Roy Waterfield wants to support all Shropshire clubs

The new Shropshire FA chief executive Roy Waterfield says one of his first aims is to improve the standard of youth football in the county.

Waterfield took over from Dave Rowe on Monday, who had to retire from the post after a period of ill health.

The 52-year-old told BBC Radio Shropshire: "The youth league is a pioneering aspect of work already done.

"It's my task to build on those innovations that have come before my arrival in the job."

Waterfield has spent the last two decades in local government and this is his first role in football.

What I am keen to do now is demonstrate my loyalties to the clubs of Shropshire Shropshire FA chief executive Roy Waterfield

"I see myself as accountable to all the volunteers who involved in the game, and all the club secretaries who do tireless work, right through to our coaching and admin staff," he added.

"I am here to make sure they get what they want be able to perform in their role.

"Football ticks the boxes in terms of so many issues, like contributing to community safety or tackling obesity issues.

"It's a great sport in itself, but we can work with public health and crime reduction partners as football has the ability to touch so many people."

Waterfield, who is a lifelong Coventry City supporter, now wants to forge stronger links with local football clubs.

He said: "My place of birth is Coventry and I guess the greatest moment I have in football is watching them beat Tottenham in the FA Cup final in 1987 and I have still got that ticket.

"What I am keen to do now is demonstrate my loyalties to the clubs of Shropshire."

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