Fixtures
Fixtures are managed by the respective leagues with which NC United FC teams are registered.
League fixture secretaries generally schedule matches several weeks in advance, though the exact timeframe may vary depending on the stage of the season, number of remaining fixtures, cup progress, and holidays.
If a fixture has not been published by Tuesday morning of the preceding week, the Lead Coach should assume that no fixture is scheduled. However, it is always advisable to confirm with the Club Secretary.
- TYJFL (Telford Youth & Junior Football League): All home fixtures are played at Broadoaks Playing Fields, Donnington, unless otherwise agreed with the Club Secretary.
- MJPL (Midlands Junior Premier League) and Salop Leisure League: Home fixtures are played at the NC United Pavilion, Tolkien Way, Wellington.
Most TYJFL matches are played on Sunday mornings between 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM, although there may be occasional variations. Any fixture changes will be updated on the FA Matchday App, and Lead Coaches will also receive notification via the registered team email.
Pre-Match Communication Responsibilities
To ensure smooth coordination, all coaches should complete the following by Wednesday prior to matchday:
- Confirm fixture details with the opposition coach and match official.
- Confirm venue address, kick-off time, and kit colours.
- Check for kit clashes (away team changes if required).
- Share meeting point and time with parents via the FA Matchday App.
- Ensure both the opposition and referee have a lead contact number in case of late changes.
Team Sheet / Squad List
TYJFL
All Coaches must maintain an up-to-date squad list, which may be requested by the opposition manager or match official.
For County Cup fixtures, a printed hard copy must be exchanged prior to kick-off. Templates are provided by Shropshire FA.
Squad lists for league fixtures can be downloaded from the FA Club Portal at https://clubs.thefa.com/ using the same login details as the Whole Game System.
MJPL
For MJPL fixtures, full squad details (including starting XI, substitutes, and coaching staff) must be shared with both the opposition and the match official at least 24 hours before kick-off.
League templates must be used for consistency and compliance.
Using the Matchday App
TYJFL
All Coaches must maintain an up-to-date squad list, which may be requested by the opposition manager or match official.
For County Cup fixtures, a printed hard copy must be exchanged prior to kick-off. Templates are provided by Shropshire FA.
Squad lists for league fixtures can be downloaded from the FA Club Portal at https://clubs.thefa.com/ using the same login details as the Whole Game System.
MJPL
For MJPL fixtures, full squad details (including starting XI, substitutes, and coaching staff) must be shared with both the opposition and the match official at least 24 hours before kick-off.
League templates must be used for consistency and compliance.
Home Matches
When hosting a home fixture, the Lead Coach is responsible for organising and confirming the following:
- Pitch inspection (considering weather conditions).
- Matchday equipment (goals, nets, respect barrier, corner flags, etc.).
- Confirmation of fixture with match official.
- Confirmation of fixture details with opposition coach (by Wednesday).
- Player line-up updated and confirmed via Matchday App (competitive age groups).
- Match brief and team sheet prepared (MJPL only).
- Request match official fee from Club Treasurer.
Telford Junior League (2023/24 season)
- Ages 13 and below: £20
- Age 14: £25
- Ages 15–16: £30
MJPL
- Small-sided matches: £35
- 11-a-side matches: £40
Match official fees are deducted from team slush funds.
County Cup fixtures may also include travel costs for match officials, which should be agreed in advance.
Team Captain
Each team must designate a captain who should wear a captain’s armband.
For Under-11s and below, it is recommended that captaincy is rotated so all players experience the role at least once during the season.
Pitch Inspections
Pitches should be inspected at least one hour before the away team’s arrival.
FA rules dictate that only the match official can postpone a match due to pitch conditions; however, at junior level (U15 and below) it is generally accepted that the home coach may
make the call if necessary.
In all cases, the home and away coaches should liaise with the referee to reach a fair decision.
Suggested pitch evaluation criteria:
- Firmness of the playing surface (grass pitches).
- Water saturation and drainage.
- Visibility of pitch markings.
- Goal safety and condition.
- Safe access to and from the pitch.
Match officials may charge travel fees if they attend and the pitch is clearly unplayable. Inspect early and communicate promptly.
Match Postponement
If a match is postponed, the Coach must notify the Club Secretary immediately, providing:
- Opposition name.
- Reason for postponement.
For any non-weather-related postponements, a written notice must be submitted and endorsed by the Club Secretary before the league is informed.
Safeguarding & Welfare
Every fixture must have at least one DBS-checked and coach with a valid Safeguarding and First Aid certificate present for the full duration of the match.
Any injuries, accidents, or safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Club Welfare Officer within 24 hours.
A fully stocked first aid kit must be present at all matches and training sessions.
Post-Match Responsibilities
After the match, coaches should:
- Thank the opposition and match official.
- Pack away all equipment and leave the pitch tidy.
- Record the score and discipline details via the FA Matchday App or FA Fulltime immediately.
- Report injuries or incidents to the Club Secretary and/or Welfare Officer.
- Submit MJPL match reports as required by league rules.
Communication & Escalation
For support or queries, please contact:
- Fixtures / Pitch issues: Club Secretary
- Player registrations: Club Secretary
- Safeguarding: Club Welfare Officer
- Finance: Club Treasurer
- General or operational issues: Age Group Coordinator / Committee Member.