Welcome to the July
Bulletin from Hastings United FC

Welcome to the July Bulletin from Hastings United FC

As we prepare for the new season ahead, we get the thoughts of our Team Managers and wish them all every success.

The Board of Directors also face the challenge of the Pilot Field re-development, and we hope to be able to present a further update on the plans early in the new season at a Fans Forum.

TEAM NEWS

MENS FIRST TEAM

Preparations for the 25/26 season are well underway and planning to the training schedule complete.

The squad is taking shape and there has already been a number of announcements with more to follow over the coming weeks of which I am sure the supporters will be very happy with. As the squad takes shape, I am excited to get pre-season underway and countdown to the 9th August where we start our Isthmian Southeast campaign. I am keen to have a great start to the campaign and carry that momentum through where we hope to be in contention of gaining promotion back to the Isthmian Premier. I look forward to seeing all you U’s soon. – Lee Carey

New signings to date – Brad Barry (Midfielder) and Club Captain – Tom Vickers (Midfielder) – Finn Holter (Keeper) – Dan Hull (Defender) – James Hull (Forward) – George Taggart (Midfielder) – Callum Barlow (Forward) – Dean Gunner (Defender)

Pre Season Friendlies

WOMENS FIRST TEAM

It’s great to be back at Hastings United and serve the club again as Women’s Manager. This month it’s been about making sure we have ourselves in a position to compete again. It’s important we have the right mix of staff, I have bought in Stefanos Akras as Assistant Manager, Todd Seavers as First Team Coach, Sam Piper as Physio and Joseph Knight as Video Analyst. All have worked with me in previous jobs, understand my standards, style of play and I know will work hard for the club to deliver. We had a successful meeting with the current playing staff, outlined our plans and objectives for this season, including our pre-season schedule.

With regards to new signings, do not expect an influx of players, we will be bringing in additional quality to help with what we have (maybe some faces of past success!), but we as a staff believe there is more to come from individuals in this group, with a bit more organisation and structure. We will also be working closely with Neil Cornwell who is the U18s lead this year, to support the progression of players in our Girls Academy. When we set the Girls section up four years ago it was always to develop players who either could go on to represent the First Team or beyond, and we hope we can continue this, but maintaining a competitive side and deliver successful Sundays again to The Pilot Field. – Billy Wood

Here is our pre-season schedule, we would love you to come and watch

13th July – Westfield (Away) – 2pm Kick Off (Note: This will be a U18s/First Team mixed team)

20th July – Ashford Town Middlesex (Away) – 2pm Kick Off

27th July – Newhaven (Away) – 2pm Kick Off

3rd August – Eastbourne (Home) – 2pm Kick Off

10th August – Sutton United (Home) Kick Off TB

INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM

Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team had a great season. We finished 4th with 8 points. Same points as last season, but last season we fought for every point getting them at the end of the season. We went up to lancing six times and came away with points every time apart from one visit. We look towards next season going on even stronger. We have hopefully five new signings for next season. Which are: Will Carey Shaun Hursey Edward Oliver Sam McLaughlan Lewis Richards We have some good talent coming in and will make this team even stronger. I believe next season will be our best one yet. More friendlies will be organised, hopefully we’ll play against Eastbourne at their ground again which again hopefully we will host them at the end of next season. More tournaments to look forward to as well. I honestly believe next season will be a great one and look forward to how they all progress. Will be keeping a close eye on the new signings and look forward to seeing them work.

247 Transport Solutions have confirmed that they will continue to provide, free of charge, a driver and minibus for the Team’s league fixtures at Lancing for the 2025/26 season. We are very grateful to 247 for their continued support of our Inclusive & Disability Team. – Lewis Willard

WALKING FOOTBALL

The walking footballers are looking forward to the new season with kit sponsors on-board.

Pension Bee will be sponsoring the HU first team and Rye Oil are looking after Hastings Hornets.

Both teams play in the East Sussex league and had middling seasons.

United player manager Mick Elliott is strengthening his squad and Hornets boss Paul Reardon is going to build on his highest points tally since the league formed four years ago.

The Hornets have taken on a new coach who is working on skills such as set pieces on a pre-season weekly basis.

The league kicks off in August.

Anyone over 50 (or women over 40) is invited to come train with the teams on Thursday nights or Saturday mornings.

Contact club secretary Tony by email on Tonyharris750@hotmail.com for more details.

CLUB NEWS

THE CLUB IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE AIR AMBULANCE KENT SURREY SUSSEX WILL BE OUR NEW CHARITY PARTNER FOR SEASON 2025/2026

This partnership is in recognition of the amazing care and treatment given to our lifelong supporter, Chris after a serious medical emergency at an away game.

As a Club we wanted to show our support and give thanks to this most worthwhile cause that relies on public donations.

Learn more about the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) below:

‘We are Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and we are committed to saving lives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Every life is important.

The world is unpredictable, and medical emergencies happen, changing lives forever. That’s why KSS has dedicated the last 35 years to saving lives and providing pre-hospital critical care. The charity is a vital part of your community. In 2023-2024 KSS were called to respond to a record number of missions, over 3,300 (3,382) incidents.

Time is critical.

We can reach patients by helicopter within just 30 minutes, often much faster.

When KSS arrives on scene, our patients are in critical need of emergency care. KSS clinical teams can deliver emergency anaesthesia, administer blood transfusions to patients suffering from life-threatening blood loss, and can perform lifesaving emergency chest and heart surgical procedures. They can do all of this at the side of a road, on a beach, in a park, in a patient’s own home – in all weathers, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

But we can’t do this without your support.

It costs it costs £56k per day to operate our world leading, lifesaving service, with 88% of our total income raised through the incredible generosity of our supporters.

Every life matters and with your support we can give every patient the best possible chance of survival and recovery.

Please support KSS and Hastings United, in our fight to save lives.’

THERE WILL BE A COLLECTION FOR KSS AT OUR FIRST HOME MATCH

FEATURES / FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Congratulations to our Women’s Team for their very competitive defence of their Knockout Challenge Trophy at this year’s event. Sadly, they did not quite manage to retain the trophy losing narrowly by 4 points to new Champions Ashdown Hurrey, who are one of the Club’s Business Partners. Thanks to all the teams that entered and made the day a great success.

The ‘ Cops & Robbers’ Women’s team – ‘We wuz robbed of our Trophy’

Two events coming up this Autumn:-

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.

More details to follow soon.

November – Fireworks evening – date to be confirmed shortly

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.

Welcome back to the Pilot Field

for the 2025/2026 Season

Hastings United Football Club is pleased to confirm our admission prices for the 2025/26 season.

There is a slight adjustment to our Men’s ticket prices, reflecting our awareness of the current financial climate and ensuring we continue to offer value for our supporters.

We’ve also revised the Women’s ticket structure as part of our ongoing commitment to investing in women’s football. As we head into our sixth season, we’re excited for the future and hopeful to see growing support from the stands once again.

Don’t forget, a HUFC Season Ticket gives you access to:

• All Men’s league games

• All Women’s, Men’s U23, and U18 league fixtures throughout the 25/26 season!

At just £155, it’s incredible value, you’re effectively getting 7 league games FREE!

We can’t wait for another season at The Pilot Field, and we hope to see you backing all of our teams , both on and off the pitch!

#COYU

INTRODUCING THE 25/26 HASTINGS UNITED AWAY KIT

This is the brand new pro level matchday day replica shirts for Hastings United FC. This is the club’s away shirt and is made from a cool drying polyester. The replica shirt come’s fully branded with the club logo to the chest and with club sponsor Kurt J Lesker to the front. There is also a “UNITED” motif to the nape of the neck and secondary sponsor Triangle Fire to the back. This shirt has a fully sublimated front panel and full mesh back panel for excellent ventilation.

Our Academy, Inclusive & Disability Team along with First Team players loved modelling the kit around the town

Thank you goes to Macron Sports Hub – Hastings for producing the kit

Click HERE to grab yourself one

Also a massive thank you to our our front of shirt sponsors Kurt J Lesker Company

Our back of shirt sponsors Triangle Fire Systems

Hastings United are delighted to announce the signing of George Taggart

Taggart, a creative midfielder rejoins the club following spells at Eastbourne United, Eastbourne Town, Whitehawk and Lancing

George Taggart:

“I’m delighted to be signing for Hastings. After speaking with Lee and seeing the calibre of players coming in, it was an easy decision. Looking forward to contributing to a successful season.”

Lee Carey:

“Signing Tags adds to a real creative midfield, he is someone who can take the ball in areas and create goal scoring opportunities for himself and others. Also again was a real straight forward conversation as George wants to be at Hastings United and do his best for this football club. I am really looking forward to working with him and unlocking more of that creative potential.”

Hastings United are delighted to announce the signing of striker, Callum Barlow who joins from Whitehawk.

Barlow, who was part of our Academy set up has gone on to become a powerful nine, scoring 35 goals for Eastbourne United, earning himself moves to Bognor Regis, Whitehawk and a brief spell at The ‘U’s last year.

Callum Barlow:

“It’s good to be back at Hastings and I’m looking forward to getting to work. After speaking with Lee, I am excited for the plans this season, Hastings is a great club and it’s such a top feeling scoring at The Pilot Field. Looking forward to delivering the goals for the supporters this season.”

Lee Carey:

“I am pleased to bring Callum back to The Pilot Field after what was a really short period last time, but those things happen in football. He is fully focused on building for the long term and I believe that with both Callum and James we have two forwards that are more than capable of scoring 20+ goals each at this level.”

INTRODUCING THE 25/26 HASTINGS UNITED THIRD KIT

This is the brand new pro level matchday day replica shirts for Hastings United FC. This is the club’s third shirt and is made from a cool drying polyester. The replica shirt come’s fully branded with the club logo to the chest and with club sponsor Kurt J Lesker to the front. There is also a “UNITED” motif to the nape of the neck and secondary sponsor Triangle Fire to the back. This shirt has a fully sublimated front panel and full mesh back panel for excellent ventilation.

Our Academy, Inclusive & Disability Team along with First Team players loved modelling the kit around the town

Thank you goes to Macron Sports Hub – Hastings for producing the kit

Click HERE to grab yourself one

Also a massive thank you to our our front of shirt sponsors Kurt J Lesker Company

Our back of shirt sponsors Triangle Fire Systems

Hastings United are delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Brad Barry. The former Swindon Town, Chesterfield, Barrow, and Stevenage player joins from Eastbourne Borough, where he served as club captain for the past two years.

A tenacious and commanding presence on the pitch, Barry brings proven leadership and determination to the team. The Hastings-born midfielder now returns to his hometown club, where he will also take on the role of club captain.

Brad Barry:

“I’m home, simple as that. For me this wasn’t a hard decision to be playing for my hometown club. I cannot wait to get Hastings United back where we belong.”

Lee Carey:

“For me to bring Brad to his hometown club and to name him as club captain is a privilege. We had to fight off multiple clubs to secure Brad’s signature but after having multiple meetings he feels this is the perfect opportunity for him and we will 100% get the rewards. I believe Brad will be a massive part of the club’s next chapter, driving the club forward with his character and high standards. An invaluable asset to both the group and I.”

Hastings United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of combative midfielder Tom Vickers.

Vickers, a well-known character amongst Sussex football returns to The Pilot Field after spells at Bexhill United, Newhaven and lastly Eastbourne Town in the Isthmian South East last season.

Tom Vickers:

“I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to come back and play for my hometown club. A very exciting group of players is being assembled of new and old faces, we can’t wait to get going!”

Lee Carey:

“As soon as I got the Managers job I reached out to Vickers. One of the best technicians I have played with over the years, and I know first hand he can drive the culture I believe Hastings United is all about. He knows what it means to represent his hometown club, I and the backroom staff are really looking forward to working with him.”

Hastings United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Finn Holter, who joins us from neighbours Eastbourne Borough.

Holter, who made his National League South debut last season for The Sports kept 2 clean sheets and was unbeaten between the sticks in his 4 league games for Adam Murray’s men. Finn also had spells on loan at Burgess Hill Town and Three Bridges.

Finn Holter:

“Hastings has always been a club close to my heart as I was there as a youngster. I cannot wait to get started and help the club get back to where it belongs.”

Lee Carey:

“Finn is an exciting young goalkeeper and being full time at Eastbourne Borough the last two years would’ve been massive for his development. I am sure he is excited by the opportunity of playing week in week out and I am sure we will see the best of him next season.”

Welcome to the Pilot Field

#COYU

Hastings United are delighted to announce the return of Dan and James Hull.

Dan Hull, a composed left sided centre half joins back with The ‘U’s following spells in the Isthmian League with Lancing and Eastbourne Town.

Forward James Hull, a member of our Isthmian South East League winning side of 2021/22 rejoins the club following spells at Lancing, Eastbourne Town and Eastbourne United.

Both players came through our Academy, with James picking up the U23 Sussex Cup and Isthmian League also.

Dan Hull:

“I am buzzing to be back home; this club will always have a special place in my heart, and I am so glad to be back and looking forward to working with Lee. Our aim is to get the club back where it belongs. Up The ‘U’s.”

James Hull:

“I couldn’t be more excited to get back into a Hastings shirt and be representing my boyhood club again. Hastings has always had a special place in my heart, playing seven years within the academy, making my first team debut and being part of the league winning side in 21/22. After I left it has been a goal of mine to return to the club and I couldn’t think of a better time to do it. I can’t wait to get going and see all the fans again! COYU.”

Lee Carey:

“To be honest I was 30 seconds into conversations with both Dan and James when they politely interrupted and said, “Lee we want to play for Hastings”. These are two lads who have come through the club, played for the first team, then went off on their journey and return to us with vital experience at this level. Dan is a left footed, combative centre half and James has proven he is a goal scorer. With those qualities as players, but also as men, they will give us the foundations we are looking for.”