SFA Partner Brochure 2025 by Shropsfa

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Supporting Football since 1877

OUR ROLE IN FOOTBALL

At Shropshire FA, we believe football is more than just a game - it is a powerful force that brings people together. It teaches teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership - values that shape individuals both on and off the pitch.

Grassroots football in Shropshire thrives thanks to a passionate network of clubs, leagues, coaches, referees, volunteers, spectators and thousands of players. Every weekend, hundreds of matches take place across the county, fuelled by a shared love of the game.

As the official governing body for football in Shropshire, we are proud to lead and support the development of the game at every level. From youth to adult, recreational to competitive, our role is to create clear pathways and deliver impactful initiatives that grow and sustain football across the county.

As the largest inland county in England, Shropshire, from the Welsh borders to the Staffordshire edge, our reach is countywide - and our commitment is nationally recognised. We’ve been commended by The FA for our dedication to making football accessible, inclusive and inspiring for all.

We are building a united Football community - one that tackles inequality, champions diversity, promotes physical and mental wellbeing and creates opportunities for everyone to get involved.

We’re now seeking a select number of like-minded organisations to join us in forming meaningful partnerships that support and strengthen our mission.

Together, we can shape the future of football in Shropshire.

ANNUAL GRASSROOTS AWARDS

FAIRPLAY AWARDS

REGULAR FESTIVALS, LEAGUES AND TOURNAMENTS

SHROPSHIRE COACHING EVENTS

REFEREE INITIATIVES

PITCHES AND FACILITIES PROGRAMME

MEMBERSHIPS SUPPORT FOR CLUBS AND LEAGUES

SAFEGUARDING

INCLUSION FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

DEVELOPMENT OF BOYS’ AND MEN’S FOOTBALL

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PATHWAYS

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we are proud to celebrate the significant strides taken in recent years.

Working alongside the dedicated grassroots football community across Shropshire, we’ve delivered inclusive and accessible football development opportunities for clubs, leagues, coaches, referees and volunteers.

These efforts have helped shape a more welcoming and positive matchday experience across the male, female and disability pathways - all supported by improved facilities and a firm commitment to safeguarding.

These achievements have only been possible through collaboration. As a not-for-profit organisation, we recognise the value of forward-thinking, strategic partnerships.

Together, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable and thriving future for football in Shropshire - one built on inclusivity, opportunity and long-term impact.

OUR VISION:

To create opportunities to empower and inspire people to enjoy football.

OUR MISSION:

To lead, promote, develop and support lifelong community participation through football.

Inclusive – Inspiring – Innovative – Transparent – Trusted

13,000 PLAYERS

6,000 VOLUNTEERS

445 REFEREES

1,000 TEAMS

170 CLUBS

11 LEAGUES

14 COUNTY CUP FINALS Supporting Football since 1877

STRATEGY 2024–28:

OUR TARGETS FOR THE FUTURE

Our recent successes have put us in a strong position - but we are only just getting started.

Building on our strong foundations, we’ve launched the renewed and ambitious Shropshire Strategy 2024–2028, which will include our 150th anniversary year in 2027.

Shaped in collaboration with our valued grassroots football community, this refreshed strategy sets bold new targets designed to sustain momentum and drive meaningful progress across all areas of the game.

Thanks to the commitment and passion of everyone involved in Shropshire football, we’re now in a powerful position to elevate our impact. We can amplify partner messages to a dedicated, football-focused audience that begins with thousands of participants in our county - and extends far beyond.

For organisations who share our vision and want to be part of shaping the future of football in Shropshire, we offer a range of dynamic and rewarding partnership opportunities.

Together, we can create lasting change.

Read more about our ’24 – ’28 strategy here...

OUR MARKETING ACTIVITIES

7,500 FOLLOWERS

4,100 FOLLOWERS

728 FOLLOWERS

600 SUBSCRIBERS

450 FOLLOWERS UNDER 19

7,000 SUBSCRIBERS

OUR PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

At Shropshire FA, we’re proud to offer bespoke partnership opportunities that can be tailored to align with your organisation’s goals and values.

Whether you’re looking to raise brand awareness, demonstrate community commitment, or engage with a loyal and passionate audience, we’re ready to build a partnership that works for you.

Partnership benefits include:

• Exclusive naming rights for selected competitions, projects and initiatives aligning your brand with grassroots and community sport.

• Extensive brand exposure across all communications, including targeted social media campaigns and regional press coverage.

• VIP hospitality at finals with opportunities for networking and presenting trophies to teams, reinforcing your community involvement.

• Advertising opportunities including full-page advertisements in matchday programmes and promotional displays at key final venues.

• Website links and season-long brand mentions ensuring continuous visibility and engagement.

• PR opportunities to showcase your company’s commitment to CSR, community development and creating lasting social value.

• Access to England tickets giving you and your guests the chance to experience top-tier matches live. The perfect way to entertain clients, reward teams or enjoy unforgettable moments with key stakeholders.

This is a fantastic opportunity to associate your brand with one of the most celebrated traditions of football in the county.

COUNTY CUP COMPETITIONS

The Shropshire FA County Cups are a proud tradition and a vital part of grassroots football in the county. These competitions play a key role in promoting participation, development and community engagement across the local football landscape.

Open to adult and youth teams across both male and female formats, the County Cups offer inclusive and competitive opportunities for clubs of all sizes and levels. From early youth development to senior fixtures, the range of competitions reflects the diversity and depth of football played throughout Shropshire.

These tournaments go beyond the pitch - they are a celebration of the passion, dedication and unity that define our football community. Whether you’re a player, coach, referee, volunteer or supporter, taking part in the County Cups means becoming part of something special.

AWARDS EVENING & VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION

Our annual Awards Evening is a flagship event in the Shropshire grassroots football calendar.

It’s a night dedicated to celebrating the dedication, passion and success of local clubs, leagues and most importantly, our volunteers.

Each year, we bring together individuals and organisations from across the county to recognise the tireless efforts that keep grassroots football thriving.

By supporting this event, businesses and partners can play a key role in spotlighting local success stories while helping to inspire future generations of volunteers and participants. There are meaningful opportunities to get involved in celebrating those who are the heart of Shropshire football.

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

Referees are essential to the gamemaintaining fairness, enforcing the rules and ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and respectful matchday environment.

At Shropshire FA, we provide dedicated support for both new and experienced referees. From initial training and mentoring to continued development opportunities, we are building a strong network of confident, capable officials across the county.

Refereeing offers a rewarding path into football for those who may not wish to play, but still want to be involved in the game they love. We’re proud to nurture this vital part of the game, ensuring every match is delivered to the highest standard.

COACHING DEVELOPMENT

Coaches are the backbone of grassroots football, and our Coach Development Programme is designed to support their growth at every stage.

Through a mix of in-person workshops and online sessions, we help volunteer coaches across Shropshire develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.

As part of England Football Learning’s coach education pathway, our locally-delivered support connects directly with clubs, leagues and individual coaches. Our growing calendar of events delivers targeted development opportunities throughout the season in a wide variety of formats.

FACILITIES & INVESTMENT

At Shropshire FA, our Facilities Team plays a vital role in developing and sustaining the infrastructure that underpins grassroots football across the county.

By working closely with a wide network of partners, including town and parish councils, grassroots clubs and education sites, we help ensure that local football has the spaces it needs to thrive.

We support clubs and communities in accessing vital funding for a wide range of projects. These include everything from large-scale 3G pitch developments valued at over £1 million, to essential items such as goalposts, grass pitch maintenance equipment and ancillary facilities like changing rooms and storage.

PARTICIPATION PATHWAYS

Football in Shropshire is for everyone - and our participation pathways continue to grow across every area of the game.

From mini-soccer and youth football for boys and girls to adults, disability, veterans and walking football, there are opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy the game.

OUR EXISTING PARTNERS

“We’re passionate about empowering the next generation of female footballers. Our ongoing relationship with AFC Telford showed us how football can bring communities together, and we’re now taking that further with the Shropshire FA. We are proud to stand behind every female player, coach and referee in the county.”

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.

Supporting Football since 1877

SUPPORT LOCAL FOOTBALL

Partnering with Shropshire FA means making a real difference in grassroots football across our county. Your support helps to develop players, coaches, referees and volunteers - each with their own inspiring story - while strengthening clubs, building community spirit and enhancing facilities.

With our reach and engagement continuing to grow in line with our ambitious Shropshire 2024-2028 strategy, there’s never been a better time to join us in supporting the game at its grassroots.

All of our partnership packages include regular progress reports, so you can see the tangible impact of your support and feel confident that your investment is delivering measurable results.

If your organisation shares our vision for football that inspires, includes and supports communities, we’d love to explore how we can work together.

Let us create a partnership that leaves a lasting legacy.

POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGE

We often talk about the unique power of football to improve lives and drive positive social change. This is bought into focus when we look at the social, health and economic return on investment from grassroots football in Shropshire.