Shelfield United Football Club, established in 2004 and Charter Standard since 2010, have been chosen above 530 other county clubs and announced as Staffordshire FA's Charter Standard Grassroots Club Of The Year for 2020. 

During the presentation, Mr. Clyde Redfern and Danny Hickinbottom of Staffordshire FA explained how the club’s efforts on and off the pitch had influenced their decisions, and further applauded Shelfield United FC for their tireless work within the community.

"Normally this award goes to large clubs with dozens of teams," explained Mr. Redfern, who as a Walsall resident was as equally excited and amazed by the club’s achievements, and further wished Shelfield United FC the best of luck when challenging for the national award.

Leigh Tricklebank, Chairman since 2016, was overwhelmed with the accolade, stating that "this is a result of great efforts from the club’s Committee, Volunteers, Members and Players, and wonderful reward for our exertions when setting high targets, both in player and coach development and the club’s ambitions and standing within the community.”

In season 2020-21 the club will accommodate boys teams from U7s through to U16s, two girls teams and an +35s veterans team, resulting in nearly 200 players representing this 100% volunteer operated club in local leagues. 

Barry Lee of Lichfield & District Recreational League added: “What a fantastic turnaround in such a short time. We all at LDRL think you have all done a fantastic job and are willing to support your football club.”

The club have for the last four years diligently saved the pennies, whilst still providing the best kit, equipment and facilities to the players and members at a cost of circa £30,000 per annum. This prudent fiscal strategy, managed by the club’s Treasurer Pete Grice, has facilitated a much-needed £10,000 spend on new storage, which on completion (November 2020) will satisfy the club’s 2020 SMART Objectives, and certainly enhance the experience of all members and visitors on matchday.

As seen on the club’s website (www.shelfieldunitedfc.com) there is much more to this club than meets the eye, and the efforts to support local charities is astounding. The club also raise funds in memory of Cil Spencer who sadly passed away in August 2019 whilst coaching at Shelfield United Football Club.

Pete Grice said: “We decided before this wonderful award to provide Covid-19-Concious Presentation events for the players and coaches, where funds raised would be presented to the Cil Spencer Family. These annual events are most enjoyable and valuable to the children, but this year allows the club to remember, acknowledge and raise funds in memory of Cil.”

The club’s longest servant, Vice Chairman Carl Thompson, spoke of his surprise at the award, and remembers the achievements over the last ten years. “What we have achieved is amazing and testament to the brilliant efforts of so many, so on behalf of the near 1,000 current and past players that have represented the club - I thank you!”

A final word for the club’s fantastic shirt initiative, where a joint venture sold over 500 NHS shirts to players, parents and supporters, raising £100s for The NHS.

Staffordshire FA would like to once again congratulate Shelfield United Football Club, and all of our other 2020 award winners, on their fantastic achievements. 

For further updates on Staffordshire FA’s 2020 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards, please like Staffordshire Football Association on Facebook and follow @StaffordshireFA on Twitter.