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive football environment for all Shropshire residents.
Shropshire FA Supports Telford College Students with Interview Practice
We’re excited to share that our very own Tom Wellings, Participation Officer here at Shropshire FA, visited Telford College recently to help equip students with essential interview skills.
Tom, with extensive experience in the football and sports sector, generously shared his time and expertise to provide students with practical interview practice, helping them build confidence, improve their communication, and refine their personal presentation.
This collaboration is a fantastic example of local leaders giving back and investing in the future workforce.
A big thank you to Tom for his continued support and dedication to developing the next generation of professionals.
CPD AT AFC BRIDGNORTH
A massive thank you to AFC Bridgnorth for their incredible hospitality in hosting our recent Coaching CPD session with Matt Jones from the FA!
It was fantastic to see so many local coaches come together and engage in such an insightful session.
�� Huge shoutout to Bridgnorth Town Juniors U13’s for giving up their evening to support the practical session. You were all amazing! ��
The sun shining before the night fell made for the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable evening ��
Thank you all for making this event such a success!
Active listening: 10 tips to support someone with health issues
Being diagnosed with a heart condition or experiencing a serious event like a heart attack or stroke can feel overwhelming and incredibly isolating. That’s why it’s so important to give friends or family members dealing with health issues space to talk about how they’re feeling. It can be difficult to listen attentively without interrupting, providing reassurance or offering your own solutions, especially if you also feel worried or upset about someone’s health.
1. Give them time to open up - It can be frustrating when a loved one won’t talk about their health, but they may need time to process things on their own. Let them know you're there to talk whenever they're ready, and gently remind them over time that you're open to the conversation.
2. Try not to interrupt - It’s natural to want to offer reassurance or solutions, but this can sometimes frustrate the other person or make them feel inadequate. Instead, let them lead the conversation, show you're listening with small responses, and minimise distractions by speaking in a quiet space and turning off your phone.
3. Match their pace and tone of voice - Pay attention to how your friend or family member is talking and try to use a similar tone. Although speaking in an upbeat and fast-paced way might seem like a good way to cheer them up, they may find it jarring if they’re feeling low and talking quietly. Instead, try to slow down and talk at their pace to build connection and empathy.
4. Validate their emotions - Empathy is about truly understanding someone's experience, not just feeling sorry for them. It means listening without judgment and accepting their feelings, even if you don’t fully agree Avoid dismissive responses and instead acknowledge their emotions and offer support
5. Be aware of body language - Active listening involves noticing not just words, but also facial expressions, tone, and gestures. Use calm, open body language to show you're ready to listen, and maintain natural eye contact without overdoing it. Some people may feel more comfortable talking side by side, like during a walk, rather than face-to-face.
Email Zoe Brittish Heart Foundation fundraising manager: robertsz@bgf.org.uk for more info
Active listening: 10 tips to support someone with health issues
6. Reflect on what they’re saying - To show you’ve understood someone, briefly summarise what they’ve said in your own words. This helps them feel heard and valued. Then, show interest by asking thoughtful questions about how they’re coping and what they might do next—for example, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think could help now?”
7. Avoid making assumptions - Even with good intentions, avoid assuming what someone needs ask them instead. For example, constant reminders to do something, like going for a walk, might feel overwhelming rather than supportive if they’re already feeling tired.
8.Try not to overthink - Active listening can be challenging, as it means fully focusing on the other person rather than planning your response. While body language and follow-up questions help, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You don’t need all the answers just being present and listening without judgment is often the most supportive thing you can do.
9. Do some research - Learning about your loved one’s condition in your own time can help you better understand what they’re going through. You don’t need to become an expert or give medical advice, but having some knowledge can help you offer more thoughtful support and avoid making suggestions that might seem unrealistic or insensitive.
10. Look after yourself - It’s important to care for yourself too, especially if you’re supporting someone else. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Selfcare—like eating well, sleeping enough, exercising, or doing things you enjoy —helps reduce stress. Taking time away, especially if you're a carer, can also give you the space you need to recharge.
Email Zoe Brittish Heart Foundation fundraising manager: robertsz@bgf.org.uk for more info
This month we held our FA Future Fit event at Shrewsbury town outlining the changes to youth football from 2026-27 season. Thank you to all who attended. For further information, click on the link below https://thefa.shorthandstories.com/futurefit/index. html
Referee county cup appointments evening
Congratulations to all the Officials who were appointed to Shropshire FA county cup finals on Thursday 20th March. We hope you enjoyed the evening and learnt something during the workshop.
INTRODUCING VEO GO – THE GAMECHANGER IN SPORTS CAMERAS.
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Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Sam Griffiths
sam.griffiths@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07918764766
In absence of designated safeguarding officer
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DDSO)
Tom Wellings
tom.wellings@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07719047701
In absence of deputy designated safeguarding officer
Senior Safeguarding Lead (SSL)
Andy Weston
andy.weston@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769
In absence of senior safeguarding lead
Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead (DSSL)
Zoe Griffiths
zoe.griffiths@shropshirefa.com 01743 362769 / 07368528519
safeguarding requirements
safeguarding requirements
longserviceaward
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.
Whatever your team is fundraising towards this year and beyond, the experts at easyfundraising are here to help you. This month, they are offering 250 exclusive football fundraising packs to any of our members who book a support call with one of their fundraising experts by 30th April.
How to claim your pack
To get your hands on one of these exclusive packs, simply follow these steps:
1. Register your team with easyfundraising if you haven’t already
2. Accept the offer of a free support call when you sign up, it’s a short call tailored to your team at a date and time convenient to you. If already registered, use this link to book a call.
3. Following your call you will be sent your free fundraising pack by email
But be quick – once packs are gone, they’re gone!
REGISTER YOUR TEAM(S) WITH EASYFUNDRASING | LINK HERE
