Welcome to the May
Bulletin from Hastings United FC
As we all celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 we both remember and give thanks to all those players, staff, volunteers and fans of Hastings United FC who both served and gave their lives that we may enjoy our great Club today.
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
It was a tough ask coming in with Dean for the remaining 5 games and seeking to avoid relegation when the previous 37 games had put us in that position. However, I feel the group that Dean and myself worked with for those 5 games and over the course of training for those weeks were magnificent. Having 7 of the squad step up from the U18 for each match and to see some of the performances they put in shows the future is very exciting for them and Hastings United FC. Within the 5 games going to some real tough places like Canvey Island where we were the better team but could not convert our chances and Dover where we were really competitive and picked up a point after leading for a long period. This is testament to the hard work and belief the team had in what we were doing as a unit, I just wish we would have had another 5 games where I believe the season result may have been different.
The club must now prepare for the Isthmian South East where I feel itβs important to build on the culture Hastings United is renowned for and I can testify when it is right there is no better place to play football. I know the supporters will continue to give the team their support and this will be massive moving forward into 25/26 season where I hope the club will bounce straight back.
Lee Carey
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
Unbeaten in April. 3 games, 2 draws, 1 win, 2 clean sheets! Who would have thought that a month ago?
We started off the month against Top of the league Aylesford at Home. We gave our all, had opportunities to win against top of the league, who previously we lost 6-0 in the away fixture, to going toe to toe this time round. Only to concede from a corner. Amy Critchfield with our goal, a flick on from a corner. A fully deserved point after a slog of a season, shows how good we have been recently and all season the potential weβve had, finally hitting our strides.
We then faced local rivals Bexhill at The Pilot Field. 0-0 at half time, against a very underrated side. Before we came out flying in the second half, scoring 3 excellent goals through, Maddy Frances-Creaser, Priya Thapa and Rebecca Relf. 3-0 and 3 points, a great way to secure our safety.
We then last week went to 3rd placed Saltdean DS, where in the first half could of had 4 goals but unfortunately couldnβt get the final touches just right and 1 or 2 good pieces of goalkeeping and defending.
Chances in that game we dominated but possession not so much on the hottest day of the year so far. Managed to go back to back clean sheets for the first time this season and come away with a point against a very good side.
This season, we have been up against it for long periods of time, on and off the pitch. And these girls have been tremendous. They have been proper club players, theyβve dug in, never gave up and kept the club in the league which at one point looked near on impossible and I couldnβt be prouder of how they have gone about things.
2 more home fixtures to go, looking to finish in 7th place which would be an amazing achievement and one I believe these athletes deserve after all theyβve put in. Your support at home recently has been great for the girls and I know they would really appreciate one last push to finally get this very long season over the line.
PS β HUFC v Steyning Utd. Women Sunday 4th May β result 1 – 1
A great defensive performance today against a very good side. Despite going behind the U’s showed character to get back into the game through Phoebe Cowley’s well taken goal. Four unbeaten with one league game to go
Please come and support our Womenβs team in their final game of the season on Sunday 11th May, 3.30pm ko at the Pilot Field
Jason Tibble
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM
Hastings United Inclusive and Disability have got two more monthsβ worth of season games. 18th may and 8th June. May is extremely busy for the team as they travel up to Worthing this coming Sunday (4th May) for a tournament. May 10th sees the end of season presentation for them to celebrate another great season. 17th May sees a 11 a side game hosted at the pilot field against Eastbourne. 26th is our Hastings tournament. All in all, a very good month of football for them and something that they will look forward to, I’m sure. The growth is always getting bigger with potential new players coming in. The players have done so well in the league and come away with points nearly every visit up to Lancing. As manager and phase lead of the programme I couldn’t be happier and prouder of such a great group of players (youth team included). Two more months of this season then we will have a nice break before we crack down again for the 25/26 season. Well done Hastings United Inclusive and Disability team
Lewis Willard
Head of Hastings United Youth and Adults Inclusive and Disability Team
CLUB NEWS
FOCUS GROUP
Following the Fans Forum the Club has now established two Focus Groups to gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of various stakeholders including Fans and Fans with special interests and requirements. The Club is most grateful to the following fans for stepping forward to undertake helping in planning the future facilities and operations of the Club β
FANS FOCUS GROUP
Chris Laverick, Amy Millard, Sarah Millard James Lawton, Pete Grain, Ian Grant, Kev Towner, Jonathan Buckmaster
FAN INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY GROUP
Kev Towner, John Wills, James Lawton, Jack Kelly, Kevin Wishart, Stephen Wiggs
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The Focus Groups will look at various aspects of the Fans experience at home fixtures, from the facilities and amenities provided, merchandise, matchday sponsorship opportunities, food and drink etc. Please let any of the above have your thoughts and suggestions on what you feel would improve and enhance your matchday experience β (apart of course from the results!! β we must leave that to others) You are also welcome to email Robert.hodgson@hastingsunited.com β Thanks for our help
SEASON TICKETS – Details coming soon
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END OF SEASON AWARDS
We invite you to join us for our 24/25 End Of Season Awards
The awards night brings together our Disability Team, U18’s, Women’s & Men’s as well as celebrating the fantastic volunteers we have at our club that make it all happen
SATURDAY 10th MAY
7PM
HASTINGS UNITED SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB
FREE
COMMERCIAL MANAGMENT TEAM
We are pleased to confirm that Terry Cannon of WeComm has joined the Commercial team and will be the Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships and will support Hayley and Lorna.
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Paul Wilson of Play Sport has joined the Management Team as Facilities Manager and will also assist the Commercial team as we move forward with the development of the Club.
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We also welcome in support of the Commercial team Paul Goldsmith from our Website Partners Gold Pebble
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FEATURES / FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Help the Club by supporting the Summer Extravaganza β plenty of fun for all the family, food and drink, stalls, childrenβs entertainment
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This will be the last Bulletin for the 2024/25 Season β hope you have enjoyed the news and updates and have a great summer, take care, be safe and see you for 2025/26 as we take on the new challenges ahead
