2024-25

KINGS AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE At the end of 2024, Shrewsbury Up and Comers were incredibly honoured at being presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (an accolade equivalent to an MBE) by The Lord Lieutenant for Shropshire. The KAVS is the highest distinction for voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom. To celebrate this milestone Shrewsbury Up & Comers hosted a special evening, bringing together club members and those from the past and present who helped establish the club. The event was a huge success, featuring speeches from Club Officers, Chairman of The Shropshire Junior Football League, Deputy Mayor/  local councillor, and the official presentation of the KAVR Crystal award by The Lord Lieutenant. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers – past and present. This award is a celebration of you and everything you’ve done for the club and the wider community. And of course, thanks to our incredible committee who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the club. THANK YOU for making Shrewsbury Up & Comers the club it is today.

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Shropshire FA Honours Football Stalwarts with Long Service Awards The Long Service Awards, presented on Saturday (5th April) at Shrewsbury Town’s home game against Cambridge United, recognised Phil Davies, Eric Parker, Mike Hames, and John Tranter for their combined 200+ years of commitment to the beautiful game.

A Lifetime of Dedication

The awards celebrated those who have given their lives to football in various capacities—from playing and refereeing to administration and coaching—highlighting the often-unsung heroes who form the backbone of grassroots football.

Phil Davies: From Player to Life President

Phil Davies’s remarkable journey in Shropshire football began in 1970 as a player for Shrewsbury North End FC. His career evolved through playing stints at Rolls Royce FC and Meole Brace FC, where he also took on management and committee responsibilities. Perhaps his most significant contribution came as a registered referee from 1982 to 2023—an impressive 41-year span officiating matches across the county. Davies’s administrative expertise benefited the Shropshire County League for 22 years, followed by service to the Mercian Regional League and currently the Salop Leisure League. His dedication was recognised with his appointment as Life President of the Shropshire Football Association in 2022, following years of service as both Council and Honorary Member.

Eric Parker: Champion of Bridgnorth Football

Eric Parker’s story is one of unwavering commitment to football in the Bridgnorth area since 1957. Beginning as a player and manager with Claverley FC, Parker transitioned to club chair and has been a pivotal figure in local football administration for nearly five decades. His influence extended beyond Claverley as he served on the Bridgnorth League management committee for 28 years, including time as Chair. Parker also made significant contributions to the Ironbridge Sunday League leadership and has been instrumental in the development of the Bridgnorth 5-A-side League, where he continues to serve as President. As a Shropshire FA Council Member and Life Member, Parker’s impact on football governance in the region has been profound and lasting.

Mike Hames: From Player to Football Leadership

Mike Hames’s football journey began in 1972 as a player for Midland Bank FC before moving to Midland Bank Rangers FC in the Ironbridge and later Telford Sunday Leagues. His profound impact on youth football in Shropshire is particularly noteworthy, with significant contributions to the Shropshire Schools Football Association and Shrewsbury Up & Comers, where he has held various roles including coach, manager, chair, and president. Since 1996, Hames has been an influential figure in the Shropshire Junior Football League, serving as Age Representative, Vice Chair, and Chair. His administrative talents have also benefited the Shropshire FA, where he continues to serve as Director and Vice Chair.

John Tranter: Stalwart of Sunday League Football

John Tranter’s football career began in 1970 with St Georges Social Club FC, where he was both player and secretary until 1994. His most significant contribution has been to the Telford Sunday League, where he has been active since 1990 in various capacities including Secretary, Chair, and now Life Member. Since 2004, Tranter has been a Council Member of the Shropshire FA, receiving recognition as an Honorary Member in 2017 for his ongoing service to football in the region.

Celebrating Grassroots Heroes

The ceremony provided an opportunity for the Shropshire football community to express gratitude to these individuals whose passion and dedication have helped shape the county’s football landscape over multiple generations. “These awards represent not just long service, but quality service,” said Shropshire FA CEO Andy Weston. “Each recipient has made a unique and valuable contribution to football in our county, and their legacy will continue to influence the game for years to come.”

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SJFL SPONSORING LOCAL CHARITIES SEASON 2024-2025 – Hope House Season’s 2024-2025  Shropshire Junior Football League’s Festival of Charity Cup Finals started with great success on Sunday 27th April at Shrewsbury Sports Village. Hope House Children’s Charity was the  sponsored charity for the event and once again this was marked by incredible generosity for local charities.  Through the generosity and support the league was very pleased to double the £500 pledge to  make a donation of £1000 to Hope House Children’s Charity and in some small way help them with the excellent work and care they provide. Thank you. Download a PDF of the finals programme here Read more at: www.shropshirejuniorleague.co.uk/category/charities

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Diane Murr presenting the Shield to SAHA Rapids winners of the U13 Consolation Charity Cup Final

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FA Foundation Grant for New 9v9 Goals at Shrewsbury Sport Village

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Left to right: Rob Fox (Sports Village): Felix O’Sinclair (Sports Village): David Rowe (President Shropshire FA): Jan Butler (Secretary SJFL): Mike Hames (Chairman SJFL).

The transition from 7v7 (mini-soccer rules) played on small pitches/goals to 9v9 (SCORY) is a big jump for U11 year olds.  Adjusting to the new football format and on larger pitches / goals can be overbearing to some young players.  Introduction to 9v9 football festivals will help bridge the gap to this format and encourage further festival events by the league/other clubs that will help grow the game at this level. Shrewsbury Sports Village has agreed to host the inaugural 9v9 event (and future festivals) which will promote grassroots football to the wider football community. This will be beneficial to the league and enabling further 9v9 finals/festivals across many seasons to come.

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Shropshire Junior Football League (SJFL) in partnership with Shrewsbury Sports Village (SSV) has centralised  the league’s ‘Festival of Finals’ to be hosted and played for at the Sports Village.  Previously the league had arrangements with senior football grounds in the county but wanted a more permanent base for the 18 finals that are played for each season.  With SSV already being the HQ of the league, as well has hosting the SJFL Futsal Festival each season during the winter break since it’s inauguration in 2009, it was a natural progression for both partners to centralise the Festival of Finals at SSV. Whilst SSV has excellent sports facilities but it was lacking in 9v9 goals and as such unable to host festivals of multi teams without the good services of other clubs  loaning 9v9 goals.  When the Sports Village opened in 2007 9v9 football was not played and not implemented by The FA until season 2014/2015. With only one set of 9v9 goals the Sports Village was unable to support any 9v9 finals or the 9v9 Introduction to Football events  without a permanent second set of 9v9 goals. Through the FA Foundation Grant scheme SJFL applied for a project grant for a new set of 9v9 goals and on the 11th May they were used for the first time for the four  U11 and U12s Charity Finals. An Introduction to 9v9 Football is also scheduled for July (which attracts upwards of 12 teams).

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David Rowe (President Shropshire FA) presenting the U11 Charity Cup to the winning captain of Up and Comers Harriers

Up and Comers Harriers celebrate winning the U11 Charity Cup inside the new 9v9 goals

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For the Festival of Finals Shropshire Junior Football League  sponsored the ‘Life of Riley’ charity and with the generous donations from spectators and a £500 pledge from the league a grand total of £1506 was raised for the charity… read more in the attached programme here 

Left to right: Jan Butler (Secretary SJFL): Jayson Evans (Life of Riley Charity): Mike Hames (chairman SJFL)

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SJFL SPONSORING LOCAL CHARITIES SEASON 2024-2025 – The Life of Riley The second event of the Shropshire Junior Football League (SJFL) Festival of Finals was held at Shrewsbury Sports Village  on Sunday 11th May 2025. With eight (8) Charity Cup/League  finals to be played for it was always going to be the busiest event in the league’s calendar  but a rewarding one as the festival was dedicated to the Life of Rile charity – in memory of Riley Evans who tragically lost his battle with cancer at the tender age of 12 years old. Download a PDF of the finals programme here Read more at: www.shropshirejuniorleague.co.uk/category/charities

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As with previous seasons Charity Cup Festival of Finals, SJFL and member clubs are always willing to support those worthy causes and todays finals was no exception. The generosity of supporters was beyond words as in addition to the league’s pledge of £500 and further donations made on the day a total of  £1506 was raised for the Life of Riley charity – exceptional!

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Jayson Evans (Life of Riley Charity) presenting the Player of The Final medal from the Oswestry Eagles team who were also the U16 League Cup winners over SAHA Storm

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Jayson Evans (Life of Riley Charity) presenting the U16 League Cup to the winning captain and team play

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Comedian and presenter Harry Hill opened a children’s therapy garden at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital. The Garden for Alice at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Gobowen, near Oswestry, was unveiled by the star earlier this month.

Hill, of You’ve Been Framed and TV Burp fame, was joined by the lord lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner JP,  RJAH chair Harry Turner and RJAH chief executive Stacey Keegan at a special event attended by staff, patients and key supporters.

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The opening of the Garden for Alice at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

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The garden is located outside the hospital’s Alice Ward, the dedicated children’s unit. It has been transformed into a safe, accessible and inclusive space for children and their families to enjoy throughout their time in hospital.

“We know how important the environment is to our patients’ recovery and wellbeing, and this garden will offer our young people and their families a peaceful place to relax, play and heal.

“My thanks go to the RJAH Charity, our generous funders and donors, and to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”

The project was made possible thanks to a dedicated fundraising appeal by the RJAH Charity, which launched in 2022 and raised more than £240,000. Work on the garden began in October 2024.

Harry Hill said: “I had a fantastic time cutting the ribbon for Garden for Alice. It’s great to see how the community have rallied their support with this project.

“I can already see the positive impact this space will have on children who are staying on the ward and their loved ones.”

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Pupils from Gobowen Primary School catching up with Harry Hill.

Harry Hill with youngsters Theo Huxley and Nicole Hodge.

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Initial concept designs were created by Olivia Copley, a student landscape architect, with final plans developed and delivered by Awscape Landscape Architects.

The garden features a range of therapeutic elements, including a bespoke garden room for all-year use, a rain-garden feature, a vegetable patch, woodland walk and rehabilitation zones.

There are also tranquil areas to observe nature and weatherproof spaces for outdoor games and learning.

Suzanne Marsden, Alice Ward and children’s outpatients manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see Garden for Alice officially open. This space has been designed with our patients in mind and will make such a difference to their hospital experience.”

Louise Hissey, also Alice Ward and children’s outpatients manager, said: “For many of the children we care for, RJAH becomes a home, school and place of play during their treatment. This garden will offer a much-needed escape, somewhere they can feel calm, happy and free.”

A poignant element of the garden is a newly planted apple tree, placed in memory of much-loved teacher Maggie Barnes. The tree was planted by her family as a lasting tribute.

Victoria Sugden, League of Friends to RJAH charity director, said: “This project would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of charitable trusts, community groups and individual supporters.

“Special thanks go to the Garfield Weston Foundation, Severn Trent Community Foundation, Charles Walker Charitable Trust, The Millichope Foundation, League of Friends, the Bloor Family, and the many local groups and associations who supported the appeal through fundraising activities and donations.

“This garden is the result of a true community effort – from the dedication of our volunteer designer to the generosity of grant funders, local businesses and families who all wanted to do something special for the children we care for.”

Harry Hill and Zack Simpson, who featured as the face of the original fundraising campaign for the project.

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SJFL 50 Awards

About the SJFL 50 Awards: As leagues grow and develop so does the demand for volunteers at club and league level to manage and facilitate the competition. We are here tonight to recognise those volunteers, clubs and people who make a real difference to grassroots football. Dedicating time and commitment on a voluntary basis for the benefit of so many to play and enjoy football at whatever level and formats of the game. “Ability is nothing without opportunity”. Mike Hames M.R. Hames Chairman. Shropshire Junior Football League www.shropshirejuniorleague.co.uk www.facebook.com/SJFLofficial/

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Shropshire Junior Football League Male Referee of the Year: Harrison Edgeley presented by SJFL Referees Appointments Officer, Simon Robinson

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Shropshire Junior Football League Club Secretary of the Year: Ben Yarnell, Meole Brace Juniors FC presented by SJFL Secretary, Jan Butler

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Shropshire Junior Football League Tom Farmer Volunteer of the Year Awards: Chris Teckoe presented by SJFL Chairman, Mike Hames

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You can view and download materials from the night below: • Programme • Poster • Poster