We are delighted to announce that Lightning Fibre have joined Hastings United Football Club as a new business partner for the foreseeable future.

Lightning Fibre are a cutting edge, community minded full fibre Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in in East Sussex.

Unlike a ‘fibre’ network, which may include old copper wire, Lightning Fibre’s network is ‘full fibre’ broadband (TTP, fibre to the premise). Covering towns and cities including, Hastings,  St Leonard’s, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Heathfield and Broad Oak. An FTTH network connects the street cabinets directly to your modem using fibre optic cables all the way. This is why a full fibre network is both hyper reliable and hyper fast.

The company won the Best Internet Service Providers’ Association Awards ‘Best Consumer ISP with fewer than 100,000 customers award’ in November 2024. With a shop inside the Enterprise Centre Eastbourne, and a responsive, local customer service call centre in Eastbourne (open every day 8am to 8pm), they do not increase their prices during your fixed term contract (typically two years).

Thank you Lightning Fibre, your support really is appreciated.

To find out more about Lightning Fibre and their services please visit:  Lightning Fibre | Lightning Fast Full Fibre Broadband or call 01323 380260

t has been a very good year with the Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team. Not only are we seeing the numbers rise to a good amount with the adults. In September we started the youth team and have seen the numbers gradually rise with them as well.

Info on the youth team

In just a few months I have seen a major difference in the skills and ability of the youth players. They arrived always ready to learn, have fun and up their level. It was amazing to see their faces when we did our last Christmas session. Players and their parents joined in and it was just great to see them enjoy themselves and socialise with each other. It will be great to see this team progress and get bigger in the new year.

Info on the adult team.

With their progress with the Sussex fa disability league, we have focused with more in depth sessions. To a fitness session which is done three times a year to see their progression in speed, stamina and agility to see the difference from the beginning of the season to the end, to set pieces and 1v1 to 2v2 transitions. We were pleased to see two new players register for the league and look forward to more registering as the season progresses.

During the last off season we did a social which was crazy golf down in Hastings seafront. We hope for more socials in the new year to help make the already bond the players have stronger. I say this all the time, but both the youth and the adults have made me so proud since I became lead coach. In January we hope to have a friendly which will keep the players fit and ready for us to return to the league in February.

I plan on getting more friendlies as we have season games one Sunday a month so it would be amazing to get friendlies in to fill the gaps between league games and get them playing more of the sport they love.

I was given the great opportunity to become the Head of the whole youth and adults disability programme and I hope that I can make the team proud and help them get to their very best as players. I look forward to seeing what the new year brings.

On my behalf I hope that everyone at Hastings United and fans have a great Christmas and New Year.

Lewis Willard

Head of Hastings United Youth and adults Inclusive and Disability.

Hastings United FC are delighted to announce Hastings and St Leonards based Offerfair Self Storage as a new Major Sponsor to the Club for the forthcoming season.

Offerfair Self Storage offer a wide range of self-storage units for homes and businesses across seven sites in the Hastings and St Leonards area and are also one of the few self-storage companies in the area who are open Sundays. So, whether you’re an individual who’s recently moved home, decorated, renovated or de-cluttered, or a business needing extra storage for a smarter use of existing space, you can be sure that choosing Offerfair self-storage will mean your storage solution requirements are secure, convenient and accessible and one less thing for you to think about. 

Lorna White, Commercial Manager for Hastings United FC said ‘We would like to thank Offerfair Self Storage for showing their support for their local football club.  Offerfair’s generous support will help us further develop the work we are delivering, bringing more events and football for all our community,  girls/boys/men/women, disability and inclusive alike.  To gain the support of another new well respected local business employing local people is a real boost and vital to the future of Hastings United Football Club and the vision we have for the future of the club. We are also looking forward to working with the team at Offerfair to bring new community events to the Pilot Field‘

Roger Willems, Director of Offerfair said ‘Offerfair and her parent company Penn Elcom are delighted to become a sponsor for our hometown football club, Hastings United FC.  We are also keen supporters of The Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra and are working hard to make our town a more prosperous place to live and are hoping to see some great performances from both in the coming year.   Hastings United have impressed us with their commitment to local youth and disability and inclusive football.’

Thank you to Roger and his team at Offerfair Self Storage and Penn Elcom, your support really is appreciated.

To find out more about Offerfair Self Storage please visit; Offerfair Self Storage | Hastings & St Leonards

We caught up with Hastings United Inclusive & Disability Team lead coach Lewis Willard and asked him to tell us all about the team

.

We also spoke with one of our squad members parents who had this amazing review of Lewis and our team

“As a parent, groups like HUFC disability football are fantastic for many reasons, and here are some of them. It’s such a relief to take my child somewhere that I don’t have to worry about him not joining in and following complicated instructions, I don’t have to worry about him not fitting in and being treated differently, I don’t have to worry about him not making friends, or other children being unkind. Also for me as a single Mum, i get the chance to have 1 hour where I can sit and watch my child join in with an activity and burn off some of his endless energy without worry, I can relax and chat with other parents who may be facing the same issues that I am facing, and are therefore understanding. These are all things that parents of a neurotypical child take for granted, and yet for a neurodivergent parent, it is not easy to find a group like this”

“Lewis is patient, understanding, and adapts to all the children in the group regardless of what their mood/behaviour is like on the day. Since joining the group, my sons confidence has grown along with his football skills, and he really looks forward to coming along each week”

Support the U’s and ensure you catch every game of what is shaping up to be an exciting second half our current season by buying a half season ticket

.

Early Bird LIMITED TIME OFFER Supporters who purchase their Half Season Ticket before 10AM on Friday 20th December will also receive a ticket to either one of our remaining games in 2024 FREE OF CHARGE!

Choose between

Bowers & Pitsea taking place on Saturday 21st December or Dover Athletic on Boxing Day

Kicking off with the first fixture in 2025 v Canvey Island on Saturday January 4th our Half Season Ticket’s also includes our league games v Cray Wanderers, Lewes, Dulwich Hamlet , Wingate & Finchley, Hendon, Chichester City, Billericay Town, Hashtag United and our final home game of the season v Potters Bar Town on Saturday April 26th.

PLUS in addition to the 1st team home league fixtures, season tickets also give you full access to all U18 fixtures at the Pilot field

Adults £90.50  ( Saving £39.50)

Concession £66.50 (Saving 23.50) – Over 65’s and Blue Light

 

BUY YOUR HALF SEASON TICKETS HERE

Together again. Hastings United Football Club has today announced a new long-term partnership with Macron Sports Hub – Hastings to become its official technical kit partner for the 2025/26 season.

.

The Macron Sports Hub – Hastings is returning to Hastings United Football Club after a previous partnership and replaces Puma/Pro Direct as the U’s technical kit provider. 

The Italian Teamwear specialist will supply all team match day kits as well as a wide range of training wear, travel garments and accessories from the 2025/26 season onwards.

The Macron Sports Hub – Hastings, which is based in Castleham Road, St Leonards has been established since 2015 as a standalone Sports Hub which has now become the No1 Sports and Teamwear supplier in the Southeast of England.

Based in Italy, Macron recently celebrated their 50th birthday and are one of the fastest growing kit manufactures in Europe, with its high performing sportswear, rooted in three pillars of technology, design and sustainability. Macron has been voted the third largest technical brand in football within the UEFA rankings for the last four years.

.

Macron Sports Hub, Hastings Store Manager – David Henham said;

“We are delighted to be working with Hastings United Football Club again. I feel the club’s main objectives and goals align with our own perfectly. We strive to evolve and keep moving forward in a positive manner. We are really looking forward to seeing what Hastings United FC and Macron together as a team can create over the next 4 seasons whilst wishing the club every success on and off the field”

Hastings United Football Club Chairman – Dean White said;

“We are pleased to announce that Macron Sports Hub – Hastings will be our new technical kit supplier from 2025/26 for 4 seasons for our men’s, women’s, inclusive & Hastings United F.C. Academy teams & staff. We are looking forward to working with them again and supporting a local business”

WATCH OUR NEW PROMO VIDEO HERE

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Danny Searle as our new Mens First Team manager.

Danny brings a wealth of experience having previously managed at Braintree, Aldershot and  Ebbsfleet United in the National League as well as holding the position as Head of Coaching at West Ham United.

The club would like to put on record its sincere thanks to Sean Ray, Bobbi Deegan, Stef Akras, Steve McGowan, Josh Wheeler and James McCrossan for their support during the interim period as well as thanking our supporters for their patience during the process of identifying and appointing our new manager.

Chairman Dean White said

“I am excited with the appointment and I am looking forward to watching Danny work with the players and  take us forward on the pitch. With well over half the season remaining there is still much to play for and it is important we all get behind the team“

Danny Searle

“I’m delighted to be here, it’s a Club with huge potential, a great fan base and a group of players that are capable of climbing the table. I’ve met with the Board and their passion for the Club is the reason I am here“

“Let’s get to work“

Watch our first interview with Danny tomorrow (Friday) ahead of his first game in the U’s dugout on Saturday away to Chichester.

Dannys first game at The Pilot Field will be on Saturday 21st December where our visitors will be Bowers & Pitsea. Followed by our big Boxing Day match when our visitors will be Dover Athletic

Welcome to the December Bulletin from Hastings United FC

TEAM NEWS

MENS FIRST TEAM

We started off with a really positive result and performance against Whitehawk. We then followed this up with a narrow defeat at Wingate before seeing off Deal Town in the cup. We then followed this up with another narrow defeat against Cray Valley.  As with the Wingate game, we were competitive and remained in the game until the end.  

Going to Bognor in the Sussex Cup was next and after starting really well and looking the better team, we then had to play 60mins with 10 men after Toms red card.  Two clear penalties turned down and a late goal conceded meant the boys again left empty handed for their efforts.  

I don’t want or need to talk about the Saturday fixture at Hendon as everything that could be said has been. We needed to move on quickly and get back to basics. 

We then done this against Carshalton when we took a deserved share of the spoils. In another day, with the chances we created, we could have won this game.  I was pleased with the attitude and response of the players, but this must now be carried through to the end of the season. 

On the player front, we have been struggling with injuries and have had players playing through the pain barrier.  Not having breaks midweek is becoming an issue but we are now starting to nurse players back to full fitness and have also added to our ranks.  

Firstly, Matt Kerbey has joined us on loan from Sutton in goal.  Louis has been struggling for a number of weeks and now needs time to look after himself and get back to full fitness. 

Will Harley has also joined us from Eastbourne Borough and you all saw the positive impact he had on Tuesday night. Will gives us a different option and allows us to play a different way as well.  Once he gets a few more games in, I’ve no doubt he will score regularly for us. With a lot of fixtures coming up over the Xmas period, the whole squad will be used and pushed to the limits, having them all fit for this period is a priority for us right now. 

Onwards and Upwards – Sean Ray & Bobbi-Jay Deegan

3^rd December home to Cray Valley (Velocity Cup)          7^th December away to Chichester City

10^th December away to Horsham                                         14^th December away to Billericay Town

21^st December home to Bowers & Pitsea                           26^th December home to Dover Athletic

28^th December away to Bognor Regis Town

     

                

WOMENS FIRST TEAM

3 games this month, all very close affairs. We travelled to Montpellier and came away with a point and felt disappointed not to come away with more. Chances missed and seemed to be the story for us this season so far, some brilliant defensive displays and build up play creating chances. Just struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. 0-0 that finished and a point on the road.

Welling away who are doing really well this season and tactically again got complimented but just couldn’t find the goal after 2 or 3 really good chances but this time we got punished with a goal from former U, Amelia Bate and lost 1-0.

We then had Newhaven, a team in the league above. I felt we dominated the ball and created really good chances and this time we got a goal! Rebecca Relf with the finish and managed to take the cup tie to penalties and debatable should have won in the 90 minutes. However lost 3-2 on penalties after a really good display! Three Bridges got postponed which is a 6 point game for us. 

We have been looking a lot more solid and working for the badge which is great to see and is all I ask for! 

Update on Tiana Tapp is she is having medical appointments to sort out her medical diagnosis which is hopefully a positive one but she is all well and on the mend.

Thank you for your continued support and please come down and support our 3 back to back home games before Christmas. – Jason Tibble

8^th December home to Aylesford 15^th December home to Bognor Regis Town

         

INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM

Hastings United Disability and Inclusive fourth and fifth game of the Sussex disability league. Today the team went back up to Lancing, to face East Surrey Hawks and Worthing. Today was a tough day, with the aftermath of Storm Bert we weren’t too sure whether it’ll go ahead but we were pleased to hear the games did indeed go ahead. It’s the first time the team played football in such strong winds which caused havoc with the football. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be our day as no matter how hard we fought and battled to keep possession and maintain control of the ball with the wind as well, we just couldn’t find the back of the net. We lost both games with a 3 0 defeat and then a 5 0 defeat. As a coach I’d rather see the team work their socks off, battle for every possession and show football teamwork and work ethic. So even with those defeats the team did exactly as I asked. I couldn’t ask for anything else. Their work ethic was 100% through and through. Right to the very last whistle of both games, they worked hard. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be today. After each win and loss I always say we look towards our training sessions and work on different things and always improve. We now have a big gap before our next games which are due in February. So between then and now we are looking to get some friendlies in so the team can continue what they love the most, FOOTBALL.

WALKING FOOTBALL

Next Report from Tony Harris will be in the January Bulletin

CLUB NEWS

Club Comment – An incident occurred recently at our home game against Deal Town when one of our young supporters was singled out for abusive behaviour by a few young people who felt it acceptable to ridicule and belittle him. The young supporter in question is not only a loyal supporter of the Club but also represents the Club as a member of the Club’s Inclusive & Disability Team in the Sussex Disability League. He is proud to wear the Club colours, and the Club is proud of him.

The Club wishes to make it clear that the behaviour shown recently is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If the individuals responsible for such behaviour are identified to the Club, they will be banned for the remainder of the current season. It is hoped that such suspension will provide those involved with an opportunity to reflect upon their behaviour and actions and enable them to become better persons in the future.

Hastings United strongly condemns all forms of discriminatory behaviour and reaffirms that such actions have no place in a modern, inclusive society. We are committed to fostering an environment of respect and equality, ensuring that every individual feels welcome and valued within our club. Discrimination of any kind is unequivocally unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Hastings United.

The Club also acknowledges the support expressed on Facebook and other social media platforms for our young supporter/player which clearly demonstrates that our fantastic fans are fully committed to ensuring our football family is totally inclusive.

FAMILY ROOM / FIRST AID STATION

The former Club merchandise shop, next to the Burger bar, is currently being refurbished and will in the New Year be available as a Family Room for baby changing and will be equipped with changing table and mat and accessories and provide a facility for baby feeding. The Room will also be the First Aid Station.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to participate in this Xmas Community Camp

MEET THE NEW CO-OWNERS OF HASTINGS UNITED

Dean White, Chairman of Hastings United FC welcomes the Directors of Torch Sports to the Pilot Field

SC: Solomon Curtis, HL: Hilary Lissenden, DL: Danny Levart

1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join Hastings United FC?

SC: Growing up in Hastings, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the town. My first football match was right here, watching this club, and I remember the passion that’s still vibrant today. In 2018, I worked on London’s sports strategy with Mayor Sadiq Khan, collaborating with top sporting bodies such as the NFL, NBA and Premier League to maximize social and economic impact. Now, I have the chance to bring that experience back to my hometown and make a difference at Hastings United.

HL: Hastings United was an obvious choice for us. It’s a historic club with so much potential for growth. My background includes developing sports programmes across England, especially through my roles in boxing as a former director of England Boxing and at a London-based community gym. I’m thrilled to take on a new challenge in football and work with such a passionate club and community.

DL: Since moving to Hastings a few years ago, I’ve come to love the town and its people. I’m a lifelong football fan with a deep interest in grassroots football, and my career as a finance director has allowed me to work with some of the world’s leading sports brands. I’m excited to bring my expertise here and contribute to the club’s success.

2. Redeveloping the Pilot Field was a key focus of the announcement. Can you tell us what fans should expect?

HL: We’re developing an investment strategy with our co-owners and the club to approach the Pilot Field redevelopment in phases. Our

priority is to establish strong partnerships with funders, investors, and the community to ensure the project is sustainable and meets everyone’s needs.

DL: We’re working with architects on proposals, and keeping the club at the Pilot Field feels right because of its history and the opportunity it presents. Our goal is to provide facilities that allow our teams to reach their potential and bring pride to our supporters.

SC: Fans should expect a well-thought-out plan focused on the club’s long-term success, not just short-term gains. We’re ambitious but mindful of creating a sustainable future. After discussions with the local MP and Hastings Borough Council, I’m confident the town is behind us. Any redevelopment isn’t just about the next few years; it’s about setting up the club for the next 25 years.

3. Community involvement is a big part of the club’s identity. What role do you see fans, businesses, and the wider community playing in the club’s future?

DL: Ben White and his team of staff and volunteers have done an amazing job building relationships with the community and local businesses, which is something we want to continue and expand. Our strategy is to grow from our local base and make sure the club benefits the town as much as the town supports the club.

SC: We’re working on an ambitious brand strategy for 2030, with input from fans, businesses, and residents. The potential to elevate Hastings’ profile through football is huge. Hastings is a town with rich history and unique character, and we want to help share that with a wider audience.

HL: We’re committed to enhancing the experience for fans at home fixtures and to building the club’s presence in town and local events. Our young fans are the future, and our long-standing supporters are the club’s heartbeat. We want to strengthen ties across the town, including with Hastings’ vibrant arts, culture, and music scenes.

4. What message do you want to send to the supporters of the club as you begin your journey?

SC/HL/DL: We’re here for the long haul, and we’re committed to growing the club in a way that’s sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved. Aspire have done a remarkable job, and their dedication was a big reason we joined this journey. This season is our chance to engage with fans, test ideas, and start making small but impactful improvements.

We’re not here to interfere with the day-to-day running of the club’s teams, but we’ll be working hard behind the scenes to support them in every way we can. We ask fans and the wider Hastings and St Leonards community to be patient and to join us on this journey.

We’re looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the coming weeks, months, and years. If you see us at the Pilot Field, please come and say hello. Come on you Us!

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE –

Hastings Dry Gin have become a Business Partner with us for the foreseeable future. 

“Hastings 1066 Gin was created by Julian Haswell, it is distilled locally on The Ridge in Hastings and was launched at the Fat Tuesday event in February 2019.

 We have since extended our product range to include a Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange and our Smugglers Navy strength 47% ALC”

Thank you to Elaine, Julian and Jane for all your support, it’s very much appreciated.

FEATURES & FORTHCOMING EVENTS

FESTIVE FUN AT HASTINGS UNITED FC

Hastings Means Business:

Christmas Networking Lunch – Friday 13th December 12 noon – 5pm

Join us for our popular quarterly HMB networking Lunch and festive celebrations on Friday 13th December 2024 at Hastings United Sports and Social Club, Elphinstone Road.

Enjoy a traditional served Christmas Dinner whilst networking with other local businesses and sponsors of Hastings United Football Club with the common interest of creating a thriving local business community:

Guest Speaker: Solomon Curtis from Torch Sports

Fancy a Party

And finally –

All at the Club wish our fantastic supporters and amazing sponsors a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year

COYU’s

On Saturday 30th November, Hastings United Disability and Inclusive team travelled to Priory Lane to play against the Spirit of Eastbourne. The team were in a great mood and were looking ahead to the match, and in the opening few minutes of the game, they showed that, as the side relieved themselves from early Eastbourne pressure, and started to take control of the game, coming close on numerous occasions through Jake, Elijah, Howie and Lewis. The back line was tested a few times in the first time, but nothing that they had to worry about through their composure and through some brilliant saves from Charlie.

The two teams went into the halftime break with no scorers, 0-0, and Hastings felt like they could make the most of their opportunities and grab a goal. However through some nice play, Eastbourne took the lead, with a top corner finish that nobody could get to. Hastings then fought their way back into the game, taking long shots, creating opportunities on both wings, before winning a corner. Elijah stepped up to cross it in, but managed to extraordinarily bend it around and score directly from the corner, scoring one of the best goals ever scored for this team. For the final 15 minutes, both sides gave it their absolute best to grab the winner, winning every tackle they could, and playing excellent through balls. This almost worked for Hastings, as Jake scored late on to win it for Hastings, had it not been for him being very marginally offside. 

The match ended 1-1, with every single player putting in a brilliant shift. Gary worked his socks off, starting at CB and going into midfield. Reggie was dribbling the ball everywhere, creating great opportunities for us. Zack and Joe were getting stuck in, doing their best to win the ball and take throw ins. Charlie’s and my joint captaincy showed well through their strong leadership and always encouraged the team to push on. Aaron made sure to attack and defend at RB, and Jake did really well to stick with his man at LB. Elijah completely controlled the middle of the park, and Howie was able to test the keeper from 35 yards out. Keegan did really well to hold up the ball and enable us to move up the park, while Leeroy’s electric pace meant that the defence of Eastbourne was fully stretched. Aiden was a rock with myself at the back, limiting the opportunities that Eastbourne could have and clearing up potential threats. Lewis and Kayden made their debuts from our youth team today, and showed everyone through their hard work and determination that they can challenge to start in our team when they are old enough to. Jack also was very versatile, running all over the pitch to make crucial tackles, interceptions and even went up and had shots of his own.

The Man of the Match went to the goalkeeper, Charlie White, whose brilliant and crucial saves kept us alive in the game many times, and helped us claim the draw.

Hastings United FC are delighted to announce Park Holidays UK as the new sponsors of the Cole Warren Stand for the foreseeable future.

.

Park Holidays UK who are an award-winning provider of holiday parks covering England, Scotland and Wales with parks in both country and coastal locations are very much part of our local community with both their head office, employing over 200 people and 4 holiday parks within a stone’s throw of the Pilot Field.  Park Holidays offer great value family holidays and short breaks, with a selection of touring and camping too, along with a wide range of static caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges for sale.

Lorna White Commercial Manager for HUFC said  “We are very excited to be working with Park Holidays, to gain the support of another new well respected local business employing local people is a real boost and vital to the future of Hastings United Football Club and the vision we have for the future of the club. Thank you to Danny, Brad, Rachel and the team at Park Holidays UK for your support, we really do appreciate it“

Brad May, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Holidays UK, said: ‘We’re thrilled to partner with Hastings United FC and support the local community through this sponsorship of the Cole Warren Stand. As a business rooted in the area, with our head office and holiday parks nearby, it’s fantastic to collaborate with a club that shares our commitment to bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. We look forward to a successful partnership and wish Hastings United every success this season and beyond.’”

More than 50 Family Holiday Parks in the UK – Park Holidays UK