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CHAIRMAN’S WORDS

First and foremost, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Croud Meadow

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

TJ VICKERS ANNOUNCED AS NEW SPONSORS OF THE SHROPSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE

The Shropshire Football Association is delighted to announce a new three-year partnership with TJ Vickers, they have been established since 1962 and are one of Shropshire's most successful family owned and run dealerships with locations in Telford and Shrewsbury. TJ Vickers are excited to become the new title sponsors of The Shropshire County League, formerly known as the Salop Leisure League.

As part of the agreement, the competition will enter a new era, with the Premier Division carrying the lead title name in partnership with Chinese automotive manufacturer Changan Automobile, as TJ Vickers promote their exciting new vehicle partnership across the county’s football community.

The agreement also sees TJ Vickers extend their valued support of the prestigious Shropshire FA Challenge Cup as main sponsor, further strengthening the dealership’s long-standing commitment to grassroots football in Shropshire.

The sponsorship represents a significant investment into local football and will support the continued development and profile of one of the county’s most historic and competitive leagues.

Mat Cole of TJ Vickers said:

“We are absolutely delighted to extend our partnership with Shropshire FA and become the new sponsors of The Shropshire County League. Grassroots football plays such an important role within local communities, and we are proud to support competitions that provide opportunities for so many players, volunteers and clubs across the county.

“This partnership also provides a fantastic platform to promote our exciting new relationship with Changan, whilst strengthening our existing Fiat and Suzuki ranges and we are looking forward to working closely with the league and Shropshire FA over the next three years.”

Andy Weston, Chief Executive of Shropshire Football Association, added:

“We are thrilled to welcome TJ Vickers as the new title sponsors of The Shropshire County League and are incredibly grateful for their continued support of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup

“This is a significant partnership for football in the county and demonstrates TJ Vickers’ commitment to supporting grassroots football at all levels. Their investment will help us continue to develop and promote the league, whilst also supporting clubs and participants across Shropshire.

“We are excited to begin this new chapter together and look forward to building a strong partnership over the next three years.”

AFCBRIDGNORTH FIRST

FOUNDED 2013

CLUB BIO

AFC Bridgnorth was formed as a phoenix club from the original Bridgnorth Town FC, with the aim of bringing senior football back to the town. Since reforming, the club has steadily progressed and built a strong reputation both on and off the pitch.

The club began life in the West Midlands (Regional) League and enjoyed immediate success, winning Division One in its very first season. AFC Bridgnorth then went on to finish runners-up in the Premier Division in the following two campaigns, narrowly missing out on promotion on both occasions.

Cup success arrived in 2019 when the club lifted the TJ Vickers Premier Cup with a 1-0 victory over Haughmond F.C., marking another important milestone in the club’s development.

The current squad has been together for nearly two seasons and has shown clear improvement during that time, with strong team spirit and consistency helping the side progress.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Blue

Captain Profile: Mitchell Evans - Mitchell joined the club this year and has given much needed leadership and bite in central midfield

Key Player: Mitchell Evans - The captain is always the heartbeat of the team

Coaching Staff: Jack Griffiths (manager), Lee Blake, Nick Turton, Arjun Sekhon

Manager’s Message:

Thanks for your continued support in a season which has seen a lot of travel - Without your support the hard days would be impossible and the good days only half as good.

SQUAD DEPTH

Craig Pain, Jack Breckell, Craig Tuckley, DeQuarnai Williams, Billy Moore, Sinayomi Abiola, George Hartill, Brett Taylor, George Shaw, Trayvon Powell, Mitchell Evans, Harvey Evans, Declan Hutchings, Max Morris, Kosheen Sappleton, Mason Heather, Tom Nicklin, Suar Dedja, Nick Turton.

SHAWBU UNITEDF FOUNDED

CLUB BIO

awbury United FC was formed in 1992 and quickly gressed through the Shropshire football pyramid, rting in the Shrewsbury & Shropshire Alliance ore moving into the West Midlands (Regional) League, where they reached the Premier Division by 2000–01. The club joined the Midland Football League in 2016 and has remained at that level since. Their rise included strong cup runs, most notably reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase in 2007–08, and periods of both promotion challenges and relegation battles. Despite setbacks, Shawbury have repeatedly rebuilt, maintaining their place in Step 6 football and establishing a reputation for resilience and development.

Off the pitch, the club has expanded significantly, now running multiple junior teams, a women’s side, and a development squad. After ground-sharing at the New Meadow, Shawbury returned home to a newly developed facility in 2024 featuring a clubhouse, stand, floodlights, and multiple pitches. Recent years have seen continued change in management, with a focus on rebuilding and youth integration. Shawbury United remain a communityfocused club with strong local roots, committed to long-term growth both on and off the pitch.

BEHIND THE BADGE

Home Kit Colours: Black and White

Captain Profile: Kyle Cassell joined the club towards the end of the season and has established himself as an integral part of the squad, leading the line with experience. His performances earned him numerous Man of the Match awards and helped end the season on a high.

Key Player: Louis Clark a key player this season at the heart of midfield, 'Lighthouse' has lit up Shawbury team with his bright performances.

Coaching Staff: Matthew Boswell, Stevie McCormick, Steve Travi, Ben Darrall, Becky Hazelgrove

Manager’s Message:

all of our family, friends and supporters of Shawbury United a hank you for your continued support throughout what has been a ouple of years! Every small bit of support we receive goes a long suring the continued success of out ever-growing club. Have a great evening and enjoy the game

SQUAD DEPTH

Tom Ash, Jaden Bevan, Scott Binnersley, Josh

Brown, Kyle Cassell, Louis Clark, Charlie Connacher, Kyron Cooper, Harry Farnsworth, Conor Hughes, Jamie King, Eric Mensah, Ryan Mills, Charlie Preece, Ashley Rawlins, Ablay

Sowe, Liam Taylor, Josh Wycherley, Rune Corinaldi, Emmanuel Williams