Shinfield Rangers Football Club today announced an adjustment to its annual membership fees for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. The fee for the new season will be £290 per player, with a £50 discount for a second child registered from the same family.

This decision comes after careful consideration and is a necessary step to ensure the continued high quality and sustainability of the club's offering. The increase is primarily driven by a significant rise in the operational costs associated with running a thriving grassroots football club, coupled with a commitment to reinvestment in player development and club facilities.

"We understand that any increase in fees can be a concern for families, and we want to be fully transparent about the reasons behind this adjustment," said Mark Hughes, Treasurer of Shinfield Rangers F.C. "The landscape of grassroots football is evolving, and so are the costs associated with providing a safe, engaging, and high-quality environment for our young players."

Key factors contributing to the fee adjustment include:
* Increasing Training Space Fees: The cost of hiring training pitches and facilities, particularly high-quality artificial pitches that allow for year-round training, has seen a considerable increase. Securing adequate and accessible training space is paramount to our players' development and to ensure all teams have consistent opportunities to train, regardless of weather conditions.

* Rising League Fees: Affiliation and entry fees imposed by the various football leagues have also seen an upward trend. These fees are essential for our teams to participate in competitive matches and be part of the wider football community.

* Escalating Equipment and Kit Costs: The price of essential football equipment, including match balls, training cones, bibs, goals, and especially playing kits, continues to climb. We are committed to providing our players with good quality, durable equipment and attractive kits, which directly impacts this area of expenditure.

* Reinvestment in the Club: A portion of the fee adjustment will be directly reinvested into the club to enhance the overall experience for our members. This includes potential investments in new coaching resources, opportunities for coach development, and major improvements to club amenities where possible. Our aim is to continually improve the standard of football and the environment we offer.

* General Operational Overheads: Like any organisation, Shinfield Rangers F.C. faces increasing costs across various operational areas, including administration, insurance, referee payments for home games, and maintenance of existing assets.

"While we have absorbed as many cost increases as possible in previous seasons, these rising external pressures make a fee adjustment unavoidable," added Hughes. "We firmly believe that the value we provide – fostering a love for the game, developing essential life skills, and building a strong community – remains incredibly high. We are proud of the positive impact Shinfield Rangers has on our players and their families."
The club remains dedicated to making football accessible and will continue to explore fundraising initiatives and potential sponsorship opportunities to support our activities and mitigate future fee increases wherever possible.

Contact:
Mark Hughes
Treasurer, Shinfield Rangers F.C.

For more information or any questions.