JOIN US FOR THE ALL-NEW HASTINGS MEANS BUSINESS QUARTERLY NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Kickstart your 2026 networking with a fresh, dynamic format designed to spark real conversations, real connections, and real opportunities.
Thursday 19th February 2026
Hastings United Sports & Social Club, Elphinstone Road, Hastings TN34 2XA
7:30am – 9:30am
Free on‑site parking
Tickets: Members: £15.00 Non‑Members: £18.00 + VAT
We’re excited to be teaming up with Cale Sinfield of Kangaroo Connections to bring you a revitalised Hastings Means Business Networking Club — built to help you meet more people, make better connections, and grow your local network with purpose.
What’s Happening
Breakfast & Networking; Fuel up with breakfast baps, pastries and unlimited tea/ coffee while you mix with local businesses, club directors and sponsors in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Tell the Room; Every attendee gets the chance to introduce themselves or share what’s new in their business.
Spotlight Feature (10 mins) Speaker Emma Pearce, Marketing Manager, Lightning Fibre— expect sharp insights from one of the region’s standout marketing leaders.
Be the first to hear about new developments at HUFC
Set your alarm, grab your business cards, and get ready — because HASTINGS really does MEANS BUSINESS!
Statement on behalf of Education Futures Trust Trustees & The Owners & Directors of Hastings United Football Club
HUFC and EFT are both committed to improving the sporting and educational facilities and opportunities for the community of Hastings and have recently been in discussion and subsequently agreed to collaborate on their proposed development plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of each organisation while providing the community of Hastings with a first-class sporting, educational and recreational Community Hub.
Proposed developments, which would be undertaken separately through the normal planning process and other relevant statutory and voluntary organisations, would nevertheless be complimentary and benefit from shared resources and facilities whenever possible.
An outline of each project is as follows:
EFT – Education Futures Trust are looking to secure significant investment to deliver an enhanced sporting infrastructure on the site. This will include the installation of a new floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch designed to accommodate one 7v7 football pitch, with the flexibility to be subdivided into two 5v5 pitches. This adaptable configuration will support a wide range of age groups, training formats, and community use. In addition, Education Futures Trust are seeking to undertake the resurfacing of the existing Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) to support alternative sports and inclusive recreational activities such as basketball, netball, and other community uses.
HUFC – Hastings United Football Club will seek to undertake the replacement of the existing grass pitch with a 3G pitch which will be rotated to a north south axis instead of the current east west axis. The installation of the new 3G pitch, with associated facilities, will be Phase1 of the Club’s Development Plan.
Further Phases of the development will include a new Main Stand, the installation of a new 9 x 9 3G pitch, Padel Courts and various ancillary facilities, e.g. new toilet facilities and a possible new fan zone. The final Phase will be the re-purposing or replacement of the existing Main Stand.
It is also the intention to create a Nature Trail around and through both sites for the benefit of the local community and this project has already been agreed by the EFT Trustees and HUFC Directors as an example of joint enterprise.
These developments will support structured player development pathways, competitive fixtures, training programmes, and community football initiatives, enhancing the overall capacity and versatility of both sites and in addition provide an opportunity for the development of further sporting and recreational opportunities.
The Firs site development directly responds to identified deficiencies in local sports provision, as set out in the Hastings Borough Council (HBC) Playing Pitch Strategy, which highlights a shortfall in accessible, high-quality football pitches and multi-sport facilities across the borough. The proposed development seeks to address this unmet demand by significantly increasing both the quantity and quality of provision, ensuring facilities are available to meet current and future community needs.
Collectively, the proposed facilities will play a meaningful role in tackling health inequalities within Hastings, where levels of physical inactivity and associated health outcomes are disproportionately high in certain communities. By providing accessible, modern, and inclusive sports facilities, the development will encourage increased participation in physical activity, support mental and physical wellbeing, and help remove barriers to engagement for young people and underrepresented groups.
The collaboration combines the educational and community-focused expertise of Education Futures Trust with the established football development pathways and outreach programmes of Hastings United Football Club. Together, the organisations seek to create a coordinated and sustainable sports and education environment that promotes physical wellbeing, youth development, and community engagement, through affordable and accessible activity and learning.
EFT & HUFC enjoy considerable support from across the community of Hastings including those from the Public Sector, Voluntary Sector and the Business community.
Both partners are committed to working jointly with local authorities, planning bodies, and local stakeholders to ensure that the development delivers long-term social value, aligns with local priorities, and meets relevant sustainability, safeguarding, and accessibility standards.
The development of the Firs and Pilot Field sites represents a significant opportunity to deliver a legacy that addresses identified gaps in provision, reduces health inequalities, and strengthens community cohesion through education and sport. We hope you will feel able to join us in this much needed and important contribution to the whole community.
Our next steps:
HUFC – currently engaged with a local Planning Consultant and other Professional Advisors on Phase 1 of the Project and preparing feasibility study on future development initiatives.
EFT – commissioning of a consultant to develop a project plan that meets Football Foundation expectations for 3G pitches, including technical design, site drawings, planning pathway, transport/parking assessment, business case, lifecycle and sustainability planning, match‑funding plan, and delivery strategy.
Signed on behalf of the EFT Trustees – Allison Baines – Chair of Trustees
Signed on behalf of HUFC Owners/Directors – Dean White – Chair of Directors
Signed on behalf of HUFC Staff & Volunteers – Ben White – General Manager
Signed on behalf of EFT Staff & Volunteers – Zoe Jackson – CEO & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Hastings United can confirm the departure of forward player James Stone, who has accepted an opportunity to join Burgess Hill Town FC in the division above.
James joined the club earlier this season and made an immediate impression, contributing five goals during his time at The Pilot Field.
While we are naturally disappointed to see him move on, we fully understand his decision to take the next step in his career. We wish James every success going forward and he will always be welcome back at Hastings United.
Altendorff has acted swiftly to bring in a replacement striker in the form of Lukas Franzen-Jones, who reunites with the manager for the third time in his career.
Lukas brings a proven goalscoring record, having scored 45 goals in 67 appearances for Newhaven FC and finishing as the SCFL Premier Division Golden Boot winner in the 2022/23 season. He followed that up with 28 goals in the Isthmian South East Division for Lancing FC during the 2023/24 campaign.
Those performances earned him moves to big clubs such as Margate FC, Leatherhead FC and most recently Lewes FC in the Isthmian Premier Division, where he added a further 18 goals to his name.
Lukas now arrives at Hastings United in a familiar partnership that has consistently brought the best out of his game. We look forward to seeing him at The Pilot Field and contributing more goals in claret and blue!
A huge thank you to our partners G.A.FABRICATIONS LTD for coming down to support the Hastings United Football Club Women’s Team at The Pilot Field
We’re incredibly proud to showcase the G.A. Fabrications logo on our warm-up tops – a visible reminder of the amazing backing we receive from local businesses.
A special thanks to Andrew James and Gareth for their continued support. Partnerships like yours allow us to keep providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds across our community to get involved in football.
For all your bespoke metal fabrication needs
Looking ahead at the coming weeks fixtures the U’s
𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 – 19/01 (Home)
U23’s v Herne Bay
KO 7:45
𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 – 19/01 (Away)
Bognor Regis Town v U18’s
𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 – 20/01 (Home)
Mens First Team v Crowborough Athletic Football Club
KO 7:45
~ hufc.onlineticketseller.com/events/142930
𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 – 24/01 (Home)
Mens First Team v AFC Whyteleafe
KO 3:00
~ hufc.onlineticketseller.com/events/142931
𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 – 25/01 (Away)
Montpelier Villa FC Women v Womens First Team
#COYU
We are now inviting HUFC Season Ticket holders to bring a guest for 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 v Crowborough Athletic next Tuesday.
There is no need for season ticket holders to book, just ensure your guest is with you when you arrive at the turnstile which will open at 6:30pm and we will scan your season ticket to gain access for the both of you.
#COYU
Our day began in the best possible way, with a Pre Academy Christmas morning on the Pilot Field pitch. The session was led by Jake Daniels and supported by several first team players, including club captain Bradley Barry, an inspiring experience for our young U’s and a brilliant way to kick start the festivities.
From there, it was into the Pilot Bar for food, presents and a visit from Santa himself, helped along by his friends from Hastings Fire Station, who kindly gave him a lift so Rudolph and the rest of the team could save their energy for the big day. He even had time to grant a Christmas wish for Club Director, Terry Cannon!
The afternoon then turned to football, as we welcomed Sheppey United FC and secured a thrilling 3–2 victory in our final home game of 2025.
We were also delighted to welcome residents, staff and family from Oakland Care’s Hastings Court Care Home. Four residents, alongside Sara B.’ daughter Primrose, accompanied our players out onto the pitch, a truly touching moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
A hugely rewarding occasion, celebrating both sides of life and the wonder, inspiration and connection that can be found in each. The spirit of Hastings United was on display for all to see.
A big thank you as well to our matchday sponsors Battle Brewery for their fantastic support and for supplying us with some brilliant new drinks 🍻
Merry Christmas, U’s!
Welcome to the latest Squad Update for our Mens and Womens First Teams
Following three wins in the last four games, we wanted to give you an update on where the men’s squad stands heading into this weekend’s game against Sheppey – Tap below for tickets
Three wins from three games was always going to bring renewed energy, and rightly so. A special note must go to the amazing travelling support at Margate, who brought so much energy to the day and played their part in an important 3–0 victory. While the defeat to Sevenoaks may have felt dampening, there will be some harsh lessons learned by Dave, the staff, and the players. However, one result does not need to cause panic or unsettle the good work that has been done to this point.
We have had fewer incoming players than were needed in October and November; however, we have welcomed Finlay Lovatt, Lorenzo, and most recently Dylan Pauw, who played at centre-half on Tuesday night. While Lovatt and Lorenzo are seen as longer-term signings, Dylan has been dual-registered from Roffey as additional cover as we work to get Dean Gunner, Charlie Paye, and hopefully Brad Barry back fit and firing. The absence of Eugene Asike on Tuesday may have panicked a few supporters; however, have no fear, ‘The General’ is simply visiting family back home for the festive period and will be back with us in a few games’ time.
Jamal Lubanga has departed the club by mutual consent, and we would like to wish our academy graduate all the very best going forward. Charlie Scarles has joined Bexhill United on loan, and in recent weeks Rusharr Samuel-Smirkle departed to rejoin Crowborough. Naturally, we wish all departing players the best and will keep a close eye on Charlie during his time at Bexhill United.
Regarding the Women’s Team, now is a good time to provide an update on progress this season. While ambitious in our goals, this campaign was always going to be one of trial and error, with many changes required both on and off the pitch. We are currently on course for a comfortable mid-table finish, and while that may not fully align with the ambition that the DNA of Hastings United demands, after two difficult seasons it represents progress in the right direction. We must get back to making Hastings United Women the hardest fixture in the league and turn winning into a habit which the staff are committed to long term.
In terms of departures, sadly Amelie Sebestyen leaves us as she returns home to Germany. She has been fantastic for the club during her short time here, and we wish her all the very best. On the incoming side, keep your eyes peeled as we look to be active over the coming weeks.
We are delighted to welcome Concept Vacuum Limited as a Gold Partner of Hastings United Football Club!
A huge thank you to James Keefe and Lucy Colgate for their incredible support in helping get this partnership off the ground. We are excited to work together and look forward to a fruitful and successful partnership ahead.
Concept Vacuum are specialists in vacuum forming solutions, providing high quality design, tooling and manufacturing services for a wide range of industries.
They are one of the many fantastic businesses in our local community, and now also one making a real difference by supporting our projects for the benefit of the local community as a valued partner.
Welcome to the U’s family, Concept Vacuum!
Support the U’s and be part of an exciting second half of the season by securing your Half Season Ticket today.
Your ticket begins with our opening fixture of 2026 against Crowborough Athletic on Saturday, January 3rd, and covers all remaining home league matches, including:
• AFC Whyteleafe
• Three Bridges
• Merstham
• East Grinstead Town
• Margate
• VCD Athletic
• Ashford United
• Our final home game vs Herne Bay on Saturday, April 18th
Early Bird Bonus: Purchase before 19th December and receive a FREE ticket to our final league game of 2025 against Sheppey United on Saturday, December 20th—with our compliments.
Men’s Half Season Ticket 25/26 season Offer
• £70.75 Adult ( £7.86 per game)
• £49.50 Concession * (£5.50per game)
Your half season ticket also includes entrance to all League home games involving the following teams. Men’s senior team Women’s senior team Under 23 men’s team Under 18 men’s team PLUS An invitation to bring a guest for FREE to 2 fixtures during the 2nd half of the season (Club to choose which games this will apply)
Our Sponsors
