WEEKLY BULLETIN – 20TH MAY

ADMISSION PRICES FOR 2022/2023 SEASON
Admission prices for next season together with season ticket prices have been decided. They are as follows—

ADMISSION PRICES

  • Adults £13
  • Concessions £8
  • Teenagers (13-19) £3
  • Under 13’s £1
  • Over 80’s Free

SEASON TICKETS

  • Adults £195
  • Concessions £115
  • Teenagers £30
  • Under 13’s £15

Season tickets represent outstanding value. Not only do you get entry to all 21 league games but pre-season friendlies are also included. This year there is one extra home league game which means the small increase in prices is actually offset. An adult season ticket holder will get 6 free games plus the friendlies.

Reluctantly we have increased the adult admission price for the first time in 4 years but have kept concessions, teenagers and children’s prices unchanged. Unfortunately we are facing big increases in energy and fuel costs. This will inevitably lead to a spike in our electricity, gas and coach costs. We are also keen to continue the programme of improvements at Top Field to improve the spectator experience and costs are inevitably increasing.

The season tickets will be on sale online from Tuesday 24th May.

SENIOR TRAINING SESSIONS
We will be holding open training sessions in June for interested players.

If you would like to attend, register your interest by emailing: recruitment@hitchintownfc.club

TOP FIELD
The end of season pitch renovation work has now been completed and we look forward to Steve Barker and his team having the usual immaculate playing surface for the first friendly.

There will be another maintenance morning at Top Field tomorrow (Saturday 21st May). It will involve light duties and please bring some gloves. All new volunteers are welcome—please just turn up and you will be looked after by the regular team.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
We are currently putting together our pre-season programme. As soon as any dates are finalised we will let you know the details. Unfortunately it is not a straightforward procedure as clubs from a higher level know you need them more than they need you and they are therefore able to dictate if and when they offer you a game. However we are very hopeful of having some attractive friendlies to announce shortly.

REVIEW OF THE HTWFC SEASON BY KARLA CHAFFEY
The women’s season came to an end at the beginning of May and it has given me a chance to have a sleep and recover. People often forget how much it takes to run a football club. It is not a quick five minute job sending an email every week, you are sending multiple emails a week, paying invoices, social media, collecting subs, training and managing games. The list to be fair is endless. I want to say some thank you’s before I start the season review. I owe a massive thank you to Mark Burke and Hitchin Town FC. They have supported the women’s section throughout the season and continue to drive support for the section. Thanks to Sam the physio who has fixed and developed the injured and Roy for including us into the weekly bulletin. The Arena team for their continued support but most of all our supporters. All of our coaches & committee members for their support this season. Giving up their own time to run our teams. Last but not least, HTFC Radio for their continued support of the Women’s section.

I first start with the XIs who have had a turbulent season with the departure of managers and COVID hit players. They have continued to play football and have produced some great results as a team. The XIs were playing within Division One of the BHWFL and finished seventh. At the start of the season there were some mixed results within the league including giving an 11-1 thrashing to a young, energetic under 18s Garston team. There are two games of the season that I can say were the best. They were Biggleswade United away and Hartham United at home. The XIs started the year with a new manager and went out with a positive attitude and mindset against Biggleswade United. The last time they played against each other it was Biggleswade that took the points. Within minutes of the game starting numerous chances fell to the XIs and they ended the game scoring four and conceding none. Hartham United was their last game of the season and they had gone two nil down within the first two minutes of the second half. Most teams would be down and out and would hand three points to the opposition. Not this time! The XIs regrouped and brought the game level before scoring a third to put themselves on track to secure a victory. however a lack of judgement led to a share of the points. We would also like to wish Gemma Smith good luck in her new role and give her a massive thank you for stepping in to the end of the season as manager.

We now move onto the Canaries who had a variety of successes but also silly mistakes cost them points and moving into the next round of the cups. The Canaries finished the season within Division Two in fourth. They also had some top performances against Division Champions Everett and Buntingford. The first being Buntingford away earlier in the season. From opening the scoring to conceding two goals in minutes and losing at the break. With some great team work and some strong words of advice they obtained the three points in the closing minutes of the game. The second being Everett at home after Everett winning the Division. The Canaries opened the scoring initially before conceding however shortly ran riot over Everett and ended the game with three points.

It has been a mixed season of successes and loses however I am hand on heart proud of all and what they have achieved this season. I am now enjoying my last week off before kicking the 2022/2023 season.

We are hosting free training sessions throughout June 2022 in line with the Women’s Euros. We are will be at Ickleford Sports and Recreation Club between 19:30 and 21:00. It starts on Wednesday 1st June 2022, so if you fancy starting something new or want to get back into football then get in touch! You have to be 16 and over. We are also looking for Club Sponsors ! Please get in touch for further information.

KARLA CHAFFEY
HTWFC CHAIRPERSON
HTLFC.Chairperson@gmail.com

 

BY ROY IZZARD