League is ready to build on success of tough first year

This weekend sees Steam Wagon United take on Dawley Town in the semi-final of the Champions League competition, with fans in attendance, while there will be two clashes in the quarter-final of the Division One Cup.

But as a testing first season draws to a close for the countywide feeder league, officials are not only reflecting on a job well done but also looking forward to welcoming a host of new sides and a new youth division for 2021/22.

Next term’s Premier Division will feature 14 sides while Division One will rise from six to possibly 16. And added to that, the league will turn its attentions to youth football following the demise of the Shropshire Minor League.

“Things are looking really strong for next season,” said league secretary Zoe Griffiths. “The pandemic and the stop start nature of things due to the lockdowns did make it a tough first season, but we are delighted with how things have gone. We would like to thank our sponsors Salop Leisure for all their support and it’s great to be able to say that the league’s future is looking bright.

“As Division One winners, Prees will be playing in the Premier Division next season while Morda United have also applied to be promoted as well as they are entering a reserve side in Division One. That will take the number in that division up to 14.

“And there is a lot of interest from sides wishing to join Division One next season.

“We only had six clubs this season and it must have been difficult for those clubs having to play each other over and over again. But it was essential that we ran that division because we were confident that there would be more interest going forward and that is the case.

“We could have 16 clubs in that division next season, which is great news. We could be looking at 30 or more senior teams for next season and as a league we are over the moon.

“I think the lockdowns and the fact the action was interrupted has given clubs, players and managers a real thirst for wanting to get back out playing competitive football.

“We will also be introducing a youth league with Sunday afternoon kick-off times. The Shropshire Minor League has folded and we have taken that on.

“There are 18 teams currently playing in the Minor League but we are hopeful of expanding that and expression of interest letters have been sent out to all youth teams in Shropshire.”

One slight downside for the league is the fact that there will be just one Champions League semi-final taking place at Allscott Heath on Saturday (2pm).

Shrewsbury Juniors and Ludlow were also due to go head-to-head but Ludlow have withdrawn due to availability problems.

“Ludlow can’t raise a side and while it’s disappointing there is nothing we can do,” added Griffiths. “We looked at rearranging the game but unfortunately we weren’t able to do that.

“So we will have just the one semi-final with Shrewsbury Juniors awaiting the winners. And it will be great to have fans attending both Saturday’s game and the final.”

The final will take place at AFC Telford United’s New Bucks Head on May 29.

This weekend’s Division One Cup quarter-finals see Dawley Town Reserves take on Prees United, while Brown Clee host Ludlow Town Colts Reserves.

Bishops Castle Town and Allscott AFC are already through to the last four.