Shetland Football Association Welcomes New President and Clubs

The Shetland Football Association (SFA) appointed David Smith as its new president during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held on March 15, 2024. This decision came after the position remained unfilled at last month’s annual general meeting. Smith takes over from Jakob Eunson, who will continue to serve as vice-president to provide support and guidance to the association.

During the EGM, the SFA successfully filled all vacant committee positions except for the role of discipline secretary. Craig Leslie, a former manager at Ness, will assume the position of registration secretary, while the existing fixture secretaries for each division will retain their roles. Carol Duncan is set to return as minutes secretary, and former SFA presidents Brydon Robertson and George Smith will continue as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

As the SFA looks ahead, there is excitement about the potential expansion of the Championship, which could welcome up to four new teams for its second season. Newly established clubs Rusty Spoons and Boca Seniors have already confirmed their participation, joining existing teams such as Banks, Bressay, Wastside Rebels, Ness C, North Isles, and Southside Impact. Both Scalloway and Delting have expressed interest in joining the Championship, with Scalloway already fielding an A and B team, while Delting currently competes only in the reserve league.

Robertson noted that the inclusion of these new teams could help retain players progressing from junior ranks or those not currently participating. “This would prevent players from stopping their football journeys or seeking opportunities with other clubs,” he explained. With the Championship potentially expanding to ten teams, surpassing the A and B leagues, Robertson emphasized the need for the fixture secretary to develop a suitable match schedule. “More teams mean more football,” he added. “There may also be opportunities to extend the playing season.”

A significant topic of discussion at the EGM was the contentious “named A list.” Lerwick Celtic proposed the removal of this list, advocating for players to participate in any division for their registered club. The proposed exception would apply to players selected for the Shetland inter-county squad or the Island Games squad from the previous calendar year, who would then be ineligible to play in the reserve league or Championship.

Celtic argued that these restrictions were unnecessary and that clubs could better manage busy fixtures with all players available. They cautioned that prioritizing immediate wins by overusing first-team players in reserve matches could alienate reserve players, who might then seek opportunities elsewhere. This proposal, however, did not secure a second at the meeting, prompting Robertson to announce the formation of a working group to explore potential solutions.

“There was quite a bit of discussion about it last night,” he said. “The topic is charged with emotions, and strong opinions emerged.” Glenn Gilfillan, the manager of Scalloway, presented examples from other leagues in Scotland that might be applicable, and he will collaborate with the working group to propose solutions for voting at the January meeting. Robertson emphasized the need for clubs to reach a consensus on the named A list, noting that this issue has been raised at the SFA’s annual general meeting for the past six years.

In addition to these discussions, a new rule regarding trialists in senior football has been introduced. Players on trial will only be allowed to participate in three matches for a single club before needing to officially sign. Robertson clarified that this practice had been the SFA’s operational standard, although it had not been formalized in writing until now. Importantly, players will also be prohibited from participating in matches for their current team while serving a suspension, meaning a player sent off while playing for Ness B would be ineligible to return until their ban concludes.

The SFA’s recent developments reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing the structure and governance of football in Shetland, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive at all levels.