A message from grassroots coach Darren..... Parents, please understand why some of us do this. I stepped up alongside two other parents, and suddenly we were responsible for 14 children.
Later, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to reduce the squad to 12. I still carry the guilt of knowing some children couldn’t stay with us.
That’s a side of coaching people rarely see. The difficult decisions, the responsibility and how much we care.
You see us on the touchline on a Saturday. You don’t see the evenings planning training, sorting fixtures, answering messages, checking availability and trying to work out how to help every child.
I have four children of my own and a busy job that takes me around the country. Like so many volunteer coaches, I’m fitting football around a family, work and everything else life throws at us.
We do it because we want your children to have opportunities, build confidence, make friends and enjoy playing football.
We don’t get paid. We don’t get everything right. Sometimes we make mistakes. But we turn up every week and try our hardest.
Some parents are brilliant. Your support, understanding and offers to help mean more than you probably realise.
Before criticising a coach, please remember there’s a person behind that team. Someone with their own family, pressures and worries, giving their time because they care.
To every volunteer coach: what you do matters.
Respect the coaches. Support the team. Put the children first. ⚽
#GrassrootsFootball #TeamGrassroots #Respect
Professional Group Referee James Bell has agreed to step in for Darren. It’s exciting we have been able to attract two exceeding good guests. James vast experience as Referee, Assistant Referee and VAR will make an interesting evening.
Darren has been appoint VAR to a UEFA in Belgium on Thursday, he has promised to join us as soon as he can in the future. We wish Darren the all the best with his EUFA appointment
Team talk goes beyond match day.
A good convo isn't a big sit-down chat, it's the two minutes in the car, the walk to the pitch, the tidy-up after training.
Let's all Keep up the Convo
https://t.co/VpbfvSMPGZ
#AD Early CPR & defibrillation can more than double survival chances. ❤️
Sky Bet are providing funding for 400 community defibrillators in areas which need them most. 📍
Apply for a community defibrillator 👉https://t.co/SH4eO9N2Ps
#EveryMinuteMatters
Calling ALL grassroots clubs, this is a brilliant opportunity. 1000 teams to receive a free set of Footballs, Bibs, and a Bag to carry them.
This is a brilliant opportunity!! Application link in the COMMENTS below.
⏳ Last chance to book!
Our In Possession Masterclass is almost here.
Join us to explore how players can be more effective in possession and make better decisions on the ball.
Book your free place ⤵️
https://t.co/3OibRo7eaF
The message remains the same.
If you see a referee in North Riding wearing a yellow armband, this indicates that the referee is under 18.
It means they're a child and still learning the game, so please ensure you support them.
Want to support more female coaches at your club? 🙋♀️
The Barclays Female Coaches for Girls Fund is offering grants of up to £200 per coach to help women gain an Introduction to Coaching qualification, with funding available for up to two coaches per club.
⏰ Apply by 4 November 2026.
Find out more 👇
https://t.co/0VtooLdhwW
Help make grassroots football a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone 🤝
Live it. Embrace it. Download the Grassroots Code: https://t.co/yrZfnYqNyN
Please send your love and best wishes to Callum and Isabelle, brother and sister who both got injured last week on the eve of the new season. Wishing you both a speedy recovery.
#grassrootsfootballisback
GOOD MORNING & WELCOME TO THE GRASSROOTS WEEKEND! ⚽❤️
The pitches are ready. The boots are on. The memories are waiting to be made.
📸 Send us your photos
🎥 Send us your videos
📣 Send us your shoutouts
Whatever happens, enjoy every minute.
Have a brilliant grassroots weekend! ⚽
#grassrootsisback
🎯 What does effective possession look like in your sessions?
Join our In Possession Masterclass and explore how to create practices that help players make better decisions and maximise their impact on the ball.
📅 Tuesday 15 September
🕕 6.15pm–7.45pm
📍 Charnock Ridgeway, Sheffield, S12 3HR
Book your free place ⤵️
https://t.co/2YyjyXjNGq
This season, if you see a referee wearing a yellow armband, they are a child.
A young person brave enough to pick up a whistle, walk into the middle of a football pitch and make decisions in front of players, coaches and parents.
They won't get every decision right.
Neither will the players.
Neither will the coaches.
Neither will you.
So when you see that yellow armband:
Be patient.
Encourage them.
Protect them.
Let them learn.
Because that 15-year-old you support this weekend could become a referee for the next 30 years.
The one who gets shouted at, abused or humiliated?
They might put the whistle down on Sunday and never pick it up again.
Please share this message.
And this weekend, if you see the yellow armband, remember the child wearing it. 💛⚽
🎵 Que sera, sera... we're going to Wembley! 🎵
We're delighted to announce that Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA has been shortlisted for the Referee Development Award at the County FA Recognition Awards 2026.
Our Match Official Academy Programme has been recognised for its work supporting and developing young match officials across our region.
The winners will be announced at Wembley Stadium in November.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the programme, and good luck to all the finalists! 🤞