Coaches Portal

Match fixtures are managed by the respective league that teams are registered with. Generally, forthcoming fixtures are planned a number of weeks ahead by the leagues’ fixtures secretary, the length of time varies dependent upon stage of the season, number of games to be played, progress of any Cup competitions, holidays etc. If a fixture is not forecasted by the Tuesday morning of the week prior then the Lead Coach can take it that no fixture is planned. It is always advised that Lead Coaches check with the Club Secretary.

For Telford Youth and Junior Football League (“TYJFL”), all home games are played at Broadoaks Playing Fields, Donnington unless previously agreed otherwise the Club Secretary. Midlands Junior Premier League (“MJPL”) and Salop Leisure home games are played at the NC Club Pavillion, Tolkien Way, Wellington.

Most TYJFL matches are played Sunday mornings (10am – 12:30pm) and this is accepted as the general rule. however, there are times and circumstances when this is not possible. Any changes to fixture times will be published on the Matchday App. Lead Coaches should also be notified via email using the address at the time of team registration. 

TYJFL – All Coaches are responsible for ensuring they hold an up to date squad list that could be requested to evidence to both the opposition Manager / Lead Coach as well as match official. County Cup fixtures require a printed, hard-copy sheet to be exchanged prior to kick-off. The appropriate templates for County Cup fixtures will be issued by Shropshire FA.

Squad lists for league fixtures can be downloaded from the FA Club Portal https://clubs.thefa.com/ (see below). Login credentials are the same as used on the Whole Game System and EFA services.

MJPL – Squad selection inc. starters and substitutions as well as Coaching Staff present should be sent to the opposition Manager / Lead Coach and match official at least 24 hrs prior to kick off. Templates are provided by League Officials.

The process of understanding player availability for match day, communicating with parent groups, pre and post match activity etc has become easier via the use of the FA Matchday App. All Coaches should familiarise themselves with the application and general use. As a Club we encourage use of the app so please ensure your parent groups are familiar with the general use. Note: As a Coach you can mark players availability yourself if some parents find it too challenging. The link below provides some really helpful guidelines.

If playing a home match, it is the responsibility of the Lead Coach to organise the following;

• Pitch inspection (Subject to weather conditions)
• Matchday equipment (Small-sided goals, Nets, Respect Barrier, Corner Flags etc)
• Confirmation of fixture with match official
• Confirm fixture details with opposition Coach (By Wednesday prior to the fixture)
• Update and confirm player line up via Matchday App (Competitive age groups)
• Provide match brief and team sheet (MJPL only)
• Request match official fees from Club Treasurer

Costs (Telford Junior League)

For the 2023/24 season costs for match officials is as follows:

• Ages 13 and below: £20
• Age 14: £25
• Ages 15 & 16: £30

Costs (MJPL)

• Small-Sided: £35
• 11 a-side: £40

Match official fees will be deducted from team slush funds. Telford Junior League County Cup fixtures can also include travel costs for match officials charged at a certain rate per mile. These will need to be agree with the match official in advance.

A team captain is to be designated and wear a captain’s armband. It is generally recommended at u11 and below a team captain is shared around the team and all players enjoy at least one game as team captain.

Subject to weather conditions and specific circumstances, pitches should be inspected at least 1 hour before expected away team arrival. FA rules dictate that only the match official can make a decision to postpone a match due to pitch conditions, however, at Junior Football level (u15s and below) it is generally accepted that it can be the home team coaches decision, this is not an official rule or league recommendation. In any event, communication between the two team Coaches and the match official usually brings an amicable solution.

Some suggestive evaluation criteria for match postponement.

• Firmness of playing surface (Grass only)
• Water saturation
• Pitch markings
• Goal serviceability and safety
• Access and egress to the pitch

Match officials could impose a charge for travel if they turn up for the fixture where the pitch and playing surface is clearly unsuitable.

Where a match is postponed, the Coach must inform the Club Secretary immediately detailing opponents, kick off time, reasons for postponement. Notice of postponement of any match due to exceptional circumstances, that is anything other than weather related or conditions of the playing surface must be given in writing and endorsed by the Club Secretary.