In September 2025, we launched Game Ready. Period. — an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty in football across Surrey while educating everyone involved in the game.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Thorpe Park and Hey Girls, who generously provided period products to help make a real difference.
We caught up with Jemma Atkinson from Hey Girls to discuss Game Ready. Period. and the positive impact it’s having on football across Surrey.
In the latest episode we’re sitting down with the man who guided South Park Reigate to glory with their 1-0 win in the Specsavers Senior County Cup Final back in the 23/24 season. Fast forward to now, and he’s taken on a new role as Head of Youth at South Park. We’ll be diving into Tom Cope’s fascinating views on how clubs can collaborate more closely — and even explore the idea of forming a buying alliance.
The Final Whistle Podcast is Back!
We’re joined by Joe Robinson, Sports Partnerships Manager at our partners Easyfundraising.In this episode, we dive into:How grassroots clubs can unlock extra funding opportunities through everyday spending and their special September campaign to help you generate even more money for your club from your wider community.Register your team with easyfundraising: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/surrey-fa/
In this episode of The Final Whistle Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Roe, a true grassroots football legend and the man behind the lens at countless matches across Surrey and Sussex. From capturing unforgettable moments at Brighton FC games to being the official photographer for Surrey FA and Sussex FA County Cup Finals, Simon has seen it all.
Tune in as he shares his passion for grassroots football, the stories behind his iconic shots, and the challenges of photographing the beautiful game.
Don’t miss this conversation with one of grassroots football’s most celebrated storytellers!"
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In this episode of The Final Whistle, we take a closer look at the growing phenomenon of Walking Football—a slower-paced version of the beautiful game that’s changing lives across Surrey. Designed to help people stay active regardless of age or past injuries, Walking Football is about more than just playing; it’s about community, inclusion, and rediscovering a love for the game.
We’re joined by three legends of Walking Football—Mark Blythe, Clive "Bill" Billingham, and Carl Barker—as they share their personal journeys, insights into the sport’s rapid rise, and what it truly means to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the game, this episode is sure to inspire.
Tune in as The Final Whistle celebrates the power of Walking Football to bring people together, one step at a time.
We’re thrilled to welcome not one but two incredible guests who play pivotal roles in shaping the game we all love. Joining us is Steph Powell, National Development Manager for Volunteering and Harry Diggens, National Development Manager for Solutions at The FA Steph works tirelessly to create opportunities and pathways for volunteers across the football landscape, ensuring their vital contributions are recognized and supported and Harry’s expertise lies in crafting innovative strategies and programs to solve challenges in football development, ensuring the sport remains inclusive, accessible, and progressive. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to today’s conversation, and we can’t wait to dive into their insights on the future of grassroots football.
We're thrilled to welcome a number of special guests to SFA HQ including Monjur from Dorking Mosque.
As we enter November and mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, we’re taking the opportunity to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and explore the incredible work that Monjur and the mosque are doing to bring people together. Stay tuned as we highlight how football and faith can unite communities for a positive change.
It really is a brilliant episode.
In the latest episode of The Final Whistle podcast, Nicola Henderson, CEO of Godstone Farm popped into Meadowbank to talk with Kirk Ritchie.
Godstone Farm are sponsors of the Pan Disability Tournament, hosted yearly at Meadowbank and is a true celebration that football is for all.
Nicola spoke about the updates at the farm and how they are making it more accessible for everyone. Not forgetting the latest edition - Surrey's BIGGEST indoor play barn.
We spoke about the brilliant events they are hosting for fireworks, Halloween and of course Christmas.
Remember to take advantage of the SFA discount for visiting Godstone Farm https://tickets.godstonefarm.co.uk/#category_23
When a group of friends came together to launch a women’s football team, no one could have predicted the incredible journey ahead. Nicola McKelvey and Charlotte Wilkes have led TD Sirens FC from a simple idea to triumph in the Surrey FA Rec League. In this episode, they share their story—the highs, the lows, and the passion that drives them to succeed. Tune in to hear about their inspiring journey and the importance of just getting out there and making it happen. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Surrey FA's Designated Safeguarding Manager Phil Rendell talks to us about the FA-led national safeguarding campaign - the annual Play Safe Weekend.
This year that’s on 28th/29th September, when the whole of football in England – from the professional game to the grassroots, and every level in between – joins forces to promote awareness of the importance of safeguarding across the game we all love.
Once again the Play Safe weekend is endorsed by leading children’s charity the NSPCC and will see a huge range of activity across the nation, fuelled by the encouragement and resources The FA provides.
“The central push behind this year’s weekend is to create awareness among individuals of the vital safeguarding role they can play in football. It really is about Everyone Everywhere, Every Time,” says Sue Ravenlaw, FA Head of Safeguarding.
Our guest today is Elle Kaplicz, referee within the female and male game. We talk about how she got into the game and the way the female game has changed and developed. Elle spoke about how important her Mentor was for her personal development and growth in the game.
Elle also told us what changes she would like to see implemented if she had a magic wand.
You will also want to see what 3 people she would invite to a dinner party.
IN the first episode of the new season, Kirk and Ivan caught up with Jordan Clark to talk all things pre season and what an FA Cup run would mean for Redhill FC.
Jordan is a football man. Coach, manager, ex player and Director of Football & Education with a proven ability to develop and strengthen football clubs and other business in order to maximise company potential and efficiency. Current first team manager of Redhill FC in Surrey and Director of Football & Education of Dorking Wanderers FC. We talk all things pre season and his goals for the 24/25 season. A great listen
Are you a coach or thinking about becoming one? We speak to man who has a very long and successful footballing CV including being a UEFA Pro License coach, FA Affiliate tutor, a mentor and Consultant and current president of the Surrey Football Coaches Association where he replaced one of the greatest of all time Sir Bobby Robson. The one and only Keith Boanas
In this exciting episode, Ivan and Kirk are joined by the talented former Fulham women's player and Football Development Officer at Surrey FA, Helen Ogle. Together, they dive into the world of tournament football as they each pick their dream squads for Euro 2024. With a few unexpected choices, this episode is sure to keep you on your toes.
But the fun doesn't stop there! After assembling their squads, our hosts and special guest go on to select their starting eleven, set to take the pitch on Sunday, June 16th. They discuss strategies, player strengths, and potential game-changers, making for a riveting discussion that no football fan will want to miss.
Is it finally coming home? Tune in to find out and join the conversation!
Join Kirk as he delves into the intersection of mental health and physical movement during Mental Health Awareness Week. In this episode, Kirk is interviewed by Leah Hidden, the new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Manager at Surrey FA, exploring the crucial link between movement and mental well-being. Leah and Kirk share their personal insights and answers pressing questions about the impact of movement on mental health.
To learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week and access additional resources, visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why movement matters for mental health.
For our seventh episode, we spoke with Surrey FA’s Equals Game Ambassadors Sarah and Ange, who talked about their journey to their respective roles in football.
During the episode, we discuss how they got involved in football. Sarah and Ange discuss how they juggle multiple roles on top of being Welfare Officers for their respective clubs.
Fun Fact:
Sarah’s team has won the Women’s Flexi League.
Ange watched the Women’s Euro final.
Stay tuned for the show’s second half, where we will review the bi-weekly results, goals, and performances throughout the Surrey FA leagues in our Talk Footy segment. Along with ‘Surrey Summarise’, with updates on current activities and campaigns at Surrey FA.
Surrey Summarise Links:
For our sixth episode, we spoke with WhiteHawks Imran Kayani, who talked about his journey to the National Team.
During the episode, we discuss how he started playing football. Imran shares with us the experience of being in the Chelsea Academy and how he overcame his injury woes. He lets us in on his experience playing in the World Cup qualifiers and his time playing football full-time at Sutton.
Fun Fact: He is set to graduate with a degree in Computer Science.
Stay tuned for the show’s second half, where we will review the bi-weekly results, goals, and performances throughout the Surrey FA leagues in our Talk Footy segment. Along with ‘Surrey Summarise’, with updates on current activities and campaigns at Surrey FA.
Surrey Summarise Links: