Welcome to the April
Bulletin from Hastings United FC
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
Following discussions with Men’s First Team Manager Danny Searle, the club and Danny have mutually agreed to part ways.
We would like to thank Danny for his hard work and commitment during his time with us and wish him well for the future.
Dean White will oversee first team affairs until the end of the season.
I want to thank Ben and Dean for the opportunity to work at Hastings United FC. It’s a great Club with a phenomenal fan base. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who put in tireless hours above and beyond to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. To the fans, you are among the most loyal and dedicated fans I’ve seen and show unrelenting support for the Club which is Amazing! I thank you for the support you gave myself, the staff and the players. I wish everyone involved with the Club the very best for the future. –Danny Searle
12th April away to Canvey Island
19th April home to Hashtag United
21st April away to Dover Athletic
26th April home to Potters Bar Town
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WOMENS FIRST TEAM
This month got off to a positive start with a victory over Three Bridges away with a 3-0 win, which was much needed to get us out the relegation zone. We then faced unbeaten Bognor at Home which we defended really well again like we have done for the majority of the season and only conceded from 2 set pieces which were looking back one offside and the second was a very, very soft free kick. So again, a really positive performance just not the result. We then travelled to local rivals Bexhill, went 1-0 up in 6 minutes through a set piece of our own, before conceding 2 wonder strikes in added time of both halves. Frustrating to say the least however we are giving our all with no return in the results. Lastly, we played Saltdean Development at The Pilot Field. Conceding again a strike from distance after having some really good spells where we should have scored. Unfortunately, I’m sounding like a broken record, the work rate, desire to defend and get into good areas to score is there, it just isn’t happening. League table has had a few changes in it which now leaves us back in bottom spot, so we need a big push this month against Aylesford, Bexhill and Saltdean DS.
Your support would be much needed with our last 4 out of 5 games at home!
Jason Tibble
13th April home to Bexhill United
27th April away to Saltdean United Dev.
4th May home
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Inclusive & Disability Team
On Saturday, 29th March, Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team faced up against 1066 Specials, in a couple of friendly matches. Due to the incredibly high turnout from both sides, the teams were split into two separate pitches, where they played a few matches each.
On one pitch, Keegan went in goal, with Kayden, Nathan, Lewis, Max and Archie all playing outfield. It was a dominant performance from the Hastings team, where across 3 matches, Lewis scored 5 goals, Kayden and Archie getting multiple assists each, and Max and Nathan helping keep the team together. Keegan made some brilliant saves when choosing himself to go in goal, and the whole team played exceptionally well.
On the other pitch, the games played were a lot closer, with Gary in goal for Game 1, with Alex, Aaron, Aiden, Jack, Lee, Leeroy and Charlie playing outfield in set positions. The game was back and forth, both teams creating and finishing superb chances. Alex launched a ball up field from defending a corner, which Charlie ran onto and finished superbly, past an onrushing keeper. Hastings then got a second goal with a brilliant corner from Jack leading to Charlie taking a touch and scoring a volley from close range. Despite an incredible defensive effort from Aiden, Aaron and Alex at the back, and Gary in goal making some excellent saves, 1066 managed to score 4 goals, making the scoreline of the first game 4-2 in their favour.
For the second game, Hastings knew they had to step up their game. Jack opted to go in goal, letting Gary move into midfield. This change worked brilliantly for both, with Jack making save after save, and Gary making a wonderful pass to Charlie, who got his hat trick for the day after smashing the ball in the net from the edge of the box. The pressing from Lee and Leeroy limited their chances going forward, and with Aiden covering all the space, it meant that when Aaron and Alex had to do their job, they had it calmly covered. The final score for Game 2 was 1-0 to Hastings United, with all the boys doing the club proud.
Overall, both Hastings teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as it was a brilliant day of football in the sunny weather. Everyone contributed in their own way to the success of the teams and got some good match experience for our upcoming tournament in Worthing next month.
This was written by one of our players for the friendly we had Saturday.
Lewis Willard
Head of Hastings United Youth and Adults Inclusive and Disability Team
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WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM
WALK THIS WAY – FOOTBALL FOR THE OVER 50s!
Think your footballing days are over? Think again! Hastings United’s over-50s walking football team is calling on all ex-players, Sunday league warriors, and footie fanatics who still have the skills but maybe not the knees to run marathons anymore.
When I first heard about walking football, I’ll admit – I was gutted. Walking? Really? Visions of half-asleep blokes shuffling about in slippers filled my head. I still felt like a fit, young 18-year-old (even if my knees begged to differ). But the truth is, I missed the game. The thrill of competition. The camaraderie. So, I gave it a go. And let me tell you – it was the best decision I ever made.
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Hastings United’s walking football team has been going strong for four years, part of a nationwide movement that’s reviving the sport for the over-50s. And it’s not just for the lads – women are getting in on the action too! This isn’t a slow-motion stroll in the park; it’s a game of skill, precision, and tactical brilliance. No crunching tackles, no lung-busting sprints – just pure footballing talent on display.
The banter is top tier, the competition fierce, and the team spirit unbeatable. My game has evolved – it’s all about smart passing, positioning, and reading the play. And the best part? I can still walk the next day! Of course, if you want to come and just have a kick around you are very welcome.
So, ditch the excuses, lace up your boots, and relive the glory days! Training every Thursday (7-8.30pm) at Ark Alexandra School (William Parker in old money) and Saturdays (1-2.30pm) at St Leonards Academy. Call the chair on 07508 618626 and get back in the game!
Andy Batsford
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CLUB NEWS
FOCUS GROUP
Following the Fans Forum on 13th March the Board of Directors wish to establish some Focus Groups as the Club moves forward with the Development plans and related matters.
The Fans Forum was very well attended, and an excellent note of the meeting was posted on the Fans Facebook Page by Ian Grant on 14th March and you are recommended to have a read. Thanks to Ian for this contribution.
The initial intention of the Focus Groups will be to receive information from the Board on all issues regarding the Development and other related Club matters.
The existing Inclusive & Disability Group under the Chair of Kev Towner will continue its work as a Focus Group with special regard and interest of Disability and Diversity issues.
At the Fans Forum it was suggested that a Supporters Club be established, or re-established, and this is a matter for the Fans. However, the proposed Fans Focus Group will involve a maximum of 10 people which can either be nominated through any newly established Supporters Club or by selection through ballot from any Fans wishing to volunteer to join the Group.
The Board will also have a Staff Focus Group, thus reflecting all aspects of those involved in supporting and running the Club.
The Focus Groups will elect a Chair at their first meeting and each Group will be facilitated on behalf of the Board by Bob Hodgson and meetings will be held at the Club as determined by each Focus Group. Directors may attend at Focus Groups from time to time.
If you wish to enter your name in a ballot for membership of the Fans Focus Group please contact Bob Hodgson at Robert.hodgson@hastingsunited.com . If a Supporters Club is established before the end of the current season, nominations will be invited from that Club.
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HASTINGS MEANS BUSINESS
We are very excited to be able to invite you to join us for a special joint networking meeting when Hastings Means Business are partnering with Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce combining both our networks
Thursday 24th April at Hasting United Sports & Social Club 9:00am – 11:00am
Members Price £17.50 plus VAT Non-Members £25.00 plus VAT
Tickets can be booked via this link https://hufc.onlineticketseller.com/events/99599
Guest Speakers:
There are some exciting developments behind the scenes here at Hastings United FC that we are delighted to share with our business community and partners. Hasting United FC’s new partners, Torch Sports, who have acquired shares in the Football Club, will be involved in the future management of the Club and assisting with securing the investment needed will be sharing the redevelopment plans for The Historic Pilot Field – Home of Hastings United Football Club and future Community Hub for Hastings.
As Hastings United FC draw close to completing another highly successful academic year as Football and Educational Partners with East Sussex College Group, we are delighted to welcome Hannah Ottley from East Sussex College Group, who will be giving an insight as to opportunities available to local businesses via work placements, community engagement and apprenticeships.
Menu
Breakfast will be catered for by Andrea from Truly Scrumptious, providing us with a choice of Bacon/Sausage/Egg Baps, and a selection of pastries, Tea, Coffee & Orange Juice
To find out more about our business club please visit Hastings Means Business – Hastings United Football Club
To find out more about Commercial/Sponsorship opportunities at Hastings United Football Club please visit: Commercial | Hastings United Football Club
We would be delighted if you are able to join us on the 24th, your support really would be appreciated
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STUDENT VISIT
On Thursday 27th March we were delighted to share our redevelopment plans for the Pilot Field with an amazing group of Level 2 business students from East Sussex College, Hastings Campus. Working in small teams the students came up with some great ideas for future events and new match day experiences that Hastings United FC would be able to offer on Match Days. Each group has now picked an idea to work on further and we are excited to be meeting up with the students again in May when they will be pitching their ideas too us.
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HAVE A HAPPY EASTER
From all at Hastings United Football Club
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We were delighted to welcome our Men’s Player Sponsors before our game v Billericay who were invited into the dressing room to meet the team and manager.
Thank you to all our Player Sponsors for your ongoing support, it really is appreciated by everyone at Hastings United FC.
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Forthcoming Event –
Are you ready for a Challenge?
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