SHROPSHIRE SCHOOLS & COLLEGES FA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – MINUTES
DATE: Monday 8th July 2024
VENUE: Shrewsbury School
Present: Mark Hignett, Steve Wilderspin, George Hounsell, Cameron Hignett, Becky Reid, Sam Holmes
- Chairman’s welcome
Association Chair, Mark Hignett, welcomed all present to the 2024 AGM and thanked all for their attendance along with Steve Wilderspin and Shrewsbury School for hosting. Mark confirmed that after his eight years as association Chair (following nine years as Vice-Chair) a successor had been secured for season 2024-25. Despite this, Mark confirmed his continued commitment to the association and a willingness to support in any way he can going forward.
Once again, season highlights included the successful secondary school finals for which Mark was particularly thankful to Steve Wilderspin and Shrewsbury School and to Thomas Telford School for hosting the majority of our finals. Huge thanks must also go to Steve Wilderspin, Maelor Owen and Cameron Hignett for the running and administration of the competitions throughout the season.
Our Alan Jones Primary Schools’ Finals Day returned to Croud Meadow (home of Shrewsbury Town FC) this year and yet again proved to be a superb day of nine finals played in great spirit. For the first time ever, the day had a title sponsor and we are indebted to Gavin Cowan and The Crossbar Group for their generous support of schools’ football in Shropshire. Particular thanks must also go to Lee James, George Hounsell and Cameron Hignett for the success of this season’s Primary competitions and for the finals day itself.
The new website was launched and although some snags were experienced, Cameron Hignett has worked closely with the developer to overcome them and this platform will be essential to the smooth and efficient operation of our association (particularly secondary competitions) going forward. Thank you to everyone for their patience whilst we worked through the glitches.
Challenges have continued to be similar to recent years in terms of decreased funding and volunteers but we are delighted to have secured some new support for 2024-25.
Mark wished to place on record the support received from Steve Wilderspin (Vice Chair), Cameron Hignett (Administrator), Lee James (Primary Competitions Coordinator), George Hounsell (Assistant Primary Competitions Coordinator), Mike Thomas (Inter-County Secretary) and all the representative team managers. He also expressed thanks to Sean Gorman (Treasurer), Jan Butler (Child Welfare Officer) and our Primary Competition sponsors; Kidz-in-Focus, Crossbar Group and Shropshire Trophy and Bowling Centre.
Mark also wished to place on record his sincere thanks and appreciation, both personally and on behalf of SSCFA, to Steve Wilderspin for his dedicated and long-standing services to SSCFA in the role of Vice Chair.
Mark Hignett
Chairman, 2023/24 Season
- Apologies
Sam Peate, Mary Logan, Lee James, Jan Butler
- Items for AOB
- Minutes of last meeting
Matters Arising: None
- Primary Schools Competition Report
We had the below number of teams enter this season:
Telford – 49
Shrewsbury – 69
North Shropshire – 61
South/East – 3
Telford area numbers are affected by having no schools in the small school’s competitions and village school’s competitions.
The finals held at Shrewsbury Town FC (Croud Meadow Stadium) on Sunday 5th May were a great success and many commented on how much they enjoyed the day. Mark has the figures on how much profit we made for SSCFA, but I’m sure we more than covered our costs for the year from these finals.
We had finalists on the day from:
Telford – 5
Shrewsbury – 8
North Shropshire – 5
South/East – 0
With the winners coming from:
Telford – 5
Shrewsbury – 2
North Shropshire – 2
- Secondary Schools Competitions
SSCFA running 16 countywide Knockout competitions plus three League competitions (two leagues for boys and one for girls) (Submit scores by end of Thursday, Home team responsible) (Email Thursday Morning)
36 schools/colleges entered
| Competition | Winner |
| U12 Boys County Cup | Thomas Telford |
| U13 Boys County Cup | Meole Brace |
| U14 Boys County Cup | Thomas Telford |
| U15 Boys County Cup | Marches |
| U16 Boys County Cup | William Brookes |
| U18 Boys County Cup | Final in September |
| U19 League 1 U19 League 2 |
TBC |
| U12 Boys Presidents | Thomas Adams |
| U13 Boys Presidents | Thomas Adams |
| U14 Boys Presidents | HLC |
| U15 Boys Presidents | Priory |
| U16 Boys Presidents | Comp Void |
| U12 Girls County Cup | Priory |
| U13 Girls County Cup | Thomas Telford |
| U14 Girls County Cup | Thomas Telford |
| U15 Girls County Cup | Thomas Telford |
| U16 Girls County Cup | Thomas Telford |
Reflections/Recommendations
- Inter County Competitions Reports
U14 Girls report:
No Report Received
U14 Boys report:
Under 14 Boys Season Report
Managers: Jack Dainty, Mike Jones
After an intense trial period, spanning over 2 evenings, between us all we managed to whittle down the squad to 18.
National Cup Review – Knocked out in QF
The National Cup got underway with our first game together as we hosted Gloucestershire at Lilleshall. Not really knowing what to expect from this, we put out a team with a bit of guessing going about and to basically hope for the best and to hopefully find something that we could build on. We managed to see of Gloucestershire 6-1 with Reuben Ashton (Oswestry School) scoring 4.
Our journey continued onto Caerphilly away on a wet and windy Thursday evening just before Christmas. Just the 3 and a half hour journey to Wales was on the cards, and to arrive 45 minutes before kick-off wasn’t the best preparation for the lads, but they made it worth the journey. In the opening minute, we went 1-0 up through Archie Williams (Bridgnorth Endowed). Straight from kick off the home side made it 1-1, and this sums up the game perfectly. It ebbed and flowed constantly with neither defence really coming out with much credit. With 5 minutes to go, we were 5-3 up and cruising into the QF. This really was the game that kept on giving, for a neutral anyway. 5-5 full time, extra time awaited. Extra time started in the same fashion with us flying out and scoring 2 goals before half time in extra time. Caerphilly started to pile on the pressure pulling one back to make it 7-6. Referee indicated 4 minutes of added time. Just into this we lost Archie to a bizarre red card, backs against the wall time. Free kick Caerphilly from around 30 yards, the 10 scores an absolute screamer to make it 7-7 and bedlam breaks lose in the Caerphilly dugout and with their fans. As the bench are preparing for penalties, we break with Will Mort (Meole Brace) down the right-hand side, he plays the perfect ball through to Reuben Ashton who heads home to make it 8-7 and to score his second hat-trick in successive national cup games. The Shropshire bench sprinted down the touchline with Jack Dainty (Manager) pulling out his best Jose Mourinho, along with Mike Jones and Cameron Hignett.
The National Cup train pulled up to the next station away to Merseyside. After a venue change 3 hours before kick-off, we pulled into Vauxhall Motors FC. With the game scheduled for a 7:45pm kick off, we rang up and asked for that to be delayed due to a crash on the motorway on the way up to Merseyside, this was declined. We knew the task in hand as Merseyside have always been one of the best sides around. We started off the game well having the best of the chances in the first 20 minutes or so with Archie coming closest. Merseyside started to dominate and scored with their first real chance of the game, and we just went into complete turmoil conceding another 3 before half time. 4-0 down at half time left us with a real mountain to climb. We made 4 changes at half time to see if we could either turn the tie around, or to just keep the score respectable. Merseyside really showed their class in the second half not giving us a kick, and you could really tell that their squad was stacked full of lads at professional clubs. Final score 7-0 and our National Cup journey come to an end. Merseyside have gone onto win the Nationals this season too, so no disgrace being knocked out to the eventual winners.
Midland Counties Review
The Midland Counties League eventually got going after games postponed due to the weather. First test being against West Midlands where we were way off it and deservedly got beat 6-1. This was a wake-up call for the lads after a dominant first game together in the National Cup previously.
We then moved onto face Staffordshire at home, where this was a good game between two competitive sides. We went into the break 1-0 up through Hugo Aiston with a great finish into the bottom corner. Staffordshire then made it 1-1 with an equally good finish before Will Mort won and converted a penalty to complete a 2-1 victory.
Our next league game came away to West Midlands who we previously got beaten by. In what seems to be a season of late goals, there was yet another one here, but this one didn’t go our way. We set up in a back 5 to stop their better players who were wingers, and we very nearly pulled off the perfect game plan. 1-0 up through Hugo, and we didn’t really look like conceding. All we had to do was clear a corner (according to the linesman) and it was game over. Will Stokes (Idsall) came out with a great punch, the referee with his whistle to his mouth went to blow but waited for West Mids to carry on playing in which they scored from with a well took finish from the midfielder. Management staff far from happy, but in total a better performance against a team that had previously beaten us 6-1.
The next test for the lads was a trip to Stafford Town to face Staffordshire. Another goal fest, and another late goal, again not our way. This was a totally different game than when we had previously played them at Lilleshall. 3-0 down at half time after one of the worst performances all season left us with a huge task in the second half. We flew out the blocks scoring 2 in quick succession to get us right back in the game. With about 10 minutes to go, we again scored 2 goals in around 2 minutes putting us 4-3 up. Again, the late goal arrived from Staffs with a break away in where we committed to many players forward for an attack late on, lesson learnt for the lads in game management. 4-4 full time.
With 2 games left, both against Warwickshire, it was our title to lose. We travelled over to a very wet Southam, and again, it was another late goal that won it for us. 1-0m down through an early penalty from the home side before we levelled up just before half time. After a dull second half, the referee indicated 3 minutes of added time, in which it was either stick or twist for us. Do we take a point knowing we have to win at home to clinch the title or push on for the winner to know we only need a point at home. Jack told the lads to stick with what we had, take the point a run. Oli Edwards (Charlton) had other ideas when Will Mort again pulled out an incredible cross for Oli to put his head in where it hurts and clinch a last-minute winner. You guessed it, the Jose Mourinho celebration was back out from the gaffer. 1 point needed from our last game.
Lilleshall was the setting for the final game of the season knowing we only needed a point, but Warwickshire needed all 3 to win the league in the winner takes all clash. What a time to possibly pull out one of the poorest performances of the entire season. Passes off the mark, defending as a group was way off it. We eventually went down 2-0 to the eventual winners Warwickshire.
All in all, it has been a great first season with the lads, and a big thank you to the players, parents and to Mike Jones, Cam Hignett, and Mike Thomas for their help over the season.
Top Goalscorer – Reuben Ashton (Oswestry)
Managers Player – Leo Ravai (TTS)
U15 Boys report:
This seasons result for the U15 have been as follows:
Shropshire 4-1 Staffordshire
West Midlands 1-0 Shropshire
Staffordshire 5-2 Shropshire
Shropshire 2-0 West Midlands
Friendly vs TNS – 3-3
A mixed season although still a very enjoyable one at that. Played some excellent football against Staffs in the first game and thoroughly deserved the win. We were very unlucky against West Midlands as we hit the woodwork 4 times and even their management said we deserved something out of the game. Unfortunately we lost away at Staffordshire in a game where we had 6 players pull out on the day of the game and then finally beat West Mids in our last game 2-0 although the league was already decided by then.
This season we ended up using 25 players which shows how much we struggled to get a consistent squad but it has given others an opportunity to excel. We look forward to another fantastic season and as an addition one of our players from last season Louie Bradbury has been banging in the goals for Manchester United U16’s (a year above where he should be playing).
U16 Boys report:
No Report Received
U16 Girls Report:
A tough season for the girls who were competitive in all their games but kept missing out by the odd goal. A couple of good friendly wins against TNS U19s (1-0) & (3-1), but unfortunately failed to win a league game, drawing 1 and losing 5. We also fell short in the national cup losing 2-1 to West Midlands.
The girls showed fantastic attitude and efforts all season and were a pleasure to coach.
Results:
TNS 1-0 (Skye)
West Mids (A) 1-2 (Maisie)
Lincolnshire (H) 2-2 (Emily, Skye)
Derbyshire (H) 2-3 (Lacie, Maisie)
West Mids (H) 0-1
Worcestershire (A) 2-4 (Eva, Sienna)
TNS (H) 3-1 (Sienna, Isla, Skye)
Staffs (A) 1-4 (Kia)
Warwickshire (H) 0-3
- District Schools Reports
North Shropshire
No report received.
Shrewsbury
No report received.
Telford & Wrekin
TWSCFA
Thanks to AFC Telford United as once again TWSCFA has been able to play all the Boys and Girls Finals at The New Bucks Head in the first two weeks of May.
The second week was arranged thanks to the co-operation and good will of The Shropshire F.A. who had agreed that a game be played before one of their Senior Cup Finals each night.
Thanks also to Steve Crowson for organizing the main Boys competition and the Boys Plate.
Similarly, our thanks to Dan Thomas and Megan Robson for running the Girls competition.
The Primary competition was once again a great success and thanks go to Frankie Williams for organizing the event and Richard Thorpe, Head teacher at Grange Park, and well as Lee James for their hard work in Organizing the Finals.
Fortunately, the Association was able to pay for the Officials thanks to a donation from two parents of students at Southall which helped with the Malcolm Webster Invitation game and also toward some of the Primary Finals.
ACOTA based in Oswestry sponsored the officials for the Boys finals and the Girls Finals were sponsored by Endpoint Automation Services.
Appreciation and thanks to Richard Butler for organizing the officials for the matches especially because of the timings of some of the games.
Huge thanks, also, to Sir Kevin Satchwell and the staff at Thomas Telford for arranging and helping with officials for the Plate Finals.
Not all winners are listed due to a computer issue with the TWDSFA Secretary.
Cup Plate
Year 7 Boys Ercall Wood Year 7 Boys
Year 8 Boys Year 8 Boys
Year 9 Boys Thomas Telford B Year 8 Boys
Year 10 Boys Year 10 Boys
Year 11 Boys Year 11 Boys
Year 7 Girls Ercall Wood
Year 8 Girls
Year 9 Girls Burton Borough
Year 10/11 Girls Madeley Academy
No representative teams.
Sadly, Vic Maher is stepping down as Chair and Secretary of TWSCFA because of family and other commitments. I have also found it necessary to step down as Treasurer of TWSCFA, again because of increasing family commitments.
South Shropshire
No report received.
- ESFA
It has been another busy and successful season for the ESFA and I have continued to serve as one of the elected council members for the Midlands. For the 2023-24 season I served on three sub-committees; Representative Football, Governance and the newly formed International Committee.
In addition, it was the turn of the ESFA (each home nation takes a turn) to nominate a Vice-Chair for SAFIB (Schools’ Association Football International Board) and I was nominated by my ESFA Council colleagues to assume this prestigious role. I am due to become the SAFIB Chair for 2024-25 at the September AGM in Glasgow.
The ESFA AGM Part 1 took place online on Saturday 6th July 2024. The association Chair for next season will be my Midlands Council colleague Nick Loftus. The Vice Chair will be Tony James who is a Northern Council Member. Mike Coyne (South West) will continue as Chair of Trustees and Andrea Chiltern as the CEO.
We currently have two vacancies for Council Members to represent the Midland’s. If you are interested please let me know.
Congratulations go to…
Shrewsbury School:
U18 Arnold Clark Schools’ Cup national champions.
Thomas Telford School:
U12 PlayStation Elite Schools’ Cup national champions.
U13 PlayStation Elite Schools’ Cup national champions.
U12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup national champions.
U13 PlayStation Schools’ Cup national champions.
Congratulations also go to the following SSCFA representatives who were selected for the ESFA U18 Schoolboy squad who competed in the Centenary Shield, securing a joint second place finish:
Macara McNulty-Hartnett (Madeley Academy)
Archie Elsdon (Thomas Telford)
Kai Adams (Thomas Telford)
The first ESFA Reward and Recognition Awards event was held at The Molyneux Stadium (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC) in June and it was fantastic to see the work and dedication of Lee James (Grange Park Primary School, TWSCFA and SSCFA Primary Competition Coordinator) nominated for the ‘Special Recognition Award.’ Lee was one of just four individuals shortlisted for this recognition which is a fantastic and much deserved achievement.
A monthly summary of ESFA activity can be viewed via a link on our SSCFA website to the ESFA website where ‘Membership Matters’ is published. https://schoolsfootball.org/for-associations/membership-matters/
Mark Hignett
ESFA Chair and Council Member (Midlands)
SAFIB Vice-Chair
- Treasurer’s Report
Attached.
- Appointment of Council
The following are vacancies to be appointed to:
Chair; George Hounsell (nominated by Mark Hignett, seconded by Steve Wilderspin)
Vice Chair; Sam Holmes (nominated by George Hounsell, seconded by Mark Hignett)
Secretary; Becky Reid (nominated by George Hounsell, seconded by Mark Hignett)
President; Mark Hignett (nominated by George Hounsell, seconded by Steve Wilderspin)
Primary Competitions Coordinator; Cameron Hignett, (nominated by George Hounsell, seconded by Steve Wilderspin)
The following are recommended to continue in their existing roles, are nominated on-mass by Mark Hignett and seconded by George Hounsell:
Administrator; Cameron Hignett
Treasurer; Sean Gorman
Secondary Competitions Coordinator; Maelor Owen
Post-16 Competitions Coordinator; Steve Wilderspin
Disability Football Officer; VACANCY
Child Welfare Officer; Jan Butler
Development Officer; Mark Hignett
Representative Football Coordinator; Mike Thomas
District Schools’ Football Associations Representatives:
T&W TBC
Shrewsbury TBC
North Shropshire TBC
South & East TBC
- Election of Executive Committee
The following, by virtue of the positions they have been elected to, are accepted to form the Executive Committee of Shropshire Schools’ & Colleges Football Associations:
President: Mark Hignett
Chair: George Hounsell
Vice Chair: Sam Holmes
Secretary: Becky Reid
Treasurer: Sean Gorman
Development Officer: Mark Hignett
- Election of Team Managers
U14 Boys Mike Thomas, Charlie Torr, Ryan Hickman
U14 Girls Chris Marsden, Phil Cooper
U15 Boys Jack Dainty, Mike Jones, Liam Cashion
U16 Boys Will Smithson, Dan Cohen, James Astley
U16 Girls. Sam Peate, Mary Logan, Charlie Bailey, Liam Cashion
Proposed by Mark Hignett, seconded by George Hounsell
- Date of next meeting
TBC
- AOB
