WEEKLY BULLETIN – 12TH MARCH
FA UPDATE
The FA have issued the following update:
We know many clubs and leagues are awaiting confirmation on DCMS guidance regarding spectators and secondary spend. Our latest understanding is as follows:
Spectators – unfortunately, the current understanding at DCMS is that spectators for non-elite football will be under the same categorisation as outlined for all spectators in the roadmap. Therefore, unless informed otherwise we believe all fixtures will need to be behind closed doors until no earlier than May 17th, except for any person(s) spectating for safeguarding purposes.
Hospitality – the roadmap indicates that outdoor hospitality will be allowable no earlier than April 12th however, the guidance is clear that any outdoor hospitality customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’) only.
We are still waiting the publication of the DCMS guidance.
Clubs are reminded that failure to follow any government guidance could be in breach of gathering legislation in force at any time.
TICKETING UPDATE BY CHRIS NEWBOLD
2020-21 Season Ticket Holders Update
As you will now be aware, the decision was taken by the Leagues to declare their 2020/21 season as curtailed, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and its implications. The Club’s Management Committee has discussed this outcome and the resultant matters that have arisen.
We managed to host only three home League games during the curtailed season. So as a result of this, we have decided that your 2020/21 season tickets will be valid in full for the 2021/22 season programme of league games. It’s the least we can do to show you how much we truly value your support during these past two very difficult “seasons” and how much we cannot wait to see you all back at Top Field as soon as is possible. We hope that it might be possible to arrange a couple of friendlies before what would have been the end of the 2020/21 season…we will keep you posted with this.
You will not need to do anything to renew your tickets – just turn up as usual, present your bar code as normal for scanning and it will be…welcome back to Top Field!
We would be able to issue a refund on your ticket if you required this, although we hope that you will all want to follow your team in what we hope will be a full, uninterrupted 2021/22 season. We will also be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the start of the FA Cup competition and the original Hitchin team’s participation in it, and with a very promising young team that finished the curtailed season in an excellent position, it could be something special! Anyone wishing to seek a refund should contact clubadmin@hitchintownfc.club.
Ticket Prices for 2021/22 Season
We are also pleased to announce that our season ticket prices for next season will remain unchanged for any new purchases. This will remain at £185 Adult, £110 Concessions (60-79), £25 Teenagers and free for Seniors Over 80. There are no Child Under 13 version season tickets and tickets for children must be obtained online in advance by the adult(s) they are accompanying.
We have also decided that we will retain the Adult Match Day prices at £12 and the Concessions (60-79) at £8. We will also be retaining free admission for Senior Citizens over 80. We will however be increasing the Teenager rate from £2 to £3. We believe this is still a very competitive and supportive rate for our younger fans. And there is still the option of buying a season ticket for all 21 home League games at just £25.a massive saving.
Finally, we will in future be making a nominal charge of £1 for tickets for all Children Under 13 who are accompanying an adult.
All Match Day tickets for Season 2021/22 (including free ones for Seniors Over 80) will continue to need to be bought online in advance of match day from our ticket sales website: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets
We look forward to welcoming you all back to Top Field at the earliest possible time.
SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT UPDATE BY SASCHA GUSTARD-BROWN
I am pleased to announce that at the time of writing, two local schools have agreed to provide artwork to display at Hitchin Town FC. As a club which is proud to be embedded within the community, what better way to show this community spirit, than to have local children contribute to the appearance of Top Field. We are looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful, creative designs in the next few weeks.
I am also pleased to share that the Junior Canaries Kit Design Competition has been well received and we have many entries already. There is still plenty of time to take part, with the closing date not until Friday 19th March. For details on the competition and to download the template, please visit the Junior Canaries section of the website.
Next, a quick update to say that planning is still ongoing for a special project at Top Field and hopefully further news can be shared soon.
Lastly, resources are coming together nicely for a special Easter activity bundle so keep an eye out for further news on this in the coming weeks. There will also be an announcement of another community initiative to keep all of our wonderful supporters busy during the break!
*If you are interested in sponsorship or commercial opportunities regarding supporter and community engagement, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information at media@hitchintownfc.club.
ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
The long-awaited return to the Arena occurred on Monday 8th March as we restarted the education and training on the Pro:Direct Hitchin scheme. Everyone was delighted to be back and this was demonstrated through the 100% attendance.
It was great to get back on the pitch and see all of the players and staff back doing what they love most! We have also been informed that our SCL League fixtures will continue at the beginning of April with the aim being to finish the season. This now allows us a few weeks of training to prepare for our first fixture back.
MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE
Mark has been in touch with the players regarding starting training again on 29th March. The feedback has been really positive as everyone is keen to meet up and renew the camaraderie.
BY ROY IZZARD