TDYL Newsletter September 2026
2026/27 SEASON
Welcome to the 2026/27 Season: A Message of Support to Our Grassroots Family
As the whistle blows to signal the start of the 2026/27 campaign, we want to take a moment to warmly welcome back every player, coach, club officer, parent, and spectator to the touchlines across Somerset.
The return of grassroots football brings with it a unique energy—the anticipation of the opening fixture, the smell of freshly cut grass (or the squeak of boots on a 4G pitch), and the joy of reuniting with teammates. Whether you are stepping onto the pitch for the very first time in our youth divisions or lacing up your boots for another hard-fought Saturday afternoon in the senior leagues, this season belongs to you.
To the Players: Enjoy every minute. Football is about development, teamwork, and, most importantly, having fun. Whether you win, lose, or draw, leave everything on the pitch, support your teammates, and take pride in representing your club. The memories you make this season will last a lifetime.
To the Coaches and Club Officers: Thank you. You are the heartbeat of grassroots football. We know that the 90 minutes on a matchday are just the tip of the iceberg. The countless unseen hours spent organising fixtures, navigating admin, pumping up footballs, and supporting your squads do not go unnoticed. Your dedication provides a safe, positive environment for our community to thrive. Please remember that the league is here to support you every step of the way.
To the Parents and Spectators: Your support is invaluable. You are the drivers, the kit-washers, and the loudest cheerleaders. As we embark on a new season, we ask that you continue to champion the FA’s Respect standards. Keep the touchlines positive, encourage all players on the pitch, respect the match officials' decisions, and let the coaches coach. A supportive environment allows everyone to play their best football.
Grassroots football is a brilliant, messy, passionate, and deeply rewarding community. Let’s work together to ensure the 2026/27 season is defined by fantastic football, mutual respect, and shared success.
Best of luck to all our teams for the campaign ahead. Have a fantastic season!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES
Club Meeting - December Meeting (Online) Details to follow
Silent Support Weekend - The league operates a monthly Silent Support Weekend, and these happen on every 3rd weekend of the month, with the 1st one for the season happening this weekend (19th and 20th September). There are national weekends, and more information can be found at www.englandfootball.com/participate/behaviour/Silent-Support
Minis Cup Final - Minehead AFC, 22nd May 2027 (Times and details to follow)
U12/U13 Finals - Bishops Lydeard AFC, (Date, Times and details to follow)
U14/U15/U16 Finals - Taunton Town Football Club, 2nd May 2027 (Times and details to follow)
2026/27 Awards Event - 27th June 2027 (Further details to follow)
LEAGUE INVOICES
Following a testing summer for all involved, we are now in a position to create and send league invoices for membership and entry. Please keep an eye out for these and respond accordingly.
Charges and invoices have already begun being sent, and again, please action these in a timely manner. Clubs are reminded to check their email for notifications from the Support hub and billing systems for updates.
3v3 FORMAT, RULES AND GUIDANCE
Many clubs are now starting to get 3v3 underway; there has been some confusion over various elements now that it's being done. For more information, clarity and guidance, scan the QR code below. The league will start to plan and set up some central venue events for later in the year, and further details will be shared soon.
LEAGUE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
All the latest league policies and procedures, including the most commonly used and incorrectly done Postponement Procedure, can be found on the knowledge base, or for support, raise a ticket to your Age Group Secretary via the support hub.
GRASSROOTS RESPECT SHOP
The FA, in partnership with GRF, has set up a shop for all your Respect Campaign assets and equipment. Visit - https://www.teamgrassroots.co.uk/respect/
REFEREES
Clubs must pay the Referee before the game starts unless agreed with the Referee. If the league has to pay a Referee because they have not been paid, then a fine will be sent to the club. Please look after the match officials.
Somerset FA has several Referee courses arranged for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Details of these courses and more, along with information on how to register, can be found on the Somerset FA website.
LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP
We are always looking for ways to raise sponsorship for the League to support our Members. As an example, our trophy bill is well over £4000 per season.
The league is seeking sponsors for the cup competitions it arranges, along with other sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to get involved with Youth football.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Paul Coltman at paulmcoltman@gmail.com or call 07940531712 if you wish to sponsor one of our competitions.
LEAGUE PARTNERSHIP
The league has created a partnership that supports both us and you as clubs; see the image below for more details.
NEW SEASON, NEW KITS?
Please be aware that any new kit designs must be sent to the league secretary for approval before purchasing. Failure to do this, and if the new design is not compliant with the FA rule, then you may be asked to stop wearing it and replace it, which will impact your finances and even fixtures potentially.
The league also works very closely with local kit manufacturer Karuta Sportswear, and they do a great deal for our member clubs. To find out more and to speak to them about your kits and teamwear, email them at tom@karuta-sportswear.com
HO SOCCER FOOTBALL DEAL
GEAR UP FOR THE NEW SEASON!
Is your club kit bag looking a bit empty? We’ve got you covered with our exclusive HO Soccer Training Ball Bundles! Whether it's your youth or senior squad, these deals are designed to give you the best quality for the best price. Get more balls, free carriers, and free match balls!
CHECK OUT THESE DEALS:
DEAL 1: The Tactical 10
10 Training Balls (Sizes 3, 4, or 5)
FREE Ball Carrier
NOW £70.00 (Save £18.90!)
DEAL 2: The Squad Pack
12 Training Balls (Sizes 4 or 5)
FREE Premium Match Ball
NOW £84.00 (Save £29.00!)
DEAL 3: The Ultimate Academy
15 Training Balls (Sizes 4 or 5)
FREE Ball Carrier
FREE Premium Match Ball
NOW £105.00 (Save £44.65!)
KNOW YOUR SIZES: Size 3 (Red) | Size 4 (Green) | Size 5 (Yellow)
Order now via sales@ho-soccer.co.uk
