Mark Harrod U16's Sunday Challenge Cup by Shropsfa

WORTHENJUNIORS U16TITANS

FOUNDED

1990’S

CLUB BIO

Worthen Juniors are a well-established grassroots football club based in Pontesbury, Shropshire. The club offers a safe, positive environment where players can enjoy football, build fitness, and develop friendships.

With teams ranging from U7 to U16 for both boys and girls, Worthen Juniors compete in the Shropshire and Telford leagues, with home matches played at Start Tech Meadow.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Yellow and Black

Captain Profile: Reece Rowe joining at U8s, Reece has been an important part of the team since the beginning. A supremely talented player, his commitment helped him to recover from a knee injury that ruled him out of the 2024/25 campaign. Since his return Rowe has lead to the team to new levels this season.

Key Player: Harry Barnes a key member of the squad since day one, Harry Barnes is the team’s ultimate utility player. Equally comfortable in defence or attack, he combines pace, reliability, and consistency.

Coaching Staff: Gwyn Thomas (Manager), Gaz Hipkins, Andrew Mason

Manager’s Message:

We’re at the business end of the season now, in our final season as Worthen Titans and it is fitting way to round out all those seasons with an appearance in the County Cup Final We’ve been privileged to coach a fine group of young men for many seasons now, improving each year and picking up some memorable wins along the way Our thanks go to the players, their parents and supporters, for always turning up, always backing us and being there on freezing cold, wet early mornings across Shropshire. We want to hear you loud and proud this evening, cheering the lads on and giving them the confidence to play in a way that shows everyone how talented they all are Thank you to the whole grassroots football community in Shropshire, the Shropshire FA and the Telford Junior Football League

SQUAD DEPTH

Teejay Adams, Alfie Bailey, Harry Barnes, Logan Bridgewater, Haydn Cartwright, Tom Devonport, Joe Griffiths, Hugo Hutcheson, Bryn Lucas, Sam Mason, James O’Brien, Josh Price, Zak Pragg, Reece Rowe, Harry Thomas, Harry Wyke.

NOVAUNITED U16 FOUNDED

CLUB BIO

Founded in 1975 by Billy Bowering, Nova United began on the fields opposite the Audco site in Newport and has grown significantly ever since, expanding onto the Shuker Fields pitches as the club developed.

The club has a proud history of producing talented players who have gone on to the professional game, including Callum Burton, Paul Bracewell, David Johnson, and Adam Proudlock.

Nova United has enjoyed continued success across all age groups in both league and cup competitions, and regularly receives Fair Play Awards in recognition of its values on and off the pitch.

Proudly an FA Charter Standard Club, Nova United is committed to providing a safe, well-run, and supportive environment for all players and families involved.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Green & Black

Captain Profile: Leo leads the team by example with strong commitment and effort. His influence goes beyond matchdays, always thinking about how to improve things and help the group. A natural leader, he keeps the team united and sets a high standard for those around him.

Key Player: Whole team

Coaching Staff: Adam Higgins (manager), Stuart Dix, Darriel Terry

Manager’s Message:

The End of a Ten-Year Journey As we walk out for today’s Shropshire County Cup Final, I can’t help but look back at where it all began. My coaching journey started over 25 years ago at the old Gay Meadow with 'Shrewsbury Town in the Community', back when football meant coaching after-school clubs and birthday parties on the pitch. But of all the years spent on the touchline, none have been as rewarding as the last nine years with this specific group of players. I have been incredibly proud to lead this team from U7s all the way to U16s. We’ve grown up together. Win or lose today, this Final is the perfect conclusion to our journey. To the players: thank you for the commitment. To the parents: thank you for being our 12th man since the very beginning. Let’s finish this the way we started—together.

SQUAD DEPTH

Bradley Evans, Michael Chilonda, Liam Dix, Billy Higgins, George Hollis-Terry, Lewis

Howard, Oscar Kane, Lewis Ledgster, Riley Marsh, Harry Matthews, Connor McNamara, Hayden Morgan, Will Reddall, Lenny Roberts, Daniel Smith, Leo Thompson, Ephraim White, Bartlomiej Zielonka

PATH TO

THE FINAL

R1:

Nova United U16 had a bye

R2:

Nova United U16 beat Wrekin Juniors U16 Panthers 9-0.

R3:

Nova United U16 beat Bridgnorth Spartans U16 Reds 7-0.

QF:

Nova United U16 beat Shrewsbury Up & Comers U16 Harriers 4-1

SF:

Nova United U16 beat Wrekin Juniors U16 Lions 6-4.

CHAIRMAN’S WORDS

First and foremost, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to AFC Telford United’s Seah Stadium.

It is a pleasure to welcome the players, along with today’s match officials and supporters, as we come together to celebrate the fantastic achievement of reaching this cup final.

A special thank you must go to our match officials. Their appointments to today’s final are a testament to their dedication, professionalism and hard work throughout the season.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all clubs and leagues for their continued support during the 2025/26 season. Your contribution plays a vital role in the ongoing growth and success of grassroots football across Shropshire.

Finally, I would like to recognise the staff and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their efforts ensure the smooth running of our competitions and the successful organisation of occasions such as today

I would like to wish both teams the very best of luck. Regardless of the result, today represents a wonderful celebration of football and a fitting way to conclude the 2025/26 campaign.

Enjoy the game.

Dave Simpson Chairman, Shropshire FA