CLUB BIO
The club is a “phoenix club”, formed in 2004 after the collapse of its predecessor, Telford United F.C.. The original club dated back to 1872 (as Wellington Town) and had notable success, especially in nonleague competitions like the FA Trophy, which they won three times. Financial problems and debts of over £4 million caused Telford United to fold in May 2004. Formation and early rise (2004–2011) AFC Telford United was formed immediately by supporters and entered the Northern Premier League Division One. They achieved rapid promotions, reaching the Conference Premier (5th tier) by 2011 after winning play-offs. Early years were marked by strong attendances and momentum as the club rebuilt. Ups and downs (2011–2020s) The club has had a “yo-yo” existence, moving between divisions: Relegated in 2013, then won the Conference North title in 2013–14 to bounce back. Relegated again in 2015. Cup highlights include reaching the FA Cup second round (2014–15) and FA Trophy semi-finals on multiple occasions. Recent years Relegated from National League North in 2022–23, but quickly competitive again. Won the Southern League Premier Central play-offs in 2024–25, earning promotion back to the National League North. Overall AFC Telford United represents a supporterled rebirth of a historic club.
BEHIND THE BADGE
Home Kit Colours: White and Black
Captain Profile: Ben Corfield joined the club at u8s and is still going strong! ben has won a host of trophies during his time at the club and this will be his third county cup final. A life long Telford United Fan, Ben will be hoping to sign off on a decade at the club lifting the county cup trophy
Key Player: Callen Cooksey is a former wolves academy player who joined the club 2 seasons go and has been a key player for the team this season. A versatile player with impressive technical and physical attributes who has also been on the scoresheet this season.
Coaching Staff: Andrew Jackson (manager), Will Farr, Tom Wellings
Message:
nk you to all Telford United supporters and parents/spectators for your fantastic rt throughout the season. Your encouragement has made a real difference and is atly appreciated by all of the players and staff. UP THE BUCKS! There's only one team in Telford!
SQUAD DEPTH
Bayley Bateman, Oliver Beckett, Owen Bell, Ben
Corfield, Tyler Cooper, Callen Cooksey, Leo
Chorlton-Wilcox, Charlie Cutler, James DuBoulay, Charlie Gallet, Josh Hicklin, Lenny Kearns, Dan
Regan, Leo Ravai, Dan Shore, Bobby Simmonds, Michal Ura, Manny Udoh, Zack Zawodzinski
SHIFNALTOWN FCU18
FOUNDED
CLUB BIO
The club was founded in 1964 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Western Division which is Step 4.
The club are 3x winners of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division and have also reached the 4th Qualifying Round of both the FA Cup and FA Vase on multiple occasions.
BEHIND THE BADGE
Home Kit Colours: Yellow and Blue
Captain Profile: James Corns joined the club this summer with the rest of us when merging Allscott and Dawley Wanderers into one team. Has led Lawley Comets, Allscott Heath and now Shifnal Town throughout junior football from U7 to U18
Key Player: George Handley spent his junior years at Shrewsbury Town Academy before joining TNS at U17. Joined us halfway through this season and has been a colossus at the back, earning a well-deserved call-up to our first team at Step 4
Coaching Staff: Dale Wood, Graham Cartwright, Stuart Corns
Manager’s Message:
A big thank you to everybody who has committed their time to the U18s this season. As a collective the U18s have played 54 times this season which wouldn't be possible without the commitment of all of the lads and their parents - we hope to sign off today by taking the cup home
SQUAD DEPTH
James Corns, Lewis Cross, George Cross, Georgie Dawes, Jack Davies, Olly Dungey, Dara Everton, Josh Evans, Tyler Foster, Joe Gillard, Nat Green, George Handley, Jayden Hewitt, Jamie Higgins, Ryan Hotchkiss, Mateo Jones, Curtis Lea, Elliot McMahon, Alfie
QF:
AFC Telford United U18 Boys beat NC United FC U17 United MJPL 5-2.
SF:
AFC Telford United U18 Boys beat Whitchurch Alport U18 4-2 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw
PATH TO
THE FINAL
QF:
Shifnal Town FC U18 MJPL had a bye
SF:
Shifnal Town FC U18 MJPL beat AFC Bridgnorth U18 3-0.
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
AFCTELFORD UNITEDU18BOYS
