It’s time to vote for your Hastings United 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒 & 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐒 First Team Player Of The Season
Vote by emailing players name to adam.smith@hastingsunited.com
Voting closes at 9pm on Thursday 30th April
We are delighted to announce that Sword Fixings Ltd are continuing their support for Hastings United Football Club as a business partner for the forthcoming 26-27 season.
Sword Fixings are a specialist glazing company, installing high quality security rated windows for all sorts of different builds. Working with you to offer a first-class service throughout the whole installation, Sword Fixings ethos is to deliver exceptional levels of service, whilst retaining their traditional value.
Thank you to Dan, Zara and the team at Sword Fixings for your ongoing support for Hastings United FC, it really is appreciated. . To find out more about Sword Fixings visit: Window Installation Specialits
JOIN US FOR THE NEXT HASTINGS MEANS BUSINESS QUARTERLY NETWORKING BREAKFAST
We’re back with a fresh, dynamic format designed to spark real conversations, real connections, and real opportunities for local businesses.
Thursday 21st May 2026
Hastings United Sports & Social Club, Elphinstone Road, Hastings TN34 2XA
7:30am – 9:30am
Free on‑site parking
Tickets
- Members: £15.00 + VAT
- Non‑Members: £18.00 + VAT
Here is the Link to buy tickets: Hastings United Football Club, we do hope you can join us.
Hosted by Cale Sinfield of Kangaroo Connections, our revitalised Hastings Means Business Networking Club has been built to help you meet more people, make better connections, and grow your local network with purpose.
What to Expect
Breakfast & Networking
Kickstart your morning with breakfast baps, pastries, and unlimited tea/coffee while you connect with local businesses, club directors, and sponsors in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Tell the Room
Every attendee gets the chance to introduce themselves or share what’s new in their business — a perfect opportunity to raise your profile.
Spotlight Feature (10 mins)
May Speaker: Paul Goldsmith, Web Design & Development Expect sharp insights from one of the region’s standout marketing leaders.
Exclusive HUFC Updates
Be the first to hear about new developments at Hastings United Football Club.
Set your alarm, grab your business cards, and get ready — because HASTINGS really does MEAN BUSINESS.
Hastings United Football Club were delighted to support The Conquest Hospital’s Football Shirt Friday fundraiser for bowel cancer. The event took place in the hospital’s restaurant, where staff and visitors were encouraged to wear their favourite football shirts to show their support.
Jo Clark General Manager Friends of Conquest Hospital CIO & Martin Gurney Catering Services Manager, Conquest Hospital
Chloe Winchester, winner of the Hastings United FC prize draw for a replica shirt, will receive her prize at the much‑anticipated charity football match between staff from the Conquest, Hastings, and the DGH, Eastbourne. The game will be held at Hastings United FC on Saturday 10th May as part of The Big Kick-Off: Family Football Fun Day in aid of the Friends of the Conquest Hospital. Family Football Fun Day 2026 – The Friends of Conquest Hospital
Football Shirt Friday is a national campaign that invites people to wear a football shirt on a designated Friday to support the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. By turning football fandom into a visible show of solidarity, the campaign helps spark conversations, raise awareness, and encourage donations for bowel cancer research.
The initiative honours Bobby Moore OBE, England’s 1966 World Cup‑winning captain, who died of bowel cancer in 1993 at the age of 51. The fund created in his name has grown into a long‑running platform for research and awareness, with Football Shirt Friday becoming one of its most recognisable annual events.
To find out more or to donate, visit: Football Shirt Friday | Cancer Research UK
You’re warmly invited to a relaxed early evening gathering at the Polgrove Sports Bar on Tuesday 12th May
Thank you to Paul, Stacy and the team at Poppypac for their sponsorship and on going support for Hastings United FC and our Inclusive & Disability and Foundation teams.
“Poppypac are a family-owned logistics provider offering flexible warehousing, fulfilment and transport solutions. With years of expertise, they ensure that your inventory is managed with precision and care, helping businesses streamline their supply chain. We understand that every business has a unique storage and logistics needs“
That’s why they offer customised solutions to support your operations, whether you require short-term storage, long-term fulfilment, or nationwide transport services.
Poppypac provide nationwide delivery with expert freight management, ensuring your shipments arrive on time and in perfect condition. With tailored transport services for specialised needs and flexible transport options to meet deadlines.
Poppypacs clean and secure warehouse accommodates items of any type, size, and value. Whether you need pallet storage, block storage, or specialised inventory management, they have the right solution for you. With 9 loading bays Poppypac can manage anything from parcels or pallets storage to 20’ and 40’ shipping containers, with loose and palletised cargo.
Poppypacs fulfilment services ensure that your products are picked, packed, and shipped with accuracy and speed. We can handle everything from container devanning to labelling and kitting, ensuring seamless logistics.
* Storage and logistics based in Hastings, East Sussex
* Expertise you can trust
* Customer-Centric approach
* Advanced ERP system with full traceability
* 109,000 sq feet secure ambient warehouse
* Pallet or Block storage
* Container de-vanning, re-palletising and fulfilment
* Distribution to most of Britain on a next day basis
Let Poppypac Logistics handle your warehousing, fulfilment, and transport needs with precision and care. Contact us today for a quote! Please email logistics@poppypac.co.uk or call us on 01424 232400.
Along with our amazing U’s faithful we’re expecting over 200 pupils, parents, guardians, and teachers, and we’ve packed the day with entertainment from start to finish.
𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, the brilliant CarysMai will be performing live in the Pilot Bar. We’ll be running our £𝟰‑𝗽𝗲𝗿‑𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 (1:30 – 2:30 and 5:00 – 6:00pm)
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 will begin with a bang — colour cannons and flame machines courtesy of Griffin Fireworks
We’re also excited to welcome our Mascots & Ball Boys from Pass & Move.
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡…
One U East Sussex will be on site offering healthy‑lifestyle advice.
The Kent Eagles Speedway Team will deliver a 10‑minute display and showcase their bikes in front of the main stand.
And at half‑time, enjoy on‑pitch entertainment from our Pre Academy.
All this along with our usual matchday features of great food including homemade favourites, speciality coffees and pastries, ice creams, merchandise shop and much much more
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝗡𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙…
VCD Athletic
28th March
3pm
The Pilot Field, TN34 2AX
Pitching In Isthmian League
Adult £12 | Concessions £8 | Under 16 FREE
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW ~ hufc.onlineticketseller.com/events/151609
Hastings United Football Club and East Sussex College are delighted to announce the extension of their successful partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to developing aspiring student athletes while delivering high-quality education and pathways to success
As the education partner, East Sussex College delivers the academic curriculum, student support, and pastoral care that underpin the programme’s success. The partnership ensures that young people can pursue their football ambitions while studying recognised sport and related qualifications within a structured, supportive college environment.
The renewed agreement builds on years of effective collaboration, including the delivery of the U19 Full-Time Football and Education Programme through the Hastings United FC. This programme combines elite-level coaching, competitive match experience, and accredited academic qualifications, and access to wider enrichment opportunities, helping young players balance their sporting ambitions with strong educational foundations.
Since the partnership’s started back in 2017, it has supported numerous students in progressing both on and off the pitch. Notable successes include former students advancing to professional clubs both as players and coaches, while the programme continues to produce well-rounded individuals equipped for careers in football and beyond.
Key elements of the extended partnership include:
Continued joint delivery of high-quality sport and related qualifications through East Sussex College, integrated within a professional football club environment.
Structured academic support, pastoral care, and progression guidance for all student-athletes.
Enhanced opportunities for male and female students to train and compete at a high level within a Football Club setting.
Community outreach initiatives, work experience placements, sports enrichment opportunities and events that bring the club and college closer to local residents
Continued sponsorship and branding presence for East Sussex College at Hastings United FC.
Ben White, Hastings United FC, said:
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with East Sussex College. This collaboration has been instrumental in nurturing local talent and providing young people with real opportunities to succeed in football and education. By working together, we continue to make a positive impact on our community and develop the next generation of players for our club.”
Rebecca Conroy, CEO & Principal of East Sussex College, Said:
“For nearly a decade, this partnership has enabled young people to grow not only as athletes, but as confident, capable, and career-ready individuals. We are incredibly proud to continue this collaboration and remain firmly committed to creating outstanding opportunities for learners across Hastings and East Sussex. Together, we are shaping pathways that demonstrably transform futures.”
The extended partnership underscores both organisations’ dedication to grassroots football, youth development, and community engagement in Hastings and across the South East.
The 2024/25 season saw Hastings United Inclusive and Disability First Team finish fourth out of five teams, securing eight points.
Throughout much of the campaign, the squad operated with the minimum seven players required, and on occasion had only one substitute available.
Since then, the team has made significant progress in strengthening squad depth. We now consistently attend our 7v7 league fixtures with approximately 12 players, providing greater stability and competitiveness.
At the conclusion of the season, we held a post-season meeting to outline our objectives for 2025/26 and beyond. A key focus of discussion was how to improve performance and sustainability. Our priorities included recruiting new players, developing our youth pathway, and placing a stronger emphasis on achieving success within the adult league competition.
Having remained on eight points for two consecutive seasons, our immediate objective was clear: to surpass that total and begin a measurable upward trajectory.
To support this ambition, we established a structured three-year plan:
• 2025/26 Season: Achieve a 3rd place finish or higher
• 2026/27 Season: Compete for and secure 2nd place
• 2027/28 Season: Challenge for and win the league title
I am proud to confirm that in the 2025/26 Championship season, the team achieved its target, finishing 3rd out of five teams with 10 points. The players demonstrated outstanding determination and commitment, delivering exactly the progress we set out to achieve.
Attention now turns to the upcoming cup competitions over the next two months. Beginning in April in Worthing, we will compete in a series of fixtures, with the final scheduled to take place in Lancing in May should we progress. These matches provide another valuable opportunity to test ourselves and continue building momentum.
Securing third place represents an important milestone for the Inclusive and Disability Team. It reinforces that we are capable of competing effectively within our league and continuing to close the gap on our rivals.
Most importantly, Hastings United continues to provide an inclusive environment where players of all abilities can access and enjoy football. For many of our players, this opportunity may not otherwise be available. Seeing them participate in and enjoy the sport they love remains our greatest achievement.
We will continue to build, develop, and expand this fantastic team, and we look forward with confidence to the seasons ahead.
Lewis Willard – Head of Inclusive and Disability Team – Hastings United
We are delighted to announce the signing of attacking midfielder Max Walsh
Max joins the U’s to bolster our squad for the important season run in. Max was a big part of the Margate team who reached the playoffs last season, scoring 16 goals along the way.
Dave Altendorff :- “Max is a player I’ve tracked for some time, since he was at East Grinstead. He’s always stood out to me when we’ve faced him. He’s technically excellent, physically he’s in great condition, and he’s a goalscorer which is exactly what we need right now. He doesn’t shirk away from the defensive side of the game either and works extremely hard for the team. He’s a great lad too and will fit in well with the group”
Max Walsh :- “I spoke with the manager and the club this week and the plans for the future are something I wanted to be part of. I’m looking forward to joining the group this week and playing my part in taking Hastings back up to where the club should be“
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone and making my debut in front of the home fans on Saturday against East Grinstead“
Join us at The Pilot Field on Saturday to meet Max as we take on East Grinstead
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