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Grassroots Football Development in Sheffield
Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association is a non-profit organisation responsible for the administration, development, and governance of grassroots football within a 20-mile radius of Sheffield Cathedral. Formed in 1867, we are proud to be the oldest County Football Association in the world. Our team is dedicated to serving the grassroots game in the Sheffield and Hallamshire region, working in partnership with The FA to deliver the national game strategy. We prioritise safeguarding, equality, and inclusion, ensuring football remains accessible to all. Our staff and volunteers champion respect, positive behaviour, and community engagement. We provide tailored support for disability football, women's and girls' football, and youth development programmes.

Our strategic partnerships and funding initiatives aim to improve facilities and opportunities for local players, coaches, and referees. We operate a 24/7 helpdesk for support and maintain compliance with The FA's Code of Governance version 2.1. Our relocation to Steel City Stadium enables reinvestment in grassroots infrastructure. We recognise outstanding contributions through annual awards and celebrate diversity through targeted initiatives. Our mission is to change lives through football by uniting communities and fostering inclusive participation.
Services
Football Development Coach Education Referee Training Disability Football Women's Football Safeguarding Support Facility Development Club Administration Youth Programmes Equality Initiatives
Highlights and features
  • We are the oldest County Football Association in the world with 157 years of experience
  • We work in partnership with The FA to deliver national and local football strategies
  • We prioritise safeguarding with a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Officer
  • We champion equality and inclusion through targeted disability and women's football programmes
  • We offer free development workshops for coaches, referees, and grounds staff
Associations and certifications
  • The FA's Code of Governance
Services
Football Development
We provide comprehensive development programmes for grassroots football across South Yorkshire. Our initiatives include coach education, facility improvement grants, and strategic partnerships to grow participation. Our team works directly with clubs, leagues, and volunteers to implement The FA's national strategy at a local level while addressing specific community needs.
Safeguarding Support
Our safeguarding framework includes trained officers, reporting systems, and educational resources for grassroots football. We maintain compliance with national standards and provide direct support to clubs through our Designated Safeguarding Officer. This includes DBS checks, policy implementation, and incident response protocols.
Coach Education
We deliver FA-accredited coaching courses and continuous professional development opportunities for grassroots coaches. Our programmes cover all age groups and specialisms, including disability football and youth development. Partnerships with professional clubs provide advanced training pathways for aspiring coaches.
Disability Football
Our disability football initiatives include dedicated leagues, coaching support, and facility access programmes. We work with clubs to implement inclusive practices and provide specialist training for coaches and volunteers. The pan-disability league offers competitive opportunities for players of all abilities.
Referee Development
We support referee recruitment, training, and retention through structured pathways and partnership schemes. Our programmes include mentorship opportunities, equipment support through official partners, and career progression routes for aspiring match officials at all levels of grassroots football.
People
Simon Frost
Chief Executive Officer
Simon Frost leads Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association with over 25 years' experience in football administration. He oversees strategic development and operational management while maintaining strong partnerships with The FA and local stakeholders.
Tom Measham
Head of Football Operations
Tom Measham directs football operations with a focus on strategic implementation and safeguarding. He combines 18 years of grassroots experience with national FA collaboration to drive development initiatives across the region.
Sarah Pridmore
Safeguarding Manager
Sarah Pridmore leads safeguarding efforts with specialist training and policy implementation. She serves as the Designated Safeguarding Officer, providing expert support to clubs and ensuring compliance with national child protection standards.
Leon Dearns
Head of Facilities and Football Development
Leon Dearns oversees facility improvements and football development strategies. He manages pitch improvement grants and works with clubs to enhance infrastructure while expanding playing opportunities across the region.
Molly Wilson
Football Development Officer (Women & Girls)
Molly Wilson specialises in women's and girls' football development. She implements growth strategies, coach education programmes, and partnership initiatives to increase female participation at all levels of grassroots football.
Questions
What areas does Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA cover?
We cover a 20-mile radius of Sheffield Cathedral, including South Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
What services do you offer for grassroots football?
We provide coach education, referee training, facility development, safeguarding support, and inclusive football programmes.
Are there opportunities for women and girls in local football?
Yes, we actively promote women's and girls' football through Wildcats sessions, coaching pathways, and league development.
How does the County FA support disability football?
We offer disability football development officers, inclusive coaching workshops, and dedicated pan-disability leagues.
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