Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of Freya Hollister.
Hollister goes into her second full season with The ‘U’s having played 18 times last season.
Freya Hollister:
“Excited for up coming season can’t wait to see what the team can accomplish.”
Billy Wood:
“Freya is great to have around the squad as she brings so much energy and is always a positive part of the squad. On the pitch she has really excelled and has been one of the stand out consistent performers of pre season. She is really understanding the changes we want to make and is making the team transition that much easier.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the signing of Ruby Buss.
The former Academy striker joins up with The ‘U’s following a stint at Ashford United.
Ruby Buss:
“I’m looking forward to my first season with Hastings United Women and being pushed to my full potential, playing alongside a great bunch of women at the club who have made me feel welcome.”
Billy Wood:
“This is one I’m really delighted with, Ruby is a proper tenacious and technical player, and emphasises the Hastings grit. She’s been at the club in the Academy before and I’m so happy she has come back to be part of the senior squad. What a way to introduce herself as well with a free kick on her debut!”
Welcome to the August
Bulletin from Hastings United FC
All at the Club are excited and looking forward to the challenge for all our teams in the 2025/2026 season and we hope to see you all back again with your fantastic support.
We welcome our new U’s and the retained players and the new Management teams.
The next year will be challenging for the Club and staff as we look to renew the Pilot Field with various developments including a 3G pitch and new Stand. The strength of the Club has always been the incredible fans and local community and this year, more than ever, we need your support in highlighting the need for the new facilities.
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
As we move into August everything will be in preparation for Erith Town in our first league game of the season. Slight frustration that we go into that with a couple of injuries to members of the squad and a holiday that was pre booked but we are monitoring the squad and could be 1 or 2 late additions. Looking back at July and our pre-season games there have been positives and key areas where we need to improve. If you ask any manager that is what pre-season is like every year. Both management team and the lads are really looking forward to kicking off the 25/26 campaign in front of the Hastings faithful. COYU
Lee Carey – Hastings United First Team Manager
9th August – home to Erith Town
13th August – home to Eastbourne Town 19.45pm
23rd August – match v Hassocks FC is postponed due to cup competition
25th August – away to Crowborough
30th August – away to Sheppey United
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
It’s been a really positive month for our Women’s team. Training has been excellent, and the consistency in player availability has made a real difference. Having the squad together regularly has allowed us to clearly set out our expectations and style of play, and it’s starting to pay off. We’ve had two friendlies so far, against Ashford Town and Newhaven, and both brought plenty of positives. We’re seeing more confidence on the ball and more aggression off it. The Newhaven game was a great example, with goals coming from the way we’re now set up both in and out of possession. When I took the job, I was told we’d need 8–9 new players just to be competitive. Instead, we’ve backed the talent already here, added a couple of smart signings (with maybe one or two more to come), and trusted that this group can step up. Most importantly, the atmosphere in training and among the staff and players is the best I’ve experienced here. That energy and belief will go a long way this season. We’d love to see as many of you as possible down at The Pilot Field for all our home games. Your support means everything.
Billy Wood – Hastings United Women’s Team Manager
17th August – home to Sevenoaks Town
24th August – home to Ashmount Leigh
31st August – away to Bognor Regis Town
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM
The Inclusive and Disability team have had very successful training sets. We’ve looked into a more technical feel with better footwork which has progressed massively. Although friendlies haven’t happened during off season we are in talks with teams like Folkstone, Seaford and hopefully 1066 in the next few months to arrange 11 a side friendlies and hopefully 1066 will welcome us back to allow our youth players some experience in match game scenarios as well. We are in our third season in the championship in the Sussex FA disability league. With the talent we have and the new talent coming in, I am confident, after seeing these players play that we could push for a higher finish in the table. My objective throughout the season is to get the name Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team out and really showcase the amazing brilliance this team can accomplish. I am so proud of this team, that I am looking forward to another season with these amazing players and seeing them play to their best, which I know they can do. Up the ‘U’s
Lewis Willard – Head of Hastings United Youth and Adults Inclusive and Disability Team
WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM
The new season for our Walking Football teams starts in September. Hastings will be fielding two teams in the Southern Combination League (East) and a third team in the Over 60s League. The pre-season got off to a great start for the 060s with a 3-1 win away to Bexhill Senior Side. Super striker David Tasker – known to his squad as Beaky – notched a second half hat-trick to get his eye in for the new season. And for the third year running The Beakster was the Club’s Golden Boot with a splendid tally of 16 goals for last season. He picked up his Trophy at our awards night in the Social Club and rubbed shoulders with the other winners: Our Over 60s team was presented with their League runners up trophies. Newcomer of the Year was Richard Leech who’s proving to be a formidable right back in the Hornets’ side. Paul Reardon – the H’s Player-Manager was named Clubman of the Year for his excellent contribution both on and off the pitch last season. Alan Brown was awarded the Hornet of the Year Trophy for a season where he battled tirelessly up front and only broke his duck with a goal in the very last game! He has promised more goals this year. And the night’s top award went to Mick Elliott- the first team Player-Manager who recovered from a heart attack early in the Season to lift his team off the bottom for a comfy mid-table finish. He was voted the Players’ Player of the Year.
Anyone over 50 can join us. We train Thursday Nights at the William Parker indoor centre and Saturdays at the Ark Academy in St Leonards.
Email Club Sec Tony at tonyharris750@hotmail.com for more details.
Photos show the Over 60s team and Mick Elliott getting his award.
CLUB NEWS
Presentation of the Club’s proposed development was made to interested parties at Parliament by kind invitation of our MP Helena Dollimore
The Presentation has been shared with the Fans Focus Group and the Inclusive & Disability Focus Group and Fans can get further information from Group members or by email to robert.hodgson@hastingsunited.com
We need your assistance in supporting our campaign for investment and funding.
Helena has said – ‘Hastings is one of 75 towns to be awarded £20m in funding as part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods. This Labour Government has rightly said that the money should be spend on the priorities of local people, whether that is broken pavements, broken bus shelters, trying to open up important community venues like St Mary in the Castle, fixing up football facilities, or something else.
I will be pushing to make sure money is spent wisely and for the voices of local people to be heard when deciding what it should be spent on. More than 200 people have already been in touch to share their ideas with me.’
Please visit Helena’s website and help the Club by asking that support be given for improved football and sports facilities at the Pilot Field. Thank You
Deputy Leader of HBC Cllr. Julie Hilton commented after the meeting ‘Just following up your very exciting presentation regarding your development plans for Pilot Field and HUFC with Helena on Monday. Thank you so much for inviting us. I fed back to Councillor Glenn Haffenden, Council Leader, and we are both very supportive of your ambitions for the plans to benefit the wider community as well as the exciting developments at Pilot Field. Ben spoke very powerfully of the wider impact the club can have beyond ‘just football’ and breaking down barriers to participation.’
This year the Club is in recognition of Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance and their assistance given to United fan Chris Taylor at the Chatham fixture.
They will be in attendance at our first League match with Erith Town and will be having a bucket collection. Please support them and remember to bring some cash with you. Thanks
The Club is also pleased to announce that part of the rear wall of the Cole Warren Stand will now have a space allocated as a Remembrance Wall and the Plaque in memory of Chris will be unveiled before the kick off at the above match.
Finally on Club News – a huge thank you to all the fans who helped with this years summer maintenance and getting the ground ready for the new season
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are pleased to invite you to join the Hastings United Media Team
We have the following roles available
Matchday PA Announcer – Be the Voice of The Pilot We’re on the lookout for a passionate, energetic volunteer to bring The Pilot Field to life. From naming the starting line-ups to shouting out goal scorers, sponsors, and our Player of the Match — you’ll be centre stage every game. If you’ve got a big voice, love football, and want to be part of Hastings’ matchday heartbeat, we want to hear from you. It’s your time on the mic!
Hospitality Bar Staff – The VIP Matchday Experience Starts With You Help us raise the bar. Literally. We’re looking for friendly, proactive volunteers to serve drinks and bring a buzz to our hospitality suite on matchdays. You’ll be key to delivering a great experience for our VIP guests — from local partners to club legends. It’s a brilliant way to get closer to the club, meet brilliant people, and be part of something new.
Does this sound like something that you can do, Can you add something to the fan enjoyment
Features/Forthcoming Events
You can also help by supporting our events so why not join us for these Autumn evenings
Saturday 27th September at the Hastings Sports & Social Club – The Elvis Show featuring a Charity Casino night in aid of KISS and local charity the Sara Lee Trust. Enjoy entertainment from one of the UK’s leading Elvis impersonators Trevor Dodson. Trevor is one of the UK’s leading professional Elvis Tribute Acts/Elvis Impersonators entertaining at public and private functions across the UK. Trevor is supported by the fabulous local entertainer Ritchie Lee. You can also play the Casino tables – Black Jack, Roulette and Dice (Craps) with professional dealers and even try your hand at Poker.
Tickets are £10 and include ten chips to get you started on the tables.
Friday 14th November – Fireworks evening
A firm favourite at the Club and this year we team up with Battle Bonfire Boys to bring you a whole new style presentation of our ever popular Fireworks evening.
Tickets for both events available from Online Ticket Seller
Hastings United can confirm the retention of Emily Cartwright.
Emily joined The ‘U’s in the 2022/23 season, the attacking player stays at the club for her fourth season.
Emily Cartwright:
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to say I’ll be staying for Hastings. The connection we all have as a team is a blessing, i’m excited to see where this season leads us all. I’m committed to giving my all on the field and contributing to our success.”
Billy Wood:
“I originally signed Emily and she showed a lot of promise back then, coming into pre season she has certainly matured as a player and I’m hoping we can get the best out of her higher up the pitch. Her talent is obvious and I think this could really be a break out season for her.”
Hastings United are happy to announce the retention of Chloe Denny.
Denny, all action midfielder has been with The ‘U’s for the past two seasons and was ever present last year.
Chloe Denny:
“I am really enjoying pre season, it’s been tough but feel as a team we are really responding to what is asked from us. It’s a great bunch and feel like we have a new energy going into this year and will do my all to play my part.”
Billy Wood:
“Unlike a lot of the other players, this is the first time I have got to work with Chloe, she gives us a different option in the centre of midfield. She isn’t afraid to get stuck in and is buying into the high intensity we are demanding from the group. I am expecting her to kick on this year.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of Rebecca Relf.
Relf, originally joined The ‘U’s in 2020 as part of the launch of the team, captaining the side to SCWGFL Premier success, winning the division at our first attempt.
Rebecca Relf:
“Hastings will always have a very special place in my heart, I love this club and the girls. Ready to work hard, give my all & hopefully contribute to a more successful season! #COYU”
Billy Wood:
“Relf has come back into training I would say probably in the best shape I remember, with a real hunger to give it all to help us get back to where the club wants to be. She gives us natural balance, gets my style of play and will play a big role this season in driving that.”
This years Season Tickets are in and available for collection
The next opportunity for you to collect your season ticket will be on Tuesday 5th August between 6:00pm and 7:30pm at The Pilot Field
Our Mens First Team will also be training from 6:30pm on Tuesday so why not pop along and grab your season ticket and take in a bit of training ahead of our opening fixture on Saturday 9th August
When collecting please ensure you have your confirmation email either on your phone or printed off. If a concession has been ordered please proof of your eligibility.
A massive thank you to Online Ticket Seller for sponsoring this years tickets
Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of Naomi Corrigan.
Corrigan, enters her 5th season with Hastings United, having made appearances for The ‘U’s.
Naomi Corrigan:
“Delighted to stay at the club, pre season has been really good so far and everyone is working hard. Hope to play my part in the club having a successful season.”
Billy Wood:
“Nay can play in a few positions, which could become valuable this season as we will no doubt have absentees/injuries across the squad. So that flexibility will help us maintain our standard. She is working hard in training, performing well and we hope can really play her part in us stepping things up.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce Amy Critchfield will be staying at The Pilot Field
Amy, a commanding centre back who joined from Worthing has played 24 times for The ‘U’s over 3 seasons having relocated to Loughborough for University returns back to the south east coast.
Amy Critchfield:
“I’m excited to have decided to stay at Hastings this season. The girls are such a special group and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build on. Pre season is off to a great start and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve.”
Billy Wood:
“This is such an important signing, just like her sister, Amy has helped the club out where she can across the last few seasons. A quality centre back who we are delighted has picked staying here with other options higher up in the pyramid available. It’s no secret I wanted to sign Amy back in 2021 and to now back from university to get to work with Amy this season is just another boost to our long term plans.”
Hastings United are delighted to announce the retention of Megan Critchfield.
Megan, joined the club in 2021, where she was named ‘Young Player of the Year’ not only is retained, but has also steps up as Club Vice Captain.
Megan Critchfield:
“I’m happy to be staying at Hastings for another season. It means a lot to be part of a group of girls who’ve stuck together through some tough times, now we’re ready to build on that and keep pushing forward as a team with the support of the club.”
Billy Wood:
“I am absolutely delighted to keep Meg at the club. She has for the past three seasons been at university and has always come down to bail the team out playing in crucial games when needed.
It feels like the right time to put Meg into the role of Vice Captain, as she will be such a key part of the club both on and off the pitch.”
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