SFA Women League Cup Final by Shropsfa

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

On behalf of the Trustees of Shropshire FA, I am delighted to welcome you to AFC Telford United for the 2024/25 County Cup Finals.

It is a real pleasure to welcome the players, match officials, and supporters of clubs from across Shropshire, as we come together to celebrate the achievements of grassroots football in our county. A special word of thanks goes to our match officials, whose appointments to these finals are a reflection of their dedication, professionalism, and hard work throughout the season. Your contribution to the game is truly appreciated.

We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to all clubs and leagues for their support and cooperation during the 2024/25 season. Your ongoing commitment is vital to the continued success of football across Shropshire.

Finally, our appreciation goes to the staff and volunteers behind the scenes, whose tireless efforts ensure the smooth running of our competitions and the organisation of these finals. Best wishes to both teams competing today. Regardless of the result, this is a fantastic celebration of football and a fitting way to round off the 2024/25 season.

Dave Simpson Chairman, Shropshire

TJ Vickers – Proudly Supporting Football in Shropshire

At TJ Vickers, we’ve been a proud part of the Shropshire community since 1962. What started as a small petrol station and repair workshop has grown into a well-established, fourth-generation family business. Today, we are a trusted Fiat and Suzuki Main Dealer with sites in both Telford and Shrewsbury, helping over 2,000 customers a year find their perfect vehicle.

While cars are our business, football has always been close to our hearts. Whether it’s chatting about last night’s match with customers or supporting local teams, the beautiful game is part of everyday life at TJ Vickers. That’s why we’re proud to have been long-term supporters of the Shropshire FA, a partnership now spanning over a decade.

TJ Vickers – Proudly Supporting Football in Shropshire

We are especially honoured to sponsor the TJ Vickers Premier Cup – a competition that shines a light on the talent, commitment, and community spirit at the grassroots level of the game. Beyond the pitch, we’ve also been privileged to contribute to the many charitable initiatives run by the Shropshire FA, reflecting values we hold dear as a family-run local business.

As football continues to bring people together, we look forward to building on our relationship with the Shropshire FA and doing our part to support and grow the game at the grassroots level. We thank everyone involved in Shropshire football – the players, volunteers, officials, and fans – for making it such a special community to be part of.

Here’s to another exciting season!

MATCH OFFICIALS

2024/25

Referee: Alex Yorke

Assistant Referee: Ceri Thomas

Assistant Referee: Frankie Ruhe

Fourth Official: Rich Butler

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the UK's leading charity dedicated to fighting heart and circulatory diseases through groundbreaking medical research, patient support, and heart health education. Founded in 1961, BHF funds over 1,000 research projects across the UK each year and promotes CPR training, significantly improving survival rates and reducing heart disease risks. Join us in supporting BHF’s mission to keep hearts beating and blood flowing. We are delighted to be part of the Shropshire Football Association Cup Final Day and to celebrate our ongoing two-year partnership. Your unwavering support will be instrumental in helping us advance our mission to fight heart and circulatory diseases. Together, we will raise vital funds for the next scientific breakthrough and promote heart health awareness across the community.

As we gather today to enjoy the excitement of the Cup Final, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Your contributions, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, will be invaluable moving forwards.

To all the players taking part in today's matches, we wish you the best of luck! Your passion and commitment on the field will inspire us all. Remember, every heartbeat counts, and together, we can make a difference.

Zoe Roberts – Fundraising Manager for British Heart Foundation, covering the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire

Shrewsbury up & comers

Club History

Up & Comers Football Club was established in the early 1970s by Mr. George Salisbury, driven by a need for organised competitive football in schools. In those formative years, he was supported by Barry Jones and Brian Sirrel, and the teams played their matches on pitches at Bayston Hill Player recruitment back then was refreshingly informal, with no trials just an advert posted ingeniously on Mr Salisbury’s dustbin!

Fast forward 50 years, and the club has grown into a thriving community hub, boasting over 46 teams spanning age groups from under-7s to adults. This inclusive pathway caters to both boys and girls, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills. The club’s home games are primarily hosted at Shrewsbury College and the Salop Unison Club. Today, Up & Comers proudly holds the title of the largest grassroots club in Shropshire, and it is the only club in the county to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service the highest honour for volunteers, equivalent to an MBE.

The Ladies team, a shining star of the club, was launched in 2023 by Girls Development Officer and current first-team coach Marv Choudhury Despite a challenging start, with just enough players signed to compete in the 23/24 Shropshire Women’s Super League, the team flourished under Marv’s leadership. Their inaugural season saw an impressive third-place finish in the league and a commendable run to the League Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Telford United Reserves. This year, the team continues to go from strength to strength, building on solid recruitment and aiming to surpass the remarkable achievements of their debut season.

Shrewsbury up & comers

Team Profile

This season has seen our squad bolstered by the fantastic addition of Lillee Clifton in goal. A residential student in Shrewsbury, Lillee has been outstanding between the posts. Her bravery in closing down opposition attackers, composure with the ball at her feet, and sharp penalty skills have been vital assets to the team.

Defensively, the squad has been a fortress, conceding very few goals throughout the season. Amongst the standout players, original team member Kelly Williams continues to be a nightmare for opponents. Her boundless energy, competitive spirit, and experience at a higher level are invaluable to the team. Joining her at the back is Vez Farrell, a calming presence who came onboard earlier this year. With her physicality, precision passing, and natural organisational ability, Vez has elevated our defensive line. Original squad member Maisie Allen shines with her lightning speed, tenacity in challenges, and ability to effortlessly cover the pitch. Another key player is Keri Lloyd, one of our two American squad members, whose sprinter-like pace and skill at going past defenders have been pivotal. Additionally, young stars Aleyna Bozdogan and Livvy Robertson have made their mark. Aleyna’s technical ability and composure under pressure, alongside Livvy’s impressive step up from the U16s, show that our future defensive lineup is in safe hands.

Shrewsbury up & comers

In midfield, we are blessed with a wealth of talent combining youthful energy and seasoned experience. Captain Amanda Reeve exemplifies technical excellence and leadership, serving as a role model for younger players. Vice-Captain Amanda "Mand" Williams, playing her final season, remains the complete player athletic, skilful, and fiercely determined. Georgia Jew, another original squad member, brings international experience from her time playing in the U.S., adding quality and ambition whenever she’s available to play. New additions Isla Linney and Ellie Burns have added dynamism to the midfield. Isla’s pace, sharp footwork, and goal-scoring prowess (15 goals to date!) have made her a force to be reckoned with. Ellie, hailed as one of the most gifted players in the league, has dazzled with her strength, technical ability, and shooting precision. Rising stars Ellie Darrell and Mollie Peach, both promoted from our U16s, have further enriched the midfield. Ellie brings skill and determination, while Mollie’s all-rounded style reminiscent of Steven Gerrard adds both grit and versatility.

Up front, Chloe Cross, another original member, leads the attack with her wealth of experience and physicality. Her eye for goal is unmatched, as evidenced by her 24 goals this season. New recruit Katie White has been equally impressive, showcasing versatility across multiple positions and scoring 19 goals, while her leadership qualities earned her the role of second vice-captain. Young forwards Jessie Jex and Millie Booth have also made significant contributions, helping the squad achieve an incredible +100 goal difference.

Shrewsbury up & comers

Special thanks go to our other Squad players Meg Griffiths, Buffy Boroughs, Katie Potter, Katie Cooke, Cerys Jones, Jamie Shephard, and Susie Williams, all of whom have played their part in creating a fantastic team atmosphere and the current success. We also extend our gratitude to Emma Nicholson for her stellar work on social media, Evie Thomas for running the line, and our incredible supporters, families, and friends.

Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors LW SPORTS, GREENHOUS, JF DRAINAGE, VEEZU, DECO STITCH, SPD GROUP—whose support makes it all possible.

Shrewsbury up & comers

Manager Bio

Kerry Thomas- After coaching youth football for 8 years. I took the leap and initially decided to "help out" with the launch of our clubs first ever ladies team last season. That instantly turned into becoming a member of the coaching team. As one of the only female coaches in the club with my UEFA C license, I felt it was imperative to jump on board and help set up, encourage, promote and provide a female pathway. Which would predominantly secure somewhere for our younger players to follow through into adult football.

With that in mind our first season was a huge success, with us finishing third in the league, and getting to the League Cup Final. Having created a fantastic team of women both on and off the pitch.

This season has seen us go from strength to strength. With the addition of several new players and introducing some of our U16s into the Shropshire FA womens league.

Having a daughter myself, my aim has always been to ensure there is a pathway for her to follow when she is old enough. As she has played for the club since she was 6 years old.

It's safe to say that job is done.

Stepping up as Manager this season was a big leap for me. However I could not of done it, if it wasn't for the great bunch of ladies I get to work with. Their work ethic, commitment, drive and sheer team work both on and off the pitch this season has been second to none.

It is an honour and privilege to work alongside these ladies.

Hopefully the girls will be rewarded for their wealth of talent they have provided us with this season

It would be great to finish the season as league cup winners

Shrewsbury up & comers

Message to Supporters

Message from Team Captain Amanda Reeve - "To our amazing up and comers supporters, thankyou for being with us along this journey so far. You have turned out in the pouring rain to the glorious sun and everytime you give the team 100% encouragement. You push each and everyone of us to be our best, constantly cheering from the sidelines. Let’s go out today and win this together. Thankyou for all your support, come on the blues"