You said:

"The game needs more respect"

We Did:

Season 2019/20 saw us implement a purple shirt initiative for all referees under the age of 18 to highlight to coaches, players and spectators that the match official is a minor. Temporary Dismissals (Sin Bins) has also been introduced for all dissent cautions in grassroots football. These initiatives help to create a better more respectful environment. 

More info on purple shirts More info on sin bins

You said:

We want more 3G pitches so matches don’t get cancelled

We Did:

We have 29 3G pitches on The FA 3G register and our football development manager is always working with clubs and facilities to build more in Somerset. These pitches on the register can host affiliated matches; more information can be found below.

Access the 3G register

You said:

We want better & flat pitches

We Did:

We currently have a pitch improvement programme to support improved maintenance on grass pitches. 70 grass pitches have been improved since 2018 alone and we're always working with clubs and facilities to improve even more.

You said:

Why can’t we play in mixed teams?

We Did:

You can! You can play in mixed teams up to under 18 provision across football in Somerset including our county cup competitions.

Youth County Cups

You said:

Some young referees don’t want a mentor automatically allocated to them when they start refereeing

We Did:

Now you get a referee mentor as and when you want one, if you want to start your refereeing career without one and get one later, you can!

Find out more about referees courses

You said:

At our county cup finals teams get food after the match but no drinks, and players are thirsty after their match

We Did:

There will be squash on the tables for each team after this season's county cup final to accompany your food!

Youth County Cups